Age - 44
"When I was 29, I was living in Chicago and working as a software developer in a downtown office that had no windows. We worked long hours and lived off fast-food. Needless to say, I became horribly overweight and was miserable. Migraines, joint pains, everything. I told my friend that by my 30th birthday I was going to be in the best shape of my life. When 30 rolled around, nothing had changed and my buddy didn't let me forget about it for years.
Fast forward 10 years and my wife, Shayna, and I had moved to Orange County with our toddler and newborn baby. We both had made a commitment to eating better and getting in shape. Being an older dad, it was particularly important to me because I wanted to be able to be active and play sports with my kids as they grew.
I had heard about CrossFit online someplace and decided to try it out. I had lost a few pounds by then with some running and weight-lifting but I'd been up and down that yo-yo several times before. I really needed something that I could stick to. After a few weeks at CrossFit Ethos, I knew I had found it. CrossFit completely redefined for me what fitness was all about and what I could expect from myself physically. Since then, Shayna and I have completely embraced the physical challenges and, just as importantly, the recommendations for nutrition.
Because of my travel schedule, I've been able to workout at 15 or so different CrossFit affiliates across the country. Ethos is the best. It provides the complete package: smart and encouraging coaches, top-notch equipment and facility, great workout programming, and well run classes. The people that come to Ethos are the best too. It is a group of people that work hard to improve themselves and will push you to be your best. And you can expect to get a fist bump every day whether you killed the workout or it killed you.
At age 44, and after 2 1/2 years at CrossFit Ethos, I can truly say I am in the best shape of my life. My weight is down 55 lbs, I sleep better, move better, and am stronger than I ever was. Fitness has become part of our lifestyle and it feels great. "
"When I was 29, I was living in Chicago and working as a software developer in a downtown office that had no windows. We worked long hours and lived off fast-food. Needless to say, I became horribly overweight and was miserable. Migraines, joint pains, everything. I told my friend that by my 30th birthday I was going to be in the best shape of my life. When 30 rolled around, nothing had changed and my buddy didn't let me forget about it for years.
Fast forward 10 years and my wife, Shayna, and I had moved to Orange County with our toddler and newborn baby. We both had made a commitment to eating better and getting in shape. Being an older dad, it was particularly important to me because I wanted to be able to be active and play sports with my kids as they grew.
I had heard about CrossFit online someplace and decided to try it out. I had lost a few pounds by then with some running and weight-lifting but I'd been up and down that yo-yo several times before. I really needed something that I could stick to. After a few weeks at CrossFit Ethos, I knew I had found it. CrossFit completely redefined for me what fitness was all about and what I could expect from myself physically. Since then, Shayna and I have completely embraced the physical challenges and, just as importantly, the recommendations for nutrition.
Because of my travel schedule, I've been able to workout at 15 or so different CrossFit affiliates across the country. Ethos is the best. It provides the complete package: smart and encouraging coaches, top-notch equipment and facility, great workout programming, and well run classes. The people that come to Ethos are the best too. It is a group of people that work hard to improve themselves and will push you to be your best. And you can expect to get a fist bump every day whether you killed the workout or it killed you.
At age 44, and after 2 1/2 years at CrossFit Ethos, I can truly say I am in the best shape of my life. My weight is down 55 lbs, I sleep better, move better, and am stronger than I ever was. Fitness has become part of our lifestyle and it feels great. "
"I grew up in an athletic family and played a variety of sports throughout my life and into college. After my collegiate career was over, I struggled trying to fill the void of daily exercise. I tried to eat what I thought was healthy and did my best to stay active, but I was never a regular in the local gym. 10 years after college, married with a toddler and a new born baby my husband and I moved to Laguna Beach from the midwest. We wanted to start this new chapter of life living healthier. My husband discovered the Paleo diet and shortly after found a local CrossFit. He said he was going to give this gym a try and actually jogged to class. We laugh at that now because the jog over was tiring enough for his level of fitness. He came home instantly hooked and spent the next several months trying to get me to try it. Having a new born and a toddler I just thought there was NO WAY I needed some crazy, intense workout. Not during this phase of life anyway. Thankfully, my husband knew better than I. He signed me up and 2 years later I'm still loving it.
