Testimonials
On February - 16 - 2009
Nobody can explain better than our members how effective CrossFit is, how passionate and knowledgeable CrossFit trainers are, and how anyone can do it!
Read through the following testimonials of people that have been CrossFitting here at CFS and what it has done for them…then join…then work hard….then have your own testimonial! Nobody will ever say it is easy, but they all say it is absolutely worth it!



2010 CrossFit Games
April 9 & 10th CrossFit Olympic Lifting Certification at CrossFit Springfield
Blue Sky Design
CrossFit Football
CrossFit Journal
CrossFit Kids
CrossFit Main Website
Great White Grafix
Proximal Strength
Wistrom Family Foundation
14 Responses
My CrossFit story…where to begin. I have been doing CrossFit for about 6 months now, I started about 4 months after having my first child. I had already lost my baby weight but was looking to get back into shape. I used to work out 4-5 times a week doing mostly cardio and some weight training here and there. I have never been a big fan of lifting weights. My first day at CrossFit was brutal, it made me feel completely out of shape. But it’s just gotten better ever since and I am proud to say that I am in the best shape of my life after only six months of CrossFit. I should mention that I was about 50 lbs overweight about 8 years ago and successfully took the weight off on my own with diet and exercise. But nothing has worked as fast and successfully as CrossFit. I have lost fifteen lbs since I started but the best part for me is the gain in strength and endurance. I am amazed on a regular basis at what I am capable of and I love that CrossFit continues to challenge me to be my best. One of my favorite things about CrossFit is that it is for everyone at every fitness level. It is about pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and becoming the best you can be. I challenge anyone to try it and say it’s not the best workout you’ve ever done…because if it’s not, you’re not doing it right!
Posted on February 18th, 2009 at 7:40 am
I debated on weather or not I should actually write in this section because I feel like “a work in progress” but I decided hey what the hell I should tell others just how awesome CrossFit is…
My first visit to CrossFit was how do I say this nicely BRUTAL. I came in thinking I’m pretty fit I can do this, I just wanna switch up my workout for some variety. Oh I got variety. Complete with shortness of breath and nausea. I didn’t even finish and I felt like this. And to make matters worse, I could BARELY get out of bed the next morning. However, one of the nicest things I can remember about the workout was just how supportive and genuine everyone was, trainers and participants included. I got a lot of “glad you’re here”, and “you did fantastic”
And even though I had completely lost the feeling in my a** and could barely clasp my bra, I went back for more (OK go ahead and say it “are you insane?”) 2 days later.
I was humbled again that second day. I thought to myself, wow how do these people do this? They look so great and they seem so nice. Are they human?
Yes they are human. They are hard-working, determined individuals seeking strength, health, and overall fitness. That’s when I decided if they can do this, so can I.
I am 5 1/2 wks into training with Jessi. I am seeing physical results I never thought possible. She has helped me discover that there is nothing I can not do. She is supportive, positive, and she lets me scream F*** (a lot). I have never felt stronger, healthier, or more emotionaly grounded in my life.
If you ask me “Is it hard?” I will tell you- “Yes it is”; “Would you recommend it to others?” I will say- “Hell yea! Are you freaking kidding me? Of course”. So if you’re at all interested give it a try. I’ll probably see you there. I’ll say “Hi” and “you’re doing great”.
As Jessi says, “nothing worth having ever comes easy…you have to work for it”.
Thanks, Jessi for everything.
Posted on February 18th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Crossfit has become a way of life for me. It is not all about working out and throwing a bunch of weight around. It is the understanding that I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to. If I want it, I need to get off of my ass and take it! Sure Crossfit has given me great physical results. I started the first of September. My wife, Jen, was in the boot camp in July and she was making some awesome improvements. This was motivation for me to join in. I had been reading the site, reading the history, and watching a ton of videos and I remember thinking “there is no f—ing way I could do that”. I signed up and did the elements 1,2 &3 with Tim. These were the intro classes and they completely kicked my ass. I used to work out 3 hours a day rotating biceps, chest, back, triceps, and maybe legs or abs. That was when I was 21 years old. I turned 30 in September, I weighed 182#, 68 inches tall, 36 inch waist, and could not run or do much of anything for very long without getting winded. Physically, Crossfit has allowed me to drop 4 belt holes, lose 10#, gain 7# in muscle, and the ability to run. I do not run regularly, but I am commited to doing the WOD. The WODs have increased my cardio endurance so much that I was able to run 6 miles the other day with my wife non-stop without getting winded! I started out being able to do 4 consecutive pullups. Now I can do 24! I can do most WODs RXd, which kicks ass for me. But the main thing Crossfit has given me is motivation to attack life. Live life to the fullest. Get off of my ass and be a productive member of society. And, don’t think I can’t!
