Athlete Testimonials

Ashley - Teacher

Greg Keeter — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:35:20 +0000

Since I can remember I had always loved to be outside and being active. I played basketball when I was younger and competed at varsity level for all four years of my high school career. But when I moved to Tallahassee for college my activity level plummeted and I couldn’t find anything that satisfied my craving for competition.

Last May Crossfit Tally did a promotion with living social, four introductory classes for 25 dollars. I looked at the website, read the testimonials and decided to give it a try. After the first day I was hooked. Crossfit was something I had never experienced before.

Every time you walk into the gym someone is there to great you with a hello and a smile. Crossfit Tally became a place of acceptance even if you aren’t the most elite athlete. I learned that I could overcome my limits by setting goals, competing with myself, and showing great improvement just after 6 weeks.

Crossfit Tally satisfied my craving for competition. Every time you walk into the gym you have a new obstacle to overcome, whether its double unders or running a 5k. I was pushed to a new level that I never thought I could reach. Even though I have left Crossfit Tally I am still participating in Crossfit down south. I have recently set the record for woman at my gym for snatching 105 pounds. They have now nicknamed me "bad ash".

I also have RX’ed some WODs which means that you have done the prescribed weight and all the movements are correct. If you would have told me that I would be able to dead lift 195 pounds last May I would have laughed. I can’t even begin to tell you all the things I have gained from Crossfit but I can tell you that I have a whole new look on what I can push myself to do.

Ashley is no longer a member of CFTally.

Shawn "Jolly Green" - Career Advisor & Graduate Student

Greg Keeter — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:20:48 +0000

Thinking back, I have been involved in sports in one way or another since I was eight years old and began playing basketball in the third grade. In junior high I added distance running, and by the time I graduated from high school, I had earned varsity letters in cross country, basketball, and track & field.

In college I hovered in the middle ground between varsity athlete and couch potato, sometimes playing intramural sports and still running a couple of days a week (on a good week) and fiddling around in the weight room from time to time.

At Officer Candidate School in the summer of 1987 I realized what a high level of fitness looked like, and for the next 23 years I worked at running, sports and performing bodybuilder type workouts in an effort to maintain the level of fitness I had demonstrated at age 22. It worked to some extent, but although I was involved in all those activities, and even called myself an athlete, I never felt athletic. Something was always lacking. When I was focused on running, I felt that I had no lateral movement skills. When my workouts featured weightlifting, I ran poorly. I never felt like I had it all together.

In 2007 I stumbled upon Crossfit and knew that there was merit in what was going on there. I tried a few workouts on my own, but failed miserably because I was not familiar with the concept of scaling. I relegated Crossfit to the arena of the superfit athletes, one of which I knew I could never become.

However, I was inspired by the idea, and after investigating a variety of web pages and workout methodologies I knew that some sort of functional fitness was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I tried some kettlebell classes and other functional fitness workouts, took some spinning classes, and continued to lift weights, do bodyweight workouts and run on my own. In retrospect, I can see that I was only was playing around at working out. There was a Crossfit affiliate near me, but I saw too many people who were injured or over-trained….I didn’t try it.

In 2010 a discussion with a coworker who was Crossfit Level 1 certified helped clear up some misconceptions I had about Crossfit. He set the record straight for me on one fundamental and extremely important issue: scaling. He taught me that the workout is a challenge, not an absolute, and that success is in the progress one makes. He explained that almost everybody scales at some time and the point is to make constant improvement, and maybe someday do every workout as prescribed. He encouraged me to workout with him and some similarly minded athletes. I bit. After the first workout I was sore, but I was hooked. I knew Crossfit was for me.

Ten days after that first Crossfit workout, I moved to Tallahassee and immediately joined CFTally. The foundations class showed me that while I was in decent physical shape, I had a lot of room for improvement, especially in the flexibility and cardio-respiratory department. I couldn’t do a full squat – air squat – and couldn’t do an overhead squat with a PVC pipe because I couldn’t get my shoulders into the right position. Rack position Forget about it.

