I am turning 60 this year and I really wanted something to challenge me. Professionally, I have always worked in social services, assisting others and teaching. I consider myself as having an active lifestyle but I have never liked “working out”. Yoga, hiking, biking and dance have been my main-stay for exercise. I often would sign up for different gyms, go for a while and then lose interest.
How did find yourself at CrossFit?
I had been hearing about CrossFit from various people and the idea of Bootcamp intrigued me. I wanted to push myself and knew that I would not be able to do it alone. The idea of having a coach and a group of people to work with seemed like an idea that would work for me. I had also just started paddling two years ago and needed some cross-training. Hearing that CrossFit was radical, I felt intimidated, but after talking to Joel, I felt more confident that I would get the assistance I needed to succeed.
What did you look like / feel like / exercise like before coming to CrossFit?
When I compare myself before and after CrossFit, I don’t think I look very different. However, when people see me, they immediately ask what I am doing. I have been told that I “am glowing” and that I “look great “. I know that I have become much stronger in the few months that I have been attending. When I first started I could not even lift the bar, now I can do standing squats with it.
What keeps you coming back?
I love CrossFit!!! The sense of accomplishment I get when I finish a WOD keeps me coming back (especially after I have thought “no way” after seeing the WOD on the board). Every exercise can be modified, so I am never faced with something I cannot do…and truthfully, I would never work that hard alone. But even more than my personal accomplishment is the sense of community and support I get. It is always interesting, and fun.
What is different about your experience with CrossFit than at other fitness centres?
My experience with other gyms is that unless you have a personal trainer, you are working alone. Unless you really know the exercise world, you do the same thing all the time and the only thing you are changing is the amount of reps or the weight. At CrossFit, the workout is always different and you have no idea what it will be until you get to the gym. I really like the anticipation element. Additionally, I have been given direction on my WOD’s, my diet and enormous support. It really is an ohana.
One other great thing that has happened since I started at CrossFit is that my son, who is a body builder in Florida, also started CrossFit. He loves it, and we share our WOD stories. It has become a family affair.
How long have you been coming to CrossFit?
I did Bootcamp for three months and now I have been part of the gym for two months. I plan to continue.
What differences do you notice in yourself because of CrossFit?
Since starting at CrossFit, I have noticed that I am much stronger. I was surprised when, at the end of Bootcamp, we did the same WOD that we did the first night, not only did I complete the workout in half the time, I did it twice and was not even tired! I lost 2 inches off my waist and hips and 1.5 inches off my arms. I find that I have more energy, and am more aware of what I eat. I have an overall sense of confidence that says “if I can do this, I can do anything”. I like that I am not an observer of life, but that I am part of it.
Why do you want to tell others about these changes?
One of the main ideas I want to get this out there is that no matter how old you are, or how you worked out in the past, CrossFit can work for you! As we grow older, we can easily begin to believe that we are not capable of doing certain things, or we are not as strong as younger people. Life can only get better the stronger and healthier you are.
What’s your favorite skill at CrossFit?
Favorite? Let me think. I love that I can squat with weights, not sure what it is called, I also like the ring pull ups. In fact, I like/love most things!
What’s your ‘goat’?
One skill I need to work on would be to remember the names of things. I am still working on the correct way to lift/squat and how to get the movement from your hips to your shoulders correctly.
I initially got into CrossFit because my wife was looking for a gym and she had joined about two weeks before I did. Every time she got back from the gym she was completely exhausted but so excited about everything that she was learning and doing. I was becoming very interested in all the unique workouts that she was telling me about.
I am not a “gym” person, never have been, and didn’t really want to be one, but I decided to give it a try. After the first intro session with coach Joel I was hooked. I don’t think I have been that humbled in a while. I have always been athletic, growing up, I played every sport I could, and I certainly did not think that I was out of shape. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. I started at two days a week, which I thought was going to kill me. I was so sore between workouts that I thought I would never make it through the next one. I pushed myself to come back each time but as soon as I walked into the gym and read the WOD, I got excited. I guess the anticipation of what I was going to learn and accomplish that day gave me the motivation. Never in a million years did I think I was going to learn how to oly lift, flip tires, or become proficient at jump rope… well that one I am still working on.
