1. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT CROSSFIT?

Honestly, I was tired and bored of my “typical” gym routine — which usually consisted of paying for a monthly membership that I was not using — and just needed something different to do.

2. WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS WHEN YOU STARTED CROSSFIT TRAINING?

I didn’t really have any specific goals. Just the standard “get in better shape.”

3. HOW HAS CROSSFIT DIFFERED FROM YOUR FORMER TRAINING ROUTINE?

When I used to work out at a more traditional gym, I never really had a plan, so I never really pushed myself. I would hop on the treadmill, then maybe use some weight machines, then look for any excuse to leave. I’ve also been a fairly consistent runner over the past few years — training for races ranging from 5ks to a half-marathon — before I decided to give CrossFit a try.

CrossFit is unlike any other workout I have ever done. I love that every day is different and I always leave the gym feeling like I pushed myself and worked out harder than I thought I could. I also really appreciate that CrossFit is infinitely scalable, so it is not just for elite athletes — anyone can do it. 

4. WHAT TYPE OF RESULTS HAVE YOU SEEN WITH CROSSFIT? QUANTIFY AS MUCH OF YOUR ANSWERS WITH WEIGHT LOSS, BODY COMPOSITION, AND BODY FAT PERCENTAGE.

With 45 days of strict Paleo and CrossFit 3 to 4 times a week, I saw significant differences in a short amount of time. I didn’t have that much weight to lose, but when I shed 8-9 pounds, my body composition changed drastically. When I showed family and friends my “before” and “after” pictures from the Paleo Challenge, they (myself included) could not believe the difference.

5. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT CROSSFIT HOBOKEN?

Going to CrossFit Hoboken has been a total game changer and continuously pushes me to become stronger and fitter. When I first walked into the gym though, I was totally intimidated by the warehouse, the different types of lifts, and the sound of very heavy weights being dropped on the ground.  But after a class or two, you realize that the coaches make CrossFit anything but intimidating. It is so nice to go to a gym where the coaches know who you are, care about what you’re doing, and motivate you to work your hardest.  Like when Meris does a bootcamp workout with you, so you don’t have to do it by yourself or you get a very detailed e-mail from Bennett in response to a question about carbs — that makes CrossFit Hoboken what it is and that’s what you won’t find at any of those other gyms.

6.What would you like to accomplish in the next year in your own fitness?

Oh, I have big plans for the next year! I’d really like to keep up with Paleo and keep attending classes on a regular basis. I also want to continue to get stronger and improve my form. And I’m still working toward accomplishing that first unassisted pull-up and more real push-ups in a row.

Devinn with Machu Picchu in the background

How did you find out about CrossFit?

I attended a free class in early January 2011. My husband had heard about it and attended a few free classes in December 2010. He very seriously said to me one day when we were talking about fitness, “Listen, you’re wasting your time running. If you want to get in good shape then this is what you need.” I went to a free class the following weekend and signed up for fundamentals after that class.

What were your goals when you started CrossFit training?

When I started CrossFit I wasn’t really sure what my goals were. All I knew was that what I thought was “good” for me (long distance running and cardio classes at the gym several times per week) wasn’t working anymore. With the start of a new year and turning 32 on the horizon I knew I needed to make some drastic changes in order to get into better shape, slim down and tone up. During the “baseline” fundamentals workout test on the day one I finished dead last with probably one of the worst times on record, 13+ minutes! That was a wake up call and I knew I had some tough work ahead of me.

After about a month into CrossFit and the Paleo diet (in early March), I started seeing changes in my body. I enjoy the outdoors and have a passion for traveling. Once I started noticing progression in my physical fitness and strength, I decided that 2011 was going to be the year of the adventure trip and I was going to use CrossFit to prepare for it. I signed up for a 5 day trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru and I had 4 months to train. Being prepared for the trek became my goal. I knew that while the altitude of the hike was something that I couldn’t control for, my physical fitness was and I needed to be in good shape in order to make it for 5 days hiking 6-7 hours per day.

How has CrossFit differed from your former training routine?

I have always belonged to a traditional gym and enjoyed doing cardio classes like Step and Kickboxing. I’ve also been running since college several days a week going out for 3-4 miles with each run. In 2010 I trained for a Half and Full marathon. I completed the Half which was a great accomplishment for me at the time, especially in 95 degree heat in early May. I then made it almost all the way through the training for the Full completing my 20 mile long run. During my tapering weeks 6 weeks away from the big day I developed excruciating knee pain in my left knee and could barely walk. I started Active Release Therapy at the advice of a fellow runner and although it eventually did help relieve the pain, which was caused by knotted up quads and scar tissue, it wasn’t in time for the race. I missed marathon day and was mentally crushed.

What type of results have you seen with CrossFit?

