On the way to Affiliation:
CrossFit Level 1 Certification
VA Beach
Labor Day Weekend 2008
Humble beginnings: A
Where we run our 400 meters
What we have evolved into
The group has grown and despite a very cold winter, the Shed remains busy with one athlete after another coming in to train. At times, parking is at a premium.
Why Do We CrossFit?
CrossFit, to me, is a means to get into the shape and performance level I have been struggling to regain through more ‘traditional’ means of exercise. Not for the faint of heart, CrossFit requires a mental commitment to achieve results. Although new to CrossFit, the workouts are similar to those I had when in the Marines all too long ago, so I am familiar with the results that can be achieved. Having Pat there, offering encouragement, guidance, and tips is the deal-maker for me. I hope to report good results back to the RedShed in about six weeks. My wife will be the judge!
-Charlie What is CrossFit to me? CrossFit is giving everything you have and then finding a way to give a little more. On a personal note, as a person with multiple back issues who at points had a hard enough time simply getting out of bed, CrossFit has changed my life, it has helped me have more good days than bad as far as my back pain goes. The greatest contribution CrossFit has given to me is confidence. It has given me the confidence to be able to pick up my son and play with him without worrying whether my back will be able to handle the strain.
-Rob
What CrossFit means to me: Well, at first I had no idea what CrossFit was just that I was scared of the name. Both of my children train (CrossFit) with Pat and I thought that only the young could do it. So on January 5th of this year I took part in the whole REDSHED CrossFit experience. I must admit driving over to the SHED, in the middle of the winter to meet with Pat for my first time of CrossFit training I was a little scared of what to expect, but knowing what he has done for my children I was up for the task. I could not believe how out of shape I was just by 20 minutes of CrossFit training. I’m 47 years old and for the first time in 20 years I found something I believe is working for me. This time there is no more excuses for me, I’m going to follow through with this and get myself back to being mentally and physically strong. For the 20 minutes of CrossFit I am doing 3 times a week, I am hoping to add 20 years to my life. My husband Andy actually trains with me now, and it’s becoming a little competitive in the shed. It’s only been 9 weeks now and although I may complain a lot when I’m there I’m 12lbs down and really starting to feel good about myself, I know this is a long road for me, but I hope that when I reach my goal I can inspire women over 45 that they can do it too, you can always find 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week for yourself. No more excuses. Thank you Pat!!
-Gail
A friend of mine is a cop and also an exuberant member of Guerrilla Fitness in Montclair, NJ. It was through his link to Guerrilla Fitness that I first became aware of CrossFit. I checked out Guerrilla’s videos and was excited with the entire way the gym was run. No frills. No machines other than rowers. No fancy workout gear. No big hair and nails. Just lots of sweat and hard work and it seemed that there was a camaraderie among the group. Based on the physical appearance of the group it also seemed that CrossFit was effective and worked for people of all ages and abilities. After talking about Guerrilla with my friend, I decided to find an affiliate. I live in NY State right above the NJ border and the closest affiliate was RedShed—a 45 minute drive south into NJ. I made my initial appointment and drove up to the Shed for my first workout. I was hesitant because I had never lifted free weights before, I don’t really enjoy working out, and mainly because the Shed’s website claimed it’s facility was an unheated garage— it was about 20 degrees that first day.
I recently turned 50, have a very sedentary job as an illustrator, and had at that time been barely, moderately active. At best, I get on my treadmill and when it hurts, I stop. I am also someone who loves pizza. After meeting the coaches and going thru the paces of my first, introductory, scaled-down workout, I was certain this program was going to be for me…until I woke up the next morning and could barely walk with my quads on fire. But that went away and I went back and have not stopped since. For me, not showing up at the Shed for my appointed time is not an option. Since the first week in December, I have seen tangible improvement to my overall fitness level and muscle strength. I could barely do 3 push-ups and squats at first—never mind the squats! Now I am actually having fun even when I am working hard and sweating. What is wonderful about CrossFit at the RedShed is that the workouts are challenging and yet never boring or routine. I could never work out this hard at home by myself on my treadmill or by doing fast walking outdoors on the road. Pat Neill, who I work with exclusively, is a dedicated and inspiring individual. I owe my improved fitness to his expertise and patience. RedShed has changed my ideas about my body, fitness and aging. As a result, in less than 4 months, I have surpassed my initial expectations and am always surprised when I reach new levels of intensity and strength. Thank you, RedShed!
-Anna