In September, I also started back at school to finish my BSN with the goal of continuing on to Grad school. (Sorry if there are spelling mistakes, the post does not have a spell check). I have every bit of confidence that this is a realistic goal for me.
An added bonus is the friendships made in the trenches. It is amazing the support everyone gives one another. There has never been anyone negative at the gym. Everyone notices how far you have come. It is so cool to see someone put in the time and pain and finally do their first push up, or pull up, or RX WOD. The women at the gym are so cool, and motivating. I see how they continue on when the WOD gets tuff and it motivates me to try harder. Again, this is an extra bonus.
If you are reading these testimonials and are thinking that these workouts are impossible, stop, relax, and stop by sometime. The WOD can be modified to your fitness level, and no one will make fun of you. The trainers aren’t just there to make sure that you don’t drop the weight on your head. Tim, Jessi, Jeremy, and Jen are great with encouragement, guidance, and feedback. They are there so you will succeed.
On a side note, I would just like to say thank you to everyone at the gym for all of the help, motivation, and laughs. You all kick ass. Even you Tim.
Posted on February 19th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
I want to write a testimonial for all the people that are looking around the website and thinking-’oh my gosh! I could never do those workouts.’ I started CrossFit about 6 months ago. My husband had gone and loved it, but I wasn’t convinced. He played sports in high school and college and had always worked out. I, on the other hand, had never had a routine work out schedule at all. I would go to the gym, maybe work up a sweat, and then decide that was good enough and go home.
I would be lying if I said wasn’t intimidated the first time I went. There were weights everywhere and everyone was sweating like crazy. I wanted to turn around and run! I couldn’t imagine myself every doing these workouts. Now I can’t imagine my life without them! I actually look forward to going to the gym instead of dreading it. The feeling of pushing myself further than I thought possible is a wonderful feeling. I never knew how wonderful it feels to know that you are making your body healthier and stronger.
Posted on February 20th, 2009 at 5:56 am
There is so much to say about how Crossfit has change my life, it will be nearly impossible to do so in one sitting.
A buddy of mine, Tommy, wanted me to come try this workout with him this one time. He told me that the guys from the 300 movie did this or something like that. Told me that this was going to be intense, that he felt like throwing up a few times during and after a workout.
Having worked out since the age of 16 with weights and various cardio programs, my thoughts were that this shouldn’t be all that hard.
The first workout was “The Ninja Mile,” go back through the workouts and take a look for yourself. I don’t remember too much about that day except throwing certain words I shouldn’t repeat in Tim’s general direction
I was sore for about a week after that workout and hadn’t been sore like that after a workout in probably years. But there was one thing that I knew during that week of hardly moving and that was that go back, I must.
Crossfit has become an addiction. The workouts are always great and always hard. There is nothing like walking in everyday having no idea what you will be doing. During the workout, several feelings go through you, from excitement, intense rage and Jeremy, Tim or Jessi for coming up with this horrible plan, gratitude towards Jeremy, Tim or Jessi for pushing you to places you didn’t think were possible, and an intense desire to come back the next day.
The workouts work. I have lost 20 pounds and several belt sizes since I began only a few months ago. My strength and agility has increased along with my energy level generally through out the day. Pretty much, the workouts speak for themselves. Just take a look and you’ll be able to tell.
One thing that you may not be able to tell so readily is what a great place Crossfit Springfield is to be. Never have I been to a gym or fitness center that offered such great friends and such great encouragement. Anyone could go on to the website and look at the workouts and do them at home or where ever, but I come to crossfit 4 or 5 times a week not just because of the workouts, but also I love being around the people.
The people at Crossfit Springfield, from the trainers to the others working out to the kids in the kid room are all terrific and a joy to be around. Every morning I wake up and can’t wait to get to CrossFit. Seldom is there a time of dred over how intense or difficult the workout will be. The feelings I have are always of anticipation and excitement.
Just come in and try Crossfit. Know that yes, you will be sore for a few days after your first time, but pay attention to the people. Pay attention to your body. I believe that you will have that say same feelings that I do of desire, anticipation and excitement about coming to CrossFit.
Posted on February 26th, 2009 at 10:11 am
I’ve been at CrossFit Springfield for about 7 months. I talk about it so much that my friends and coworkers ask if they pay me to recruit. The answer is, “No, they don’t!”
