Rob took his fitness to the next level by working with Coach Stacey on his nutrition. He was already in great shape, but was looking for that extra edge for performance and recovery. Instead of cutting out calories for fat loss, we actually increased them by quite a bit before starting any cutting. At the end of his 12 week fat loss program, he lost a total of 13.5 pounds and is eating more than he was before, just in different macro quantities.
When he started his fitness journey a little over 10 years ago, Rob was not able to make it up and down the stairs without being a little bit winded. Him and his husband decided to give up smoking and take up running to take control of their health. This opened up the door to try other fitness classes and eventually find CrossFit 201. He is now in the best shape of his life and enjoys taking his fitness outside of the gym.
How training at CrossFit 201 impacted your fitness physically, mentally, and emotionally?
Crossfit 201 has helped me be more confident in every area of my life. Other than the obvious strength and skill improvement, I have definitely learned to trust in myself more. I’ve also learned that failing isn’t a bad thing; there’s always another chance, another day to improve. Now that I’ve incorporated the nutrition aspect into my life, I feel even better. I can’t argue with eating MORE and being in better shape!
How has your training at CrossFit 201 enhanced the quality of your life outside of the gym?
Being active, being able to do all of these crazy things is fantastic, and it extends to every aspect of life. Just being able to be physical, lift things, move in a more dynamic way, makes life more fun and enjoyable.
What can you now do that you couldn’t do when you first started?
The short answer is everything! When I started crossfit in 2013 I couldn’t even overhead squat just the barbell. It was all very humbling. Double unders? I swear those took me at least 3 years to get down.
Can you share a little bit of your story and how fitness became a part of your life? What motivated you to start and what keeps you coming back?
Up until 2003, my husband and I were smokers who didn’t exercise at all. We weren’t even 30 at that point and we were winded taking the stairs. It was a combination of feeling like crap, and seeing other people, friends and family members, have deteriorating health, that we started running.
Running turned into getting a gym membership, which led us to taking some fitness classes. It was one class in particular, taught by our friend Lori, that was an hour long sweat inducing endurance class, that really ignited our fitness game. It was through Lori and that class, that I saw what it was like to workout with such an intensity that my body changed, and mentally and physically I felt much more alive. Lori was the one who suggested we try something called “crossfit” and Crossfit 201. At this point, it’s a combination of the work outs, the effects of the workouts, and the awesome community at 201, that I keep going back.
What pieces of inspiration can you share with other people to inspire them to make a positive change in their lives?
That it’s never too late to make a change. I was almost 30 before I decided to make my health a priority. And now I’m 42 and I (try to) keep up with all of those youngsters at the gym! For new members, I usually use my double under story as a way to tell people that skills and lifts take time to learn. Everyone starts off struggling, trying really hard, and failing at things. You just have to pick yourself up and try again.