July Spotlight – Jeff

How long have you been a member at CFD?

 Since the early fall of 2019

What did you do for fitness prior to joining CFD?

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.  I had not been active in any kind of physical regimen (other than lawn work) in more than 40 years.

What changes have you seen in yourself since you started?

I turned 60 a couple of weeks ago.  Physically, I am stronger than I have ever been in my life. I have lost 30 lbs. net, added muscle, lost about 5 inches on my waistline.  I have donated all my jeans and all my large shirts in favor of smaller sizes.

Lab numbers have all improved.  Since Crossfit, I have reduced my medical prescriptions from 4 to 1.  I met with my Doctor yesterday and we expect to eliminate my last prescription within 6 months.  Mentally, I have learned that there are some limitations for someone my age and that scaling is not a bad thing so long as I don’t use it as an excuse or easy out and always apply maximum effort. 

What do you like most about CrossFit?

The culture of universal acceptance and comradery and I love the irreverent nature of it all!  I read somewhere that CrossFit is the only sport where someone who comes in last gets the most cheers.  I get a lot of cheers!

What is your go-to junk food? 

I built a woodfired pizza oven in my backyard a few years ago that can bake pizzas in 60 seconds at about 850° F (see picture).  I adhere to the strictest “Verace” directives from Naples, Italy (the undisputed birthplace of pizza). I make my own dough, sauce, etc. in accordance with those rules.  Quite the opposite of “junk food” in my opinion, but something it took me 10 years to research, build, and perfect.

What are your goals going forward?

This year I want to get to 13 unbroken strict pull-ups (can only do 7 now), 300 Lb deadlift (from 265), improve double-unders, and generally gain in my understanding and form for all weight lifting moves.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out at CFD? 

My dad (the fittest ex-Marine I ever knew) died suddenly of a kind of stroke the day after Christmas, 2016.  My mother told me some months later that before he died, he had commented to her that he was worried about my state of fitness and being overweight. 

That got me thinking about joining a fitness club.

About a year or so later, I met Phil by chance when he was having a beer with my son-in-law Jason Edwards at Lot One.  During that conversation, I got drawn in and learned what CrossFit was and privately resolved to learn more and join (although it took me a while).

I had seen a saying somewhere around that time: “Be brave enough to suck at something new” and that resonated with me.  I texted Phil and we scheduled the Foundations evaluation.  When I joined, the only one I told was my wife Vickie for several weeks.  I wasn’t sure if I could do it and wanted to save myself the embarrassment.

It was the hardest thing I have ever done physically and mentally.  Neglecting my physical fitness for 58 years meant that I was starting from way, way behind.  Warmups would leave me exhausted.  Recovery often took 5 or 6 days.  The sense of dread was there every day on the way to class.   But slowly, I got stronger and more resilient (although not necessarily any smarter or faster).  Eventually that sense of dread gave way to anticipation, readiness, and sometimes even excitement (depending upon the workout).

While the gym was closed during the pandemic, on July 1 of 2020, I was diagnosed with COVID19 and spent 10 days at home in bed.  When my oxygen levels plummeted, I spent 6 days in the hospital with Pneumonia and went through a treatment regimen including Remesdivir, oxygen therapy, antibiotics, steroids, etc.  I was very, very sick.

I sometimes wonder how well I would have fared with COVID if I hadn’t joined CrossFit.

While in the hospital, I texted Coach Mike and told him that I wanted to get back into the gym as soon as I could.  He told me to focus on getting better.  But I knew that I NEEDED to get back. I returned in the middle of August and followed an individualized program design due to compromised lung capacity and weakness, but ultimately joined the general population again in October.

So, back to the question, “What would I tell someone who is new to CrossFit?”:    It will be awkward for a while.  It will always be hard, but it is honest and fair.  Challenge yourself and go at your own best pace.  Take inspiration from those friends you will make.  I work out most regularly with Charlie, Scott G., and Jeff S. and I look up to them every day for advice and insight which they give freely, as has everyone I have met at CFD. Great Coaches, great place.

Lastly, I would tell them that CrossFit may have saved my life.

Interested to see if CFD is a good fit for you? Sign up for a free introductory class, or e-mail us if the available intro classes don’t work with your schedule!