CrossFit has given me so much in the way of a mental and physical challenge, and I am learning to train both my body but my mind to become stronger. I’m also a runner, and I’m currently training for my second marathon. I am running well over a minute faster per mile now than I was before, and I know that CrossFit has given me that extra bit of edge to push me further than what I ever thought possible.
Of course I love the changes I am seeing in my body. However, along with that, I am making friends and forging a camaraderie with others who are just as intense and excited about CrossFit as I am. The support I have gotten from the trainers and members is irreplaceable. You can’t find that just anywhere!
Posted on February 27th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
In July I had three nurses come to my office and tell me how much I needed to get into shape and try a “Boot Camp” they were going to start in August. I laughed at them…I did not own a pair of tennis shoes!!! I was severly overwieght and thinking of doing lapband surgery. I wanted a surgical or easy way out! I had tried Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, starvation etc… to loose wieght. In August I was the heaviest I had ever been at 260#. That weekend my husband helped me pick out a pair of shoes and I showed up Monday morning at Cross FIt.
Wow! Has this changed my life! I did not diet for the first few months. I could not do a push-up sit-up or any other exercise they threw at me- modifications for all work-outs. I just started to worked out 3 times a week with the group, stopped fast food and sweets and tried to make healthier choices. The Cross fit method of exercise has made me strong and created an endurance I never knew I possessed. I now know I can hang with the young ones! As of today I have lost 60# and 10m dress sizes!!! It was not easy but well worth every drop of sweat!!!
I now have the physical and mental strength to reach my goal which is another 40#. The support I have recieved from the trainers, cross fitters and boot campers is terrific! Cross fit is never boring and routine, there is always a new work-out of the day(WOD) and we are always working it together. This is a family and team, not a gym! I never thought I would be in the best shape of my life at 50!! I hear Jessi in my head” Finish Strong!” and I plan to!!
Thanks, Jessi, Brian, Tim, Jen, Jeremy and Tina!!
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 10:28 am
Crossfit will rock your fat off!,,,,,,,been going 5 1/2 weeks and have lost four inches off of my waist,,,,dang,,,,had to buy all new shorts for the summer!,,,,I’ve worked out since junior high,,,,,i’m 29 now,,,,,just six weeks ago i thought i was gonna have to live with my slow metabolism and E.T. like figure,,,,,,,i was skinny and fat at the same time,,,,,such a sexy combonation!,,,,,,i saw crossfit on the news one morning and made it a point to check it out,,,,,two months later i made it to the gym and i’ve been hooked every since,,,,,i eat like an animal,,,,,i dont diet,,,,,,and i lose fat and gain muscle every time i walk into that place,,,,,its not a gym its a way of life,,,,a family,,,,,a place to relieve stress,,,,,,and it works!,,,,,,,
Posted on June 16th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
I heard about Crossfit from a good friend of mine who works out there – Tyler Thompson. Tyler called me a pansy for a good two months when I told him I did P90X and I thought it was good enough to get me in great shape. After he made fun of me long enough, I decided to give Crossfit a try. I can tell you without reservation that Crossfit is without a doubt the best workout you can ever get. I am a soldier in the Army and a police officer as well. There is no workout that either provides that compares to Crossfit. After training with Jeremy for 9 weeks, I am in better shape than I have ever been in my life. I will be training with Crossfit for the rest of my life, there’s simply nothing that can compare.
Not only is Crossfit the best thing you can do for your body, but Crossfit Springfield is the best place you can go to workout. It really is like a family environment and everyone is there to push you further than what you thought you could go. I can’t say enough good things about all of the trainers, each one is committed 100% and it shows in how they treat everyone and the interaction they have with all of us. If you’ve ever wanted to go the extra mile but were never sure how or when to get started, I can tell you that now is the time and Crossfit Springfield is the place. You’ll never regret it and you will be forever glad you did.
Posted on August 12th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
First 2 workouts were like near death experiences. I love this stuff already.
Ive been inspired by Crossfits main Webpage and the various Youtube posting by devotees from all over, but never knew we had an affiliate right here in Town. I came in and signed myself up as soon as I found out there was such a group of right minded fitness nuts in this town.
I like to think I know a bit about fitness as a Therapist and long time “lifter. I mean hell People come to my house to train every week in my garage gym. I have a reputation for being intense, and demanding intensity. Its time for me to get a dose of my own medicine. I’m so stoked because Its high time I have someone else training me. I’ve cut myself way too much slack over the years and I intend to let crossfit point it all out.