But I persisted. I knew this was what I wanted. One day in November of 2011, the WOD was one I had last completed in August of 2010. I hacked nearly 10 minutes off my previous time. Today, I feel improvement in all 10 areas of fitness, and can truthfully say that I finally feel like and athlete.

Shawn is a current member of CFTally.

Melissa "Tweety Bird" - President KaiserKane, Inc.

Greg Keeter — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:40:57 +0000

I have never been a person who enjoyed the gym. I had joined different gyms throughout the years but I rarely went and when I did I had no idea what I was doing. I heard about CrossFit from one of my best friends, Ed, in Atlanta who is an excellent CrossFit athlete. He talked about it often and suggested I try it. After listening to him and researching the WOD’s on the internet, I thought for sure I would never make it through one workout alive. Well I quickly learned I was wrong.

In the summer of 2010, I decided to call CFTally and make an appointment. After a grueling fitness assessment and several foundation classes, I began my first week of CrossFit. It was intimidating, but the trainers were very supportive and the WOD’s were scaled so everyone was able to do them. I was surprised at how supportive the other athletes were as they cheered me on and after my first week, I was addicted and knew I had found the right place for me.

CrossFit is the only exercise program I have consistently stuck with and it has changed me in ways I could have never imagined. I have completed excercises that I never believed possible. Since I joined CrossFit, I am stronger, faster, healthier and happier! CrossFit is about pushing yourself to be the healthiest, strongest and best person you can be. It has taught me that you CAN do anything if you really want to. Anyone can do it and everyone should do it!!!! CFTally is a great, friendly atmosphere with all the tools you need to be a successful CrossFitter! Just be aware, it’s ADDICTIVE!

Tweety Bird is a current member of CFTally.

Shelby “Sarge” - College Student

Greg Keeter — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:14:46 +0000

My entire life I have been told I can do anything except be an exceptional athlete. I've struggled with weight my entire life and I got to a point, a little over a year ago, where I felt like it was hopeless to ever turn my health around. I considered going into the Navy after graduation and becoming a Protocol Officer, but once again, like many other things in my life that have been unattainable because of how I felt in my own skin, I felt like it was out of reach.

Since September of 2010, my goals have shifted away from the military. Crossfit, however, always will be apart of my life. When my friend Terri showed me pictures from the Crossfit Tally website I thought “I would never survive in a place like that.” By some miracle she convinced me to give it a try and I began training.

It didn't take me long to feel like an athlete when I walked through the doors of Crossfit Tally because everybody, no matter where you're at, is an athlete by being there and giving all you got. Everybody is a cheerleader and the trainers are wonderful at what they do and know their stuff. Not only that, Crossfit is the most intense exercise I've ever done but also the most fun and rewarding. It's all about setting goals, competing with yourself, gradual improvement, and celebrating with a room full of friends when you finally set a personal record for a workout you couldn't even get through a year ago. My years of playing tennis in high school never made me feel as healthy and athletic as Crossfit has in the past year.

Crossfit is also the first form of exercise that I have stuck with consistently and I never get bored with. Crossfit is very time efficient and fits in with any schedule. Out of the 8 classes that they offer everyday, I am always able to find a time that works for me. It's only 1 hour per training day and you feel like you got more intensity than 3 hours on a treadmill or whatever.

If you have any reservations about joining, still, because of money or time or whatever, don't let that stop you. I had a million reasons not to start Crossfit and now I can honestly say that I can't put a price on what I have gained from it: a new body, friendships, healthier eating habits, more energy, confidence, and so much more. If you want it, come and get it.

Sarge is a current member of CFTally!

Lauren "Coco" - Director, Florida Health Choices

Greg Keeter — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:39:41 +0000

Growing up I was always active. I was involved in competitive swimming, and while I was not always happy about it I was one of those kids in the pool for practice at 6:30 in the morning. As time went on I became stronger, faster, and had better form. At the end of practice or a meet it was easy for me to measure my progress. Did I win a race? Was the margin of time between me and my competition larger or smaller than last time? Was I able to keep up with all drills during practice? Were my time trials improving?