The results that I have achieved with CrossFit are beyond anything I could have imagined in such a short period of time. I adopted a Paleo style diet on January 24^, 2010 and committed myself to a lifestyle change. 5 months into CrossFit & Paleo I have lost 11 pounds and went from barely being able to do 10 pushups on my knees to doing 10 real pushups today! I just returned from my hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and I credit CrossFit 100% for my ability to complete the trek enjoyably and with less than average exhaustion. One year ago I would have never enjoyed a vacation consisting of 5 days of hiking at altitudes of 11,000-14,000 feet. I would have been completely winded within the first hour and physically and mentally exhausted. I would have gotten my ass kicked. However, because of CrossFit I was well equipped to handle being physically active at high altitudes and my recovery time was much faster after steep uphill climbs. Besides having a few headaches I never suffered from any type of breathing difficulties given the altitude. Each morning of the trip I woke up well rested and fresh to start again, and although I did experience some muscle soreness after hiking 6-7 hours each day, it wasn’t nearly as much as it could have been. I was well prepared for my adventure on the Inca Trail having done full body workouts and strength training with CrossFit.

How would you describe your experience at CrossFit Hoboken?

My experience is a work in progress. I’m only 5 months into this journey but have enjoyed learning something new, especially because I know it works. I still have a long way to go but with the help of the great coaches at the gym, I know I will be able to achieve my future goals. Being a female who had never strength trained a day in my life, joining starting CrossFit was very intimidating. However, right from the start Craig, Stefan and Bennett made it a positive experience and never made me feel like I didn’t belong. They are always so welcoming and supportive, even when I try something for the first time and am not sure if I can do it (i.e. handstand pushups!).

What would you like to accomplish in the next year in your own fitness?

Over the next year I would like to continue to accelerate my training and see progress. I’d also like to be able to do a non-assisted pullup by the time I hit my one year CrossFit anniversary.

Katie Simons (a.k.a. Paleo Pioneer)
Age: 34
Height: 5’11”
Weight: Enough
CrossFitting Since: Feb 2011
Fundamentals: Feb – March 2011

How did you learn about Crossfit?

• Tough Mudder Training:  I signed up for the Mt Snow, VT Tough Mudder in December 2010 and when I looked for training programs, I came across many bloggers who said they CrossFit to get in shape for TM.
• Friends: My friend Mike is stationed in Afghanistan and would always post on Facebook that he completed an insane CrossFit workout and it inspired me because he is an awesome athlete.  And my friend Steph goes.  So, she told me about the Saturday free class…so, I tried it!  I have to admit, I probably wouldn’t have actually GONE if it wasn’t for Steph.  I thought CrossFit was more for men and really athletic men at that.  Boy, was I surprised when I saw all these strong, lean, and nice, fun, social women!

What were your goals when you started with Crossfit Training?

Hmmm…to survive?  No, I didn’t really know what to expect.  I just knew it was a gym for good athletes and I wanted to bring my “game” to the next level so I had to go there.  I was so surprised when the first WOD I ever did was 12 minutes and it was the most intense thing I had done in months.  I signed up for Fundamentals right away.

Now, my goals are different.  I am still a novice as I started CrossFit in Feb. 2011.  My short term goal is to do air squats properly.  I have to work on my core strength so that I can achieve the proper form.  And every single coach has helped me.  It’s amazing.  I mean, in other gyms, NO ONE cares.  NO ONE corrects you.  They just don’t.  At CrossFit Hoboken, they help you get your form down in an encouraging, motivating way.

Long term goal is to do a pull-up.  It will happen.  I don’t care how long it takes – I will get there eventually.

Oh, and one other short and long term goal is better flexibility.  I was not blessed with the flexibility gene so I really have to work on it.  I didn’t realize how important mobility/flexibility was until I started CrossFit and learned I couldn’t do some of the stuff because of my poor flexibility.  Mobility classes are awesome.

What was your training regiment prior to Crossfit?

Oh gosh – where to BEGIN!  I used to be in the gym two hours a day.  No question about it.  I would usually do some sort of cardio class (spinning, Zumba) and then, body conditioning.  I would do this 4-6 times per week.  For the first year of doing this routine, I DID see results.  I mean, it would have been super weird if I didn’t.  But after that, nothing changed.  I didn’t even move up with heavier weights or anything.  I just stayed the same, same, same for years.

Enter CrossFit.  Workouts that are less than 30 minutes?  No freaking way.  I remember telling my Fundamentals coach, Bennett, there is no way that these workouts will replace all the cardio I do.  And I continued to (or tried to…) run and stuff but CrossFit was enough.  I was skeptical for about 8 weeks of doing CrossFit and then…boom….RESULTS.  I am stronger.  I am leaner.  I can run forever.  What the heck is going on?  I am a CrossFit convert.  I still run and Zumba (btw, can you think about bringing one Zumba class a week to CrossFit.  Pretty please?) because I like to run and Zumba but it’s all about CrossFit now.