Now that I have been there for about 8 months, the things that keep me coming back for more are: Number one, how much better I feel, I feel stronger, faster, and much more confident in myself. A very close second has been the opportunity to work out with my wife, being able to have that common ground has been great, because lets face it, it is not easy to explain CrossFit until you have experienced it. It has become a great way for us to bond and spend time together. A little healthy competition is always good for a relationship! Thirdly and equally as important is everyone else at the gym. It is just amazing to see how people competing individually can manifest itself as a team building exercise. From the coaches to the new members, it is always an atmosphere of learning and encouragement. The ability to learn from others and also teach those around you is such a unique experience in general. To be able to say that about the gym that you go to is truly something special.
I continue to get stronger and see results, and even though it does not get easier, you will get better. To see the progress that I have made over my time at CrossFit has been something I don’t think I can put into words. One thing my wife said to me a while back is, and I agree, I don’t think I can live anywhere that does not have a CrossFit gym. That to me kind of helps sum it up, you don’t have to be crazy about CrossFit and make it your life, but there is something about it that can really enrich your life, not only physically but in a very holistic way.
I started paddling in a 6-man Outrigger Canoe in 2004 at the age of 43 and weight of 245. I remember that first paddling coach looking me up and down and telling me I was welcome to join the team “If you can fit in the canoe”. I wedged myself into seat four, picked up the paddle and a whole new life began. In 2005 my Novice-A crew earned a silver medal in the Hawaii State Championships.
During 2005 I was approached by a coach that offered me free training for the individual canoe (OC1) racing circuit. His program consisted of land-based training of running and circuit weight training at a Globo gym along with a mixture of paddling workouts on my OC1.
The training was exhausting and extremely time consuming, but it did pay off at first. I went on to win Hawaii Island Paddle Sport Associations OC1 Female Long Course championships in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Early in 2009 I began to realize my competitive edge was slipping. Thus began the classic downward spiral of over training. My results were declining so I believed I just had to train harder and longer. This led to a series of nagging injuries and ended with some serious health issues. I lost my physical conditioning along with my will to compete and just totally hit rock bottom in September of 2009.
A concerned girlfriend of mine suggested that CrossFit might be something I would enjoy. I soon discovered that CrossFit was exactly what I needed to rebuild myself both physically and mentally.
The old method of solitary long hours and boring muscle-isolating machine circuit training was replaced with short, high-intensity group-oriented workouts that used whole body movements. I have been able to avoid injury while training and have noticed less muscle imbalance because the workouts are so functional. I have learned new skills like Olympic Lifts that are really challenging and just plain fun. I also use CrossFit endurance workouts for my OC1 paddle practices.
The influence that CrossFit has had on my diet has also been rather startling. This is a whole long story on its own, but I now Zone/Paleo about 90% of the time. This CrossFit inspired diet has given me the final boost in both performance and overall health to truly feel that I am back in shape to compete.
I highly recommend CrossFit for both competitive athletes and those who just want to live a healthy life. Everything we do can be scaled to challenge individuals at their own levels. The support of both the trainers and fellow CrossFitters make this an experience like no other. Just show up and the magic will happen. All you have to do is get in the door.
Awesome team support and big results in the first four months at CrossFit Big Island. Losing inches but gaining muscle mass, along with a good diet, resulted in mind clarity and even a better relationship at home. My confidence soared after I ran my first 5K. The miles ahead are now endless. For any woman, being able ot fit back into a bikini is better than the boardshorts. – Dena Rae
I was swimming at a beach recently and got caught in a very, very strong undertow. I believe if it weren’t for my Crossfit training, I wouldn’t have had the strength and stamina to keep treading water and make it back to shore. This particular beach is notorious for drowning unsuspecting swimmers. Being aware of that, and being *this* close to panic, with my heart racing, and my lungs gasping for air, I was so exhausted but didn’t quit, all the while thinking to myself, “Wow, this feels just like a Crossfit workout!!’ Mahalo, Crossfit, I owe you my life! – Sam Molitas
I think the greatest thing about CrossFit is even if you lead an active lifestyle, stay in shape, or eat well, you still feel an incredible physical improvement with the CrossFit workouts. Not only do they help you with activities you do all the time, but your endurance is increased 10 fold too. The non-stop cardio the workouts push, especially when weights are involved, really make for truly Elite Fitness….strength that you can use in your everyday life. Thanks CrossFit! – Trevor Ray
TESTIMONIALS
Atma’s Story: Seeking a Challenge
Describe yourself:
I am turning 60 this year and I really wanted something to challenge me. Professionally, I have always worked in social services, assisting others and teaching. I consider myself as having an active lifestyle but I have never liked “working out”. Yoga, hiking, biking and dance have been my main-stay for exercise. I often would sign up for different gyms, go for a while and then lose interest.