Reflecting back on my time at Crossfit Ethos, I realize that initially I wanted to just lose my pregnancy weight. Then I got to know the community and the workouts became a social outlet with like minded people that I really enjoyed. People that cheered me on even when I finished 5 minutes after them. It was as if I was part of a team again, but better because the competition was for health and not a position on the team. In our adult lives that camaraderie is hard to find. As much as I enjoyed my workout time, I realized that I was also constantly learning proper technique from our knowledgeable coaches. I was being physically and mentally challenged on a regular basis. After my first year of CrossFitting things started to click and I found strength. Strength that I have never experienced before, even in my previous athletic life. As a woman and a mother, I feel empowered by my physical strength. The daily tasks in life are now easier. When my kids are crying and need to be carried up the stairs, I don't think twice - I swoop them up and off we go. And I hope that by continuing to CrossFit I will be an active, healthy mother in their lives for a long time.
Being that my husband and I are officially hooked, whenever we travel we find a local CrossFit. Every gym is welcoming, but none compare to Ethos. Our community is outstanding. Our coaches are extremely knowledgeable good teachers. And our gym has a constantly changing array of excellent equipment."
Reflecting back on my time at Crossfit Ethos, I realize that initially I wanted to just lose my pregnancy weight. Then I got to know the community and the workouts became a social outlet with like minded people that I really enjoyed. People that cheered me on even when I finished 5 minutes after them. It was as if I was part of a team again, but better because the competition was for health and not a position on the team. In our adult lives that camaraderie is hard to find. As much as I enjoyed my workout time, I realized that I was also constantly learning proper technique from our knowledgeable coaches. I was being physically and mentally challenged on a regular basis. After my first year of CrossFitting things started to click and I found strength. Strength that I have never experienced before, even in my previous athletic life. As a woman and a mother, I feel empowered by my physical strength. The daily tasks in life are now easier. When my kids are crying and need to be carried up the stairs, I don't think twice - I swoop them up and off we go. And I hope that by continuing to CrossFit I will be an active, healthy mother in their lives for a long time.
Being that my husband and I are officially hooked, whenever we travel we find a local CrossFit. Every gym is welcoming, but none compare to Ethos. Our community is outstanding. Our coaches are extremely knowledgeable good teachers. And our gym has a constantly changing array of excellent equipment."
"I started CrossFit in late December of 2010 and weighed a healthy 185 lbs. Now mind you, I'm an intimidating 5'-7" statue of a man, so when I first waddled into those double glass doors for my free one week trial I didn't really know if this "CrossFit thing" was actually going to work. You see, I grew up doing the typical Bally's and 24 hr fitness routine. I lifted weights, ran on a treadmill and tried to eat as much El Pollo Loco chicken as possible. For me, that was my idea of physical fitness. Looking back now it's amazing how much I've learned about what physical fitness truly is.
This first thing that set CrossFit, in particular Ethos, apart for me was the atmosphere created by the coaches at each class. I came in with a preconceived notion that everyone would be flexing their muscles and telling each other how awesome they were, but it was quite the opposite. Ethos created a family atmosphere and made working out not a chore, but fun and exciting. One of the first things Coach Nick made me realize was no matter what my physical fitness level was at the time I could do each and every single WOD in some scaled version. This put my mind at ease and I soon realized after the first week that these WOD's were actually working based on my body's level of soreness. This included areas I didn't even know I had muscles in. In fact, I was so impressed with Ethos I convinced my wife to join.
Through the next 12 months, I went from portly 185lbs to a muscular 155 lbs. I haven't weighed that since my days in high school! I went from barely being able to string out a few pull ups to doing a full WOD of pull ups on top of various Olympic style lifting movements. I feel better than I ever have in my life. My cardio has increased tremendously. I'm stronger than I can ever remember, and my waist line has gone from a 33" to a 28". CrossFit taught me how to eat right and how to keep the weight off unlike the typical fad diets that we've all tried. All of these positive results have also spilled over to my everyday activities. From running after and fighting bad guys (I'm a police officer) to running after my two little ones. I just don't get as tired as I used to.
However, I've come to realize CrossFit isn't just about running, lifting and wall balls. Far from that, Crossfit to me has been a total lifestyle change. From the way I work out and eat to the way I approach each and every day. What I mean by this is I've learned to stop saying, "Oh, there's no way I can do that" or simply "I can't." Instead, Crossfit has taught me to keep a positive attitude and to keep trying until one day I can do what I thought was once impossible. Keeping this attitude in mind, I've not only challenged myself at Ethos, but I have challenged myself at work and have already seen positive results in both.
CrossFit Ethos is not just a gym, box, or whatever you want to call it...it's a tight knit family. I am proud of what Ethos has helped me accomplish in such a short time, and I'm excited to see how far I can push my goals personally and professionally in near future."