Coaches Response to Zumba: No…

What results have you seen with Crossfit?

The result- wow!  I mean, I lost 8 lbs in 8 weeks without “trying”.  It was a combination of CrossFit workouts AND the Paleo lifestyle.  I always monitored my weight through Weight Watchers but could never lose those last 10lbs!  I shifted to a Paleo lifestyle and it’s just been amazing.  I didn’t do my measurements but I am down a clothes size which in woman world is like winning the Super Bowl.  Well, not quite.  But I still would love to have a parade down Washington St. to celebrate this occasion because it’s been YEARS of dieting and I never got there.  2 months at CrossFit and boom, the weight is gone.

What was your first impression of Crossfit?

This was my first impression of CrossFit and I always think first impressions are telling and it really summarizes my experience so far.  I journaled it (if you know me, this is not surprising…)

Crossfit is no frills, no fuss, no fanciness.  It is in a FREAKIN WAREHOUSE.  And when I walked in, I was almost scared.  The coaches were so friendly and introduced themselves.  And when I said I was nervous, they were so easy-going and made me feel comfortable.  I signed the waiver, then went to the locker room and settled in.  My friends, Steph and Mindy, arrived minutes later.

The gym…there were bars, things hanging out of the ceiling…..it was HARD CORE.  I loved it.  Now, this is working out.  Who needs a fancy gym (and I’ve been to them ALL) with Kiehl’s lotion and women flaunting their new Lulemmon outfits?  Not this girl – this gym is hard core for REAL athletes and everyone was lean and mean AND friendly and welcoming.

The thing that was neat about it is that it is a very intense workout but the instructors are so easy-going.  It’s a very interesting environment.  It’s as if they know they have the best athletes so they don’t need to scream at people to motivate them; instead, they encourage and work with you to get the maximum effort out of your workout.  I guess it’s like working at a really good company; the thought is, “we cultivate and encourage the talent”.

My experience has been so positive that I encouraged my sister to do CrossFit and she does it in Queens.  My dad is a marathon runner and I told him he should do CrossFit (in Boston) to get stronger.  He said, “I will do Cross Fit if I can wear old school hi-top Chuck Taylors, long socks and the old fashioned short gym trucks like Larry Bird.”  Everything would be cool except the LB shorts, I told him, and I think he is considering it…

What would you like to accomplish in the next year?

In the next year, I would like to get stronger.  I am pretty tall so people may assume I am strong because I “look” strong.  But my upper body strength is weak.  I also have to commit to work more on my own for proper technique on some of the moves.  Lastly, I have to figure out a consistent training plan.  I think CrossFit is intense on your body so you have to figure out a way to train so you maximize the impact on your body.

CF Trainer Meris Sullivan is know for her excellent skills coaching, enthusiastic attitude and dedication to the CrossFit Community.  Meris has a dedicated personal training client base and has an impressive resume of sports accomplishments, notably a collegiate field hockey player.  Her husband is no slouch either, a former collegiate rower and recent triathlete, Chris is also a member at CrossFit Hoboken.  Here is what Meris had to say about staying active and CrossFit’s impact in their relationship…

1) How did you guys get into Crossfit?  Did you start separately or together?I was working out and somebody asked me if I was doing crossfit. I had never heard of it but looked it up as soon as I got home. 1 week later I signed up for my cert. I Told Chris about it and encouraged him to try it out. It took almost a year of my nagging but eventually he signed up and that was about 18 months ago

 
2) Does having someone to go to the workouts help keep you more accountable?

Because of our schedules we never get to workout together. We are both pretty motivated on our own but we get competitive at times with things like getting our first muscle up. Knowing that he would get his any day motivated me to focus on getting mine first. it is a good healthy competition and we cheer each other on too.
 

3) Do you guys ever feel competitive with one another during workouts?

We are such opposites physically that it is hard to compete. He has tons of endurance and I am better at heavy lifts (based on body percentage not actual weight moved) We are more competitive over movements, muscle ups handstands etc.
 

4) Does Crossfit come up a lot outside of the gym?

It does. Because I coach there are a lot of time when Chris will give me tips on being a more effective coach and sometimes when we get home I help him with his form. Very often Chris takes my class so we will also recap how it went.

 
5) Do you encourage other couples to Crossfit?

I encourage everybody to crossfit. The workouts are great but what is really cool is when I am doing something unrelated and can feel the benefits. For example when my niece visits, she weighs about 30 pounds and other people get tired of carrying her or playing with her and that is not an issue for me. As a couple we love to play sports against other couples and crossfit certainly helps us.

 
6) Has it helped your relationship by having the commonality of Crossfit?

We have always done things together, especially active things, so no crossfit hasn’t helped in that way.