FITNESS IS FREEDOM

A Groupon for CrossFit?  I had heard a lot about this “new workout” and thought, I’ll try anything once.  In December of 2013, I purchased the Groupon for 20 classes with Silver Star CrossFit.  I didn’t know if I could do it, how often I’d go, or if I would even like it.  

 

When I started my trial in December… My blood pressure was high, I was overweight (6 ft. 2 in. and 235 pounds), I was out of shape… Could I do this?  I’ve always been an athlete – played baseball through high school, played soccer, play(\(\(\(ed) golf, play(\(\(\(ed) softball recreationally, etc.  Honestly, my overall goal was: “To be able to hit homeruns” in my recreational men’s slow pitch softball league.  Little did I know, I’d quickly meet that goal and thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the environment, people, and coaches at Silver Star.  

 

It certainly wasn’t easy!  When I started… I couldn’t do a pull-up, couldn’t do 20 push-ups in a row, couldn’t jump rope 50 times (and forget a double-under), not to mention… I could hardly walk after doing some of the squats and lunges, and my flexibility was awful (I couldn’t touch my toes and couldn’t sit cross-legged).  At the beginning of my CrossFit journey, I was dead lifting – 150 pounds, bench pressing – 140 pounds, strict pressing – 85 pounds, and squatting – 185 pounds.  

 

Within the past couple months, I have set new PRs and have pushed myself a lot harder.  I now dead lift – 375 pounds, bench press – 210 pounds, strict press – 130 pounds, clean and jerk – 195 pounds, back squat – 260 pounds, and overhead squat – 160 pounds.  I am much stronger, more flexible, more confident, and I look forward to each new visit to Silver Star CrossFit.  

 

A couple weeks ago, I was sub 200 pounds for the first time since I went off to college.  My trial of 20 visits turned into signing up for 6 months of unlimited visits, then signing up again after that!  Here I am 15 months later… I have lost 35+ pounds and my body has undergone a significant transformation of fat to muscle.  I have lost inches in my neck and waist; I have toned up my arms, chest, stomach, and legs.  I have successfully defined many of the muscles in my body.  All these successes are physical; however, I can’t forget to mention the motivation I’ve found and how much better I feel about myself.  There is something to be said about the confidence I now have thanks to my weight loss and body transformation.  Craig and Josh (the coaches) have been there from day one and have always provided support and encouragement.  They have also been there to make sure all exercises are done accurately and safely.  My sincerest thanks to my coaches and peers in Silver Star, where the atmosphere is always positive and reinforcing.  I look forward to my continued success at Silver Star and can’t wait to see what my future CrossFit journey holds.