How did find yourself at CrossFit?
I had been hearing about CrossFit from various people and the idea of Bootcamp intrigued me. I wanted to push myself and knew that I would not be able to do it alone. The idea of having a coach and a group of people to work with seemed like an idea that would work for me. I had also just started paddling two years ago and needed some cross-training. Hearing that CrossFit was radical, I felt intimidated, but after talking to Joel, I felt more confident that I would get the assistance I needed to succeed.
What did you look like / feel like / exercise like before coming to CrossFit?
When I compare myself before and after CrossFit, I don’t think I look very different. However, when people see me, they immediately ask what I am doing. I have been told that I “am glowing” and that I “look great “. I know that I have become much stronger in the few months that I have been attending. When I first started I could not even lift the bar, now I can do standing squats with it.
What keeps you coming back?
I love CrossFit!!! The sense of accomplishment I get when I finish a WOD keeps me coming back (especially after I have thought “no way” after seeing the WOD on the board). Every exercise can be modified, so I am never faced with something I cannot do…and truthfully, I would never work that hard alone. But even more than my personal accomplishment is the sense of community and support I get. It is always interesting, and fun.
What is different about your experience with CrossFit than at other fitness centres?
My experience with other gyms is that unless you have a personal trainer, you are working alone. Unless you really know the exercise world, you do the same thing all the time and the only thing you are changing is the amount of reps or the weight. At CrossFit, the workout is always different and you have no idea what it will be until you get to the gym. I really like the anticipation element. Additionally, I have been given direction on my WOD’s, my diet and enormous support. It really is an ohana.
One other great thing that has happened since I started at CrossFit is that my son, who is a body builder in Florida, also started CrossFit. He loves it, and we share our WOD stories. It has become a family affair.
How long have you been coming to CrossFit?
I did Bootcamp for three months and now I have been part of the gym for two months. I plan to continue.
What differences do you notice in yourself because of CrossFit?
Since starting at CrossFit, I have noticed that I am much stronger. I was surprised when, at the end of Bootcamp, we did the same WOD that we did the first night, not only did I complete the workout in half the time, I did it twice and was not even tired! I lost 2 inches off my waist and hips and 1.5 inches off my arms. I find that I have more energy, and am more aware of what I eat. I have an overall sense of confidence that says “if I can do this, I can do anything”. I like that I am not an observer of life, but that I am part of it.
Why do you want to tell others about these changes?
One of the main ideas I want to get this out there is that no matter how old you are, or how you worked out in the past, CrossFit can work for you! As we grow older, we can easily begin to believe that we are not capable of doing certain things, or we are not as strong as younger people. Life can only get better the stronger and healthier you are.
What’s your favorite skill at CrossFit?
Favorite? Let me think. I love that I can squat with weights, not sure what it is called, I also like the ring pull ups. In fact, I like/love most things!
What’s your ‘goat’?
One skill I need to work on would be to remember the names of things. I am still working on the correct way to lift/squat and how to get the movement from your hips to your shoulders correctly.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Joel’s Story: CrossFit’s more than just a gym.
I initially got into CrossFit because my wife was looking for a gym and she had joined about two weeks before I did. Every time she got back from the gym she was completely exhausted but so excited about everything that she was learning and doing. I was becoming very interested in all the unique workouts that she was telling me about.
I am not a “gym” person, never have been, and didn’t really want to be one, but I decided to give it a try. After the first intro session with coach Joel I was hooked. I don’t think I have been that humbled in a while. I have always been athletic, growing up, I played every sport I could, and I certainly did not think that I was out of shape. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. I started at two days a week, which I thought was going to kill me. I was so sore between workouts that I thought I would never make it through the next one. I pushed myself to come back each time but as soon as I walked into the gym and read the WOD, I got excited. I guess the anticipation of what I was going to learn and accomplish that day gave me the motivation. Never in a million years did I think I was going to learn how to oly lift, flip tires, or become proficient at jump rope… well that one I am still working on.