This first thing that set CrossFit, in particular Ethos, apart for me was the atmosphere created by the coaches at each class. I came in with a preconceived notion that everyone would be flexing their muscles and telling each other how awesome they were, but it was quite the opposite. Ethos created a family atmosphere and made working out not a chore, but fun and exciting. One of the first things Coach Nick made me realize was no matter what my physical fitness level was at the time I could do each and every single WOD in some scaled version. This put my mind at ease and I soon realized after the first week that these WOD's were actually working based on my body's level of soreness. This included areas I didn't even know I had muscles in. In fact, I was so impressed with Ethos I convinced my wife to join.
Through the next 12 months, I went from portly 185lbs to a muscular 155 lbs. I haven't weighed that since my days in high school! I went from barely being able to string out a few pull ups to doing a full WOD of pull ups on top of various Olympic style lifting movements. I feel better than I ever have in my life. My cardio has increased tremendously. I'm stronger than I can ever remember, and my waist line has gone from a 33" to a 28". CrossFit taught me how to eat right and how to keep the weight off unlike the typical fad diets that we've all tried. All of these positive results have also spilled over to my everyday activities. From running after and fighting bad guys (I'm a police officer) to running after my two little ones. I just don't get as tired as I used to.
However, I've come to realize CrossFit isn't just about running, lifting and wall balls. Far from that, Crossfit to me has been a total lifestyle change. From the way I work out and eat to the way I approach each and every day. What I mean by this is I've learned to stop saying, "Oh, there's no way I can do that" or simply "I can't." Instead, Crossfit has taught me to keep a positive attitude and to keep trying until one day I can do what I thought was once impossible. Keeping this attitude in mind, I've not only challenged myself at Ethos, but I have challenged myself at work and have already seen positive results in both.
CrossFit Ethos is not just a gym, box, or whatever you want to call it...it's a tight knit family. I am proud of what Ethos has helped me accomplish in such a short time, and I'm excited to see how far I can push my goals personally and professionally in near future."
Age - 34
IT Sales Professional
"Crossfit and the team at Crossfit Ethos has been life changing for me. I was athletic in high school and in college, but once I entered the workplace 13 years ago my life was spent behind a desk and computer. I had stints of hitting the gym and doing the regular 1.5 hour workouts with cardio and weights, but that never stuck. I was in horrible shape and suffered from numerous back and shoulder issues due to my job behind a computer or in my car and needed a change. I went from not being able to do a single pull up at my intro session at Crossfit Ethos to 4 months later easily cranking out more than 100 in certain workouts and completing other workouts that I never thought I could even complete. I lost over 20 pounds and consider myself to be the strongest and fittest I've ever been at the age of 34. My friends and family have been amazed with physical changes in my body and I'm personally amazed at how my confidence and self-esteem have improved and carried over into my professional career as well as my quality of life. I have the team at Crossfit Ethos and the friends I've made there to thank for adding years to my life and bringing a passion for fitness that I never thought could be possible. My greatest achievement in CrossFit is that I feel athletic again, which makes me feel younger. I usually describe it as the feeling you had when you're a kid and you see some wall about 3 feet high and you just jump on it, just because you can. I feel like I have that again. And the purely aesthetic feeling of looking better and happily spending hundreds of dollars having all my clothes altered to fit me! Most of my current friends never knew me when I was really athletic back in high school and college playing basketball at a high level, but they're looking at me now as the 'workout guy'. I know that this is just the beginning because I see where the other athletes are that have been CrossFitting much longer than I have and my motivation is to see where I'll be as I keep it up."
IT Sales Professional
"Crossfit and the team at Crossfit Ethos has been life changing for me. I was athletic in high school and in college, but once I entered the workplace 13 years ago my life was spent behind a desk and computer. I had stints of hitting the gym and doing the regular 1.5 hour workouts with cardio and weights, but that never stuck. I was in horrible shape and suffered from numerous back and shoulder issues due to my job behind a computer or in my car and needed a change. I went from not being able to do a single pull up at my intro session at Crossfit Ethos to 4 months later easily cranking out more than 100 in certain workouts and completing other workouts that I never thought I could even complete. I lost over 20 pounds and consider myself to be the strongest and fittest I've ever been at the age of 34. My friends and family have been amazed with physical changes in my body and I'm personally amazed at how my confidence and self-esteem have improved and carried over into my professional career as well as my quality of life. I have the team at Crossfit Ethos and the friends I've made there to thank for adding years to my life and bringing a passion for fitness that I never thought could be possible. My greatest achievement in CrossFit is that I feel athletic again, which makes me feel younger. I usually describe it as the feeling you had when you're a kid and you see some wall about 3 feet high and you just jump on it, just because you can. I feel like I have that again. And the purely aesthetic feeling of looking better and happily spending hundreds of dollars having all my clothes altered to fit me! Most of my current friends never knew me when I was really athletic back in high school and college playing basketball at a high level, but they're looking at me now as the 'workout guy'. I know that this is just the beginning because I see where the other athletes are that have been CrossFitting much longer than I have and my motivation is to see where I'll be as I keep it up."
