Before CrossFit I always thought I was in shape.  I was a big guy who used my height as the justification for being big.  I played division I rugby in college and I thought I was at the peak of my physical condition weighing 225lbs.  Once I decided to stop playing rugby to focus on my career and family I quickly gained weight and stop all forms of exercising. It all hit home for me during a yearly physical.  My cholesterol was at an all time high and I weighed 270lbs with a 40″ waist and XXL was a normal size in my closet. After seeing those results I began to go to the local gym and got back into working out “my way”.  I lost 40lbs in about 8 months however I still wasn’t in shape. I was the “skinny fat guy” at 230lbs.  I had chronic pain in my hip and was diagnosed with arthritis in my hip at age 33.  I thought arthritis was for people over 60.  I watched my wife join a local CrossFit box and told her she was crazy and that I was doing my own “vitti-fit” at my local gym.  I was the college athlete who didn’t need or believe in a group fitness atmosphere.  I knew how to lift and I didn’t need to do legs or focus on any functional movements to keep the weight off.  Running, Back/Bi’s, Chest/tri’s 3 times a week was enough…..until my wife and a college buddy in CA finally got me to try CrossFit.

I’ve been a CFS for almost 1 year.  Since joining I’ve dropped another 20lbs and 3% body fat. I have zero pain in my hip and I’m in the best physical condition of my life.  I can do things that I’ve never done in a local gym. I ran my first 5K two months ago however prior to running that 5K I also completed 50 strict pull ups & 100 push ups.  That is why CrossFit works, it’s constantly varied functional movements that push you to places you never imagined your body could go.  It also exploits your weaknesses.  I now embrace the “suck” and look forward to working on goats to be a better athlete.

My family & I have embraced the CrossFit lifestyle which includes eating Paleo or Clean.  A clean diet affects your energy levels, internal inflammation and directly effects your workouts. I now weigh 208 lbs with a 34″ waist and I have zero pain in my hip.

The community at CFS has helped me along the way from the coaches to the other athletes.  We show up everyday to be better, push each other & compete in the daily WOD.  The community at CFS allows me to push myself to the next level and improve my overall level of fitness everyday.