Now that I have been there for about 8 months, the things that keep me coming back for more are: Number one, how much better I feel, I feel stronger, faster, and much more confident in myself. A very close second has been the opportunity to work out with my wife, being able to have that common ground has been great, because lets face it, it is not easy to explain CrossFit until you have experienced it. It has become a great way for us to bond and spend time together. A little healthy competition is always good for a relationship! Thirdly and equally as important is everyone else at the gym. It is just amazing to see how people competing individually can manifest itself as a team building exercise. From the coaches to the new members, it is always an atmosphere of learning and encouragement. The ability to learn from others and also teach those around you is such a unique experience in general. To be able to say that about the gym that you go to is truly something special.
I continue to get stronger and see results, and even though it does not get easier, you will get better. To see the progress that I have made over my time at CrossFit has been something I don’t think I can put into words. One thing my wife said to me a while back is, and I agree, I don’t think I can live anywhere that does not have a CrossFit gym. That to me kind of helps sum it up, you don’t have to be crazy about CrossFit and make it your life, but there is something about it that can really enrich your life, not only physically but in a very holistic way.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sheila’s Story: Rebuilding with CrossFit
I started paddling in a 6-man Outrigger Canoe in 2004 at the age of 43 and weight of 245. I remember that first paddling coach looking me up and down and telling me I was welcome to join the team “If you can fit in the canoe”. I wedged myself into seat four, picked up the paddle and a whole new life began. In 2005 my Novice-A crew earned a silver medal in the Hawaii State Championships.
During 2005 I was approached by a coach that offered me free training for the individual canoe (OC1) racing circuit. His program consisted of land-based training of running and circuit weight training at a Globo gym along with a mixture of paddling workouts on my OC1.
The training was exhausting and extremely time consuming, but it did pay off at first. I went on to win Hawaii Island Paddle Sport Associations OC1 Female Long Course championships in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Early in 2009 I began to realize my competitive edge was slipping. Thus began the classic downward spiral of over training. My results were declining so I believed I just had to train harder and longer. This led to a series of nagging injuries and ended with some serious health issues. I lost my physical conditioning along with my will to compete and just totally hit rock bottom in September of 2009.
A concerned girlfriend of mine suggested that CrossFit might be something I would enjoy. I soon discovered that CrossFit was exactly what I needed to rebuild myself both physically and mentally.
The old method of solitary long hours and boring muscle-isolating machine circuit training was replaced with short, high-intensity group-oriented workouts that used whole body movements. I have been able to avoid injury while training and have noticed less muscle imbalance because the workouts are so functional. I have learned new skills like Olympic Lifts that are really challenging and just plain fun. I also use CrossFit endurance workouts for my OC1 paddle practices.
The influence that CrossFit has had on my diet has also been rather startling. This is a whole long story on its own, but I now Zone/Paleo about 90% of the time. This CrossFit inspired diet has given me the final boost in both performance and overall health to truly feel that I am back in shape to compete.
I highly recommend CrossFit for both competitive athletes and those who just want to live a healthy life. Everything we do can be scaled to challenge individuals at their own levels. The support of both the trainers and fellow CrossFitters make this an experience like no other. Just show up and the magic will happen. All you have to do is get in the door.
“Now” photos by Jenna Roussy
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Dena Rae
Awesome team support and big results in the first four months at CrossFit Big Island. Losing inches but gaining muscle mass, along with a good diet, resulted in mind clarity and even a better relationship at home. My confidence soared after I ran my first 5K. The miles ahead are now endless. For any woman, being able ot fit back into a bikini is better than the boardshorts. – Dena Rae
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sam Molitas
I was swimming at a beach recently and got caught in a very, very strong undertow. I believe if it weren’t for my Crossfit training, I wouldn’t have had the strength and stamina to keep treading water and make it back to shore. This particular beach is notorious for drowning unsuspecting swimmers. Being aware of that, and being *this* close to panic, with my heart racing, and my lungs gasping for air, I was so exhausted but didn’t quit, all the while thinking to myself, “Wow, this feels just like a Crossfit workout!!’ Mahalo, Crossfit, I owe you my life! – Sam Molitas
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Trevor Ray
I think the greatest thing about CrossFit is even if you lead an active lifestyle, stay in shape, or eat well, you still feel an incredible physical improvement with the CrossFit workouts. Not only do they help you with activities you do all the time, but your endurance is increased 10 fold too. The non-stop cardio the workouts push, especially when weights are involved, really make for truly Elite Fitness….strength that you can use in your everyday life. Thanks CrossFit! – Trevor Ray