JASON
I started crossfit in April 2010 with a sore back and unrealistic perspective of my true lack of fitness. But from the first humbling workout, 6 months ago, I haven’t looked back. A big part of this is the team environment which is both fun and motivating. Over the last six months I have dropped 55 lbs, done my first hand stand, gained tons of energy, and a new perspective on my physical abilities. The best part is that I can play and run with my kids and almost have as much energy as they do.
Wow! What an incredible evolution in terms or fitness, stamina and everyday functional movement. I used to go to the YMCA and had gotten quite bored with the routine. I ran the Chevron half marathon in 2006. Just six months ago I could not run more that a quarter mile before my knees started to really bother me. I have gone from not being able to run to having the fastest mile time in the gym amongst other personal records. Crossfit has rehabilitated my knees. Crossfit has opened my eyes to what is physically possible. Thank you NHB specifically Charles and his knowledge and passion for nutrition, proper form and perseverance. This is not like paying for a regular gym membership. This is coaching/personal training every time you go to workout. This is camaraderie with your fellow gym members. This is the best shape of your life.
When I attended my first NHB Crossfit session in July 2010 I was astounded by what I saw (and felt). It was not just the physical “capabilities” of the class of participants, but their energy, motivation, and enthusiasm to get the most from their workout. Equally important, there was a team spirit that was infectious. People were working together to help each other get the most out of their workout. As a new comer, I was immediately welcomed and helped through the challenging and rigorous exercises which are done together as a group. Nothing I had ever done working out “at the gym” could come close to this experience. Every pore on my body was sweating during the class – like no other workout I’d ever known. It was exhilarating. It was also exhausting – and for the next three or four days, I was so sore that I could barely walk, let alone ascend (or descend) a flight of stairs. Is this what I wanted? You bet – but I had to learn to walk first.I signed up for three NHB Crossfit classes per week which emphasize form and basic exercises that are fundamental for NHB Crossfit. For the past twelve months, I have never been disappointed. The trainers are superb – not just technically –but as teachers and friends. They care about our health, our safety, and our desire to get the most out of ourselves. I continue to enhance my progress regarding skill and form which are critical to minimizing injuries – especially for those of us who are “middle-aged” – and to maximizing performance (and fun).
It doesn’t stop here. In twelve months, I have never had two workouts that are exactly the same. “Boring” is a term that does not apply. The mix, pace, and rhythm of exercises are always different in new and challenging ways. Strength, endurance, coordination and balance are just a few of the many skills that are emphasized to build whole-body fitness. Because all classes are walk-in, the class participants are varied as are their skill levels. Yes, I am often the oldest and least skilled in the class, but not always – and not as often as in the beginning. Am I doing this to compete with others? The answer is NO (maybe a little) – I am doing this for myself – to reach a higher and more satisfying plane of fitness; to ensure that I am healthy now and in “the golden years;” and to feel and know that I am alive and capable of enjoying life to its fullest every waking second. There is nothing like NHB Crossfit.
Thanks to all the wonderful instructors that I have come to respect and admire. I am honored to be part of the NHB Crossfit team of participants. They may be ordinary people from all walks of life, but there is nothing ordinary about their motivation, their spirit, or their zest to be the best they can be – and to get the most out of life every day.