In my adult life I have continued to stay active. I enjoy running, and while it is a great stress relief for me, it was not helping me stay in great overall shape. I could run 5 miles without any trouble, but I could not do a proper push up or push press a bar. I would go to the gym and was so overwhelmed by all of the lack of direction it would be straight to the treadmill to watch the television while I ran. I tried working out with a trainer, but there was no way to easily measure my progress and soon I felt like I did the same things over and over. I needed something that challenged me, kept my attention, could gauge my progress, and was fun!!

Nearly a year ago I came across CrossFit Tallahassee, and have finally found the workout that is made to meet the goals of each and every person there. CrossFit changes every day, you are challenged every day, supported and cheered on every day, and your progress is measured every day. While the WOD may seem overwhelming at first, the trainers challenge you to get your best workout and make the WOD fit your abilities. No matter what a CrossFitter’s strengths or weakness are they are welcomed, and you work through them.

Some people may hesitate thinking that they are “not in good enough shape” for CrossFit. That is not the case. On any given day each CrossFit athlete will be the fastest, strongest, weakest, slowest, or most challenged no matter how long you have been here or what level of conditioning you are at. After my time at CrossFit the past year I have become stronger, my beloved green band was taken away, and little by little I can increase my weight from the last workout. I learned that I could do things that when told or explained to me I thought I couldn’t do.

CrossFit will make you the athlete that you wish to be, and make you the athlete that you never knew you could be no matter where you view yourself right now.

Coco is a current member of CFTally.

Anne "Slash"

Greg Keeter — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:07:00 +0000

Why?

I am not an elite athlete, and it's unlikely that I will ever be one. However, I'm a better athlete than I was 6 months ago when I started Crossfit, and I plan to be a better athlete 6 months from now.....and thereafter. So why does a person with seemingly modest fitness aspirations join Crossfit? The answer is because I want to manage aging as proactively as possible, and at 52, I only need to prove it to myself that I can. And if I can do Crossfit, lots of other people can too. So here's the "scoop" on the program.

Intimidating?

The atmosphere in the gym is very friendly. The pictures on the website capture the efforts of working athletes, but miss the laughter; high fives; words of encouragement; and sense of accomplishment that everyone feels when the workout is done. The athletes like and respect the coaches. They are skilled and helpful. They want athletes to succeed. This is not bootcamp or navy seal training. No one will tear you down. They will only build you up.

How Tough?

The workout of the day (WOD) varies from "not that intense" to "just plain ugly". There's no air conditioning, but you'll get used to profuse sweating. It's not like you're the only one..... Leave the iPod in the car because loud rock music accompanies the WOD. I've always been a metal kinda gal, so I'm good with that. There are numerous WOD variations, and I don't think I've repeated one during the last 6 months. The variations keep it interesting because I never know what I'm up against until I walk in the door. The coaches will help athletes scale back weights or movements so that all levels of capability can benefit. Clearly, I can't lift the same weights as the college guys, and the program takes individual limitations into account. Having said that......whining is frowned upon, and new athletes will learn quickly that "I'll try" is a much better appoach than "I can't". Success at Crossfit requires a healthy "bring it on" attitude combined with sustained physical effort.

Results?

I haven't lost much weight, but I'm definitely stronger and more flexible. I started with two WODs per week, and schedule permitting, can now handle 4 WODs per week. I resisted running my entire life, but that's no longer an option. I'm definitely not the fastest or best runner, but I can run as many 400M laps as the WODs require, with only minimal walking. Some friends talked me into training for a short triathlon, and I think the combined weights and cardio components of Crossfit really help with triathlon training too. Here's the unexpected....it took some time, but now I really look forward to the workouts.

Bottom line?

It's all good. Put on your game face, get your head in the right place, and give Crossfit a try.

Anne is a current member of CFTally.

