What brought you into CrossFit?
I originally joined NoCoast because
I needed to do something to get in better shape, and to be honest my wife
“suggested” it. I also liked the idea of
doing an activity with my wife and sharing a goal together.
Give us a little bit of your fitness background, and where you were physically before coming to CrossFit.
I arrived at NoCoast in November
last year as a guy who, with exception of occasional weekend hike and on short run
on tread mill, did little working out or exercise activity. Certainly nothing organized or in a class
setting. I was not in good shape when I
walked through the NoCoast doors for the first time.
What were your first impressions of joining a Cross Fit gym? What things have rung true and what things are not?
Prior to joining NoCoast, I had heard the typical remarks about CrossFit,
it's a cult or religion and you need to be all in “drinking the Kool Aid” or
not at all. Though my wife may not
agree, I’m an optimistic and overall positive person and these things really
weren’t in my mind me when I first visited NoCoast. I had to see for myself.
My first impression of NoCoast was
positive one. I was impressed there was
a month long LiftOne program that taught the new members the movements and
workouts. Providing a good foundation to
build on. During this class the coaches
were patient and seemed to really care that you are learning at a level that’s
appropriate for the individual.
What has most impressed me is the
attention and focus that is provided to all the students in each class after
the introductory LiftOne. No matter what the level of the individual, the coaches
are watching and providing tips and encouragement. The members in the class are
supportive and cheering each other on.
Now that I’ve been going for four months I certainly don’t feel I'm in a
cult and I don’t remember drinking any
Kool Aid. However, I do feel I'm part of
a community and team. There’s a positive
feeling in the NoCoast gym. I’ve made
friends and feel supported. For me
NoCoast and the CrossFit program is a perfect setting for getting fit, stronger
and healthier.
We know CrossFit had an impact on some lab work you recently did. How has CrossFit helped with this? How has diet helped with this?
Prior to joining NoCoast in early
November last year I was in poor health. I was on blood pressure medicines, had
high cholesterol, and pre-diabetic. I was heading in the wrong direction. After nearly three
months of doing CrossFit, 3 to 4 days a week and participating in the 30 Day Nutrition Challenge, I had a
physical exam and blood work and the results shocked me. Even my doctor was surprised and impressed.
Here are the Lab results.
Name & Standard
Range October 2013 January 2015
Cholesterol
0 - 199 mg/dL
|
226 H
|
190
|
|
Cholesterol, non-HDL
<=150 mg/dL
|
182 H
|
133
|
|
HDL
>=40 mg/dL
|
44
|
57
|
|
LDL
|
134
|
123
|
|
Triglyceride
<=200 mg/dL
|
239 H
|
51
|
Prior to staring CrossFit, my Blood
Pressure was hovering in mid 130s over high 80s. This while being on blood pressure medicine, 10
mg of Lisinopril and 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide. In mid-January, little over two months after
joining NoCoast, and half way through the 30 Day Nutrition Challenge,
my blood pressure was down to low 120s/70s.
I’ve since reduced my BP meds in half and soon will be completely off.
What impact does what we do at NoCoast have on your overall wellness? How has it changed how you view your future?
When I joined NoCoast I expected I would get
in better shape, but I never imagined the extent of how much healthier and
stronger I would get. The workouts and
the meal challenge have also helped me get connected with my body. I now can see how food and exercise, or lack
of it, makes me feel and the affects me.
And I look forward to going to the class and the satisfying feeling
afterwards of accomplishment and energy that comes from the work out. I enjoy the community NoCoast provides.