Age - 55
Retired, Silpada Jewelry Rep, Cancer Survivor
"What a difference a year of CrossFit has made in me. I was in a rut with the same old exercise program and not seeing much of a change in my body. Had truly reached a plateau and was getting discouraged. CrossFit came along and who would of thought that at 55 I could do the exercises and lift the weights that I am doing now. I can dead lift over 150 lbs and run a 5K! Prior to CrossFit a 400 meter run was a challenge! I am not only in the best shape I have been in years, my bone density is at 30 year old levels! CrossFit is hard work, but the trainers at CrossFit Ethos motivate you to challenge yourself to give 100%. I never thought a grandma could look this good!"
Retired, Silpada Jewelry Rep, Cancer Survivor
"What a difference a year of CrossFit has made in me. I was in a rut with the same old exercise program and not seeing much of a change in my body. Had truly reached a plateau and was getting discouraged. CrossFit came along and who would of thought that at 55 I could do the exercises and lift the weights that I am doing now. I can dead lift over 150 lbs and run a 5K! Prior to CrossFit a 400 meter run was a challenge! I am not only in the best shape I have been in years, my bone density is at 30 year old levels! CrossFit is hard work, but the trainers at CrossFit Ethos motivate you to challenge yourself to give 100%. I never thought a grandma could look this good!"
Age - 36
Los Angeles County Firefighter
"When I discovered CrossFit it was pretty much the perfect time, although I wish I found it 10 years ago! I was doing the traditional bodybuilder style of weightlifting with some boring treadmill running. I was not achieving the body goal I wanted; I was strong, but definitely not fit. Running a 5K would kill me back then. In fact my 5K time was 28 or 29 minutes, and today it's 22 minutes. I've never had this much fun working out and I spend far less time in the gym. My fitness level has improved dramatically. I am far leaner and more athletic. I found that I was getting injured quite frequently with my old training habits. I am suffering far less injuries now.
I have really noticed a dramatic improvement in my abilities at work as well. I am a full-time firefighter and I would get seriously taxed when doing a progressive hose-lay up steep hills. After a couple of months CrossFitting I noticed a dramatic improvement in my cardiovascular fitness with my ability to do a 1000 foot progressive hose-lay up steep hills. I got up the hill, chased down the fire & felt like I could easily go on. I just got back from my department wellness exam & found that all of my numbers improved dramatically. My strength has increased, my VO2 max improved, my waist was 2 inches smaller, I weighed less, body fat decreased, my HDL cholesterol increased, LDL went down (I had high cholesterol last year, normal this year), and my blood pressure went from 118/70 to 104/66.
I was always into fitness, for vanity when I was younger, but as I get older and now have a family, the numbers above mean something. I am healthier than I have ever been in my life. I'm stronger, my cardio is better, & I look & feel better. Thank God I found CrossFit Ethos. I LOVE IT!"
Los Angeles County Firefighter
"When I discovered CrossFit it was pretty much the perfect time, although I wish I found it 10 years ago! I was doing the traditional bodybuilder style of weightlifting with some boring treadmill running. I was not achieving the body goal I wanted; I was strong, but definitely not fit. Running a 5K would kill me back then. In fact my 5K time was 28 or 29 minutes, and today it's 22 minutes. I've never had this much fun working out and I spend far less time in the gym. My fitness level has improved dramatically. I am far leaner and more athletic. I found that I was getting injured quite frequently with my old training habits. I am suffering far less injuries now.
I have really noticed a dramatic improvement in my abilities at work as well. I am a full-time firefighter and I would get seriously taxed when doing a progressive hose-lay up steep hills. After a couple of months CrossFitting I noticed a dramatic improvement in my cardiovascular fitness with my ability to do a 1000 foot progressive hose-lay up steep hills. I got up the hill, chased down the fire & felt like I could easily go on. I just got back from my department wellness exam & found that all of my numbers improved dramatically. My strength has increased, my VO2 max improved, my waist was 2 inches smaller, I weighed less, body fat decreased, my HDL cholesterol increased, LDL went down (I had high cholesterol last year, normal this year), and my blood pressure went from 118/70 to 104/66.
I was always into fitness, for vanity when I was younger, but as I get older and now have a family, the numbers above mean something. I am healthier than I have ever been in my life. I'm stronger, my cardio is better, & I look & feel better. Thank God I found CrossFit Ethos. I LOVE IT!"