Juliet "JuJu"

Greg Keeter — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:45:39 +0000

I have always been envious of people that had the motivation to go to the gym consistently. I am not a “gym person” and never will be. Then in the spring of 2010 I heard about CFTally from my friend Ashleigh who wanted me to try it with her. I was 2 months away from going on a cruise & started CF for fun, thinking I would just tone up for the cruise & later forget about it. Well it turned out that we both became addicts in less than a week. CrossFit is not just any gym, it becomes a part of your life, like brushing your teeth every day. So if you’re not a “gym person” but would like to become more physically active, I always tell people, “give it a week & you will be hooked”! :)

JuJu is currently a member of CFTally.

Terri "Little T" - College Grad headed to Grad School

Greg Keeter — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:00:29 +0000

Crossfit is the by far one of the best things that has ever happen to me. Besides the obvious physical components crossfit is beneficial in strengthening your mind as well. Personally, crossfit has helped me to break down some of the mental barriers that I have consciously and subconsciously built up in my life. And the beauty of crossfit is anyone can do it. If I could do it, you can do it! When first starting Crossfit, I wasn’t able to do one pull-up, not even close. And boy that stage sure seemed to last a loooong time. But let me tell you, once I got it nothing ever tasted sweeter. And once one goal is accomplished there are always three more following. In life there is so many things to get addicted to, why not, for once, get addicted to something good for you? If your looking for a challenge, want to make a change, and willing to give some hard work, I dare you to try it! You’ll be amazed at what you never knew you were capable of!

Little T is not currently a member of CFTally.

Amanda "UgoGirl" - 2nd Lieutenant headed to grad school!

Greg Keeter — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:08:10 +0000

During a 2010 Army ROTC Leadership development course at Ft. Lewis, Washington, I frequently heard the term CrossFit used in many of the cadets dialogue on physical fitness. After asking around, I came to the conclusion that this was exactly the program I needed in order to increase my Army physical fitness test scores.

After arriving back in Tallahassee, I began to research the CrossFit gyms in Tallahassee. After viewing pictures of the colorful and clean gym of CrossFit Tally, I knew it was the place for me. I was right. Since joining CrossFit Tallahassee, I had a tremendous increase in my physical fitness test. I went from a 257 to a 297 (highest score is 300) this past school year (my best score since I became a cadet in 2007) and I am in the best shape of my life. The trainers were very helpful and motivational. Even in the rare occasion when a trainer was not available. The knowledge athletes were always willing to help in perfecting my form.

I am currently relocating to Orlando for school and will continue CrossFitting in order to maintain my physical fitness. Thank you Crossfit Tallahassee, for this was just the first stop in Forging Elite Fitness.

Ugogirl is a current member for a little while longer! :-(

Amanda "Pink Panther" - Admin Manager @ GameTime Travel

Greg Keeter — Fri, 27 May 2011 18:48:09 +0000

After graduating college I found it hard to stay in shape. I have always been physically active and mostly on some sort of team through my life and even in college. When I didn’t really have that option any more I looked for another way to stay active. I have never been one to go to the gym because I have no motivation to push myself through a bunch of boring machine workouts that you have to usually wait in line for because it is so crowded. Crossfit is not your typical gym setting. When I heard about Crossfit Tally from a few people it immediately sparked an interest. After my first visit they had me hooked. Dedicated and motivational coaches that push you through an already planned workout every day, is exactly what I was looking for. The great part is that any person at any physical level can join. Workouts are scaled to your capabilities and you can watch yourself grow. It is definitely a struggle at first but after you get through the first few weeks of soreness, you start to see the changes it gives you physically and mentally. Although I just left CFT to move to South Florida, I am still staying active and it has definitely had an impact on my motivation. Crossfit Tallahassee offers a great environment, great coaches, and a never ending challenge to your physical capabilities. It didn’t take long to learn that even the strong struggle!

Crossfit will change you forever, just keep pushin’!

Thank you Crossfit Tallahassee!

-Amanda

Amanda is not currently a member of CFTally.