What CrossFit is to Steve Penrose…
Steve “Buckskinner” Penrose
CrossFit became a lifestyle, physical and mental change for me when two years ago my son, Bobby jumped on my stomach and said “Daddy your fat!” I had to have an embarrassing yet realistic wake up call in order to change myself. I started out with a quick trip to the High School gym for a work out. I had seen Cal Cherrington working out with a group of people earlier that summer and I had watched from a distance. Cal encouraged me to give it a shot and so I did. It was intimidating at first. As a former athlete I couldn’t believe what kind of shape, (or lack there of), I had allowed myself to get to. As with CrossFit it didn’t take long (that day) for me to be accepted by the existing group and encouraged. The workouts were a challenge both mentally and physically. Tami Cherrington and myself humored each other for finishing in last place every day. I had to get over that fact I couldn’t do prescribed weight, reps and time. I immediately knew after the first few weeks that CrossFit was the workout system for me. It ignited my competitive and physical spirit. The coaching and group support was the reason for this. CrossFit is a community of people trying to better themselves while supporting and encouraging everyone around them. In short CrossFit is to me: Feeling and looking better, stronger and more flexible, a greater cardiovascular system, better lifestyle, a connection with friends and community, being able to out play and out last my 10 year old son, getting better enjoyment out of the recreational activities I pursue and lastly setting and achieving goals.
Mike Garrett
What CrossFit is to Mike Garrett…
First I would have to say the relationships. In the past I talked to the people that are in CrossFit with me only in passing. Now I think of them as family. I have never been a social bug, but now I long to go to the box and see my CrossFit family.
The sense of caring at CrossFit is truly spiritual to me, something that had been missing in my life for some time. As stated by Angie: (Thank the Lord for giving me the strength and ability to do this.) It is so cool to have people rooting for you as well as rooting for others. You don’t have to be first you just have to do your best.
Second, is the determination and physical ability. I started in January of 2013 and could not run 5 laps around the gym. I was sure that I would not make it; I had the mindset that this was a temporary thing. Well that was not going to be the case with Tami and Cal. Their encouragement along with their caring ways made me stick with it. Physically I am in better shape than I was at 30 and I am 53.
Third, Figuring out those blasted double unders. I will succeed!!!!!!
Thank you everyone at Stand Firm as well as Thin Air, and everybody else out there in the CrossFit world. This is truly been an amazing journey.
Angie “Jane” Holmes
What CrossFit is to Angie Holmes…
I started CrossFit to see my husband. I go to work very early in the morning and get off work mid afternoon. I was either in bed or getting ready for bed when my husband got home after he had been at work and CrossFit. Originally, I wanted him to do CrossFit for me. He broke his back in a construction accident when our son was a baby, 19 years ago. It was long and slow process of recovery. I had so many questions in my mind….would he be able to play with our son, would he be able to provide for his family and would we ever be able to dance again. Simply walking was a tremendous challenge since he was paralyzed on his left side.
Over the next many years he gained a lot of weight, spending most of his leisure time on the couch watching TV or playing games. 14 months ago he started to attend CrossFit classes and in no time at all, he was in love with it and showing amazing results. I decided to start myself, which was way outside my comfort zone. My motivation was to be able to spend time along side him, I ended up loving it just as much.
I love the workouts but I love the family I have gained even more. Believe me there are many days when I am tired and not motivated to go to CrossFit. Then I think about the people there, and I get excited to attend. I am getting fitter, stronger, and leaner because of CrossFit, but what I love most is that CrossFit has taught me to push through when things get tough. I amaze myself almost everyday by what I accomplish at Crossfit. Thank you Cal and Tami for all your hard work. Thank you PJ for loving me. Thank you Lihla, Shelby, Jeff, Steve, Gman, Mike, Pearl, Gina, Deb, Krys, Luis, Karla, Janet and Julia for being there for me. Most importantly thanks to the Lord for giving me the ability to participate in CrossFit.