Upon sign up, Jeremy Mhire told me that this approach will point out your weaknesses like nothing else. Don’t tell anyone but My weakness is Cardio. Wouldn’t you know not 17 seconds into my
first class Jesse had us Running around the building and doing Driveway sprints! I realize to most folks thisdoes not sound bad but you have to understand: I really really R E A L L Y hate to run. I even walk in the rain. I was done before the workout started.
The Trainers here are top notch. You will be motivated to push beyond your physical and mental comfort zones toward your real potential. The form instruction is clear and requires return demonstration for everyones safety sake. (thanks Tina). If your considering joining this gym you have no idea what your missing until you try it ! The only thing you have to loose is weakness.
I love how folks write there goals and progress on the wall for accountability. Well here goes my first goal is to get a muscleup by my 40 year birthday which gives me ~6 months!
Thanks everyone!
Posted on September 19th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Where do I start? I’ve been coming to Crossfit since March, and I can’t even begin to describe what it’s done for me. Others said it before me, but I’ll say it again – it’s about more than a workout. You could walk into St. John’s Fitness Center, the Meyer Center, or any other gym in town and leave wondering what it was you actually just did and if it was effective…I did that for years. Crossfit trainers will teach you. You’ll learn something before, during, and after every workout about how to make the next one more effective.
Looking back, I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. I’m stronger than I have EVER been before, and I never knew I was capable of some of the things I’ve done. I’ve definitely noticed changes in the way I look, especially now that I’ve paired the Crossfit WODs with my running (RUNNERS: Crossfit is like an energy injection for your daily run. Trust me). That’s almost a side benefit, though. The bigger, deeper thing I’ve noticed is how much confidence I have in the way that I am – I look in the mirror and think about all the things my body is capable of doing and I am PROUD. That’s a pretty cool feeling!
So, if you’re looking at the website and you’re not sure if you’re strong enough or if you’re fit enough or if you’d be able to do it…PLEASE don’t be intimidated. Everyone has to start somewhere, and there’s no better or less judgmental place than Crossfit. It is impossible to come in, do the WODs, and NOT get stronger.
Thank you, Crossfit, Crossfit trainers, and Crossfit family. It’s not a workout, it’s a lifestyle, and you guys help us live and breathe it.
Posted on November 4th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
I’ll start by mentioning my that my CrossFit goals are different than most. Ever since high school I’ve been tall (6′4″) and lanky 170-175 lbs. I have one of those turbo metabolisms that most would kill to have. However, it gets old having people comment on how skinny you are or poke your ribs. I’ve tried the shakes, powders, etc. to gain weight, but nothing ever really did the trick. I’ve tried the Globo-gym…nothing.
I love being outside doing almost anything, cycling, running, surfing, or just playing. So, I figured I was in pretty decent shape. Then around the end of August 2009 at 7:00 pm I stepped into the newbie class and met this guy with a mohawk who was talking about some equation and swinging around on the pull-up bar like a maniac. I, then, completed Fran, 21-15-9 thrusters and pull ups, in a dismal 10 minutes using the 45 lb bar and doing jumping pull-ups. Doesn’t sound that hard, but I honestly saw the past 25 years of my existence flash before me as I stared at the ceiling trying to catch my breath. I spent the next several days walking around like a newborn giraffe and trying to explain to those close to me what had happened.
I was not convinced, I thought there is no way someone can do this more than once a month or so. But, I pressed on and started going twice a week. As the weeks progressed, the soreness subsided (although it still gets me on occasion), and I actually started to get stronger! I gained about 5 lbs of muscle in two months and could really see results. I ramped it up in December and started drinking a gallon of whole milk a day (GOMAD) to gain weight and continued going to CrossFit atleast 3 times per week to get stronger.
So, I started CrossFit at the end of August at about 170 lbs, its now Jan 13th, 2010 and I am 200 lbs and stronger and more fit than I have ever been in my whole life. I can’t agree more with everyone else who says CrossFit is more than a gym, it’s a family. Thanks to Jessi, Jeremy, Melissa, Grant, Bryan, Mel, and all the CrossFitters for making CFS what it is!
Posted on January 13th, 2010 at 9:33 am
I’ve thought about writing my testimonial since my first day at CrossFit Springfield. I was a skeptic before that day. As an endurance cyclist I didn’t think it was possible to see any type of improvement or strength gain with such short duration/high intensity work outs. But I’m here to tell you…In one month, not only have I seen it in myself and others, I FEEL IT! My fitness and endurance gains, when put to the test over the past couple of weeks, have been ridiculously off the charts. IN ONE MONTH!!! I love the camaraderie and encouragement that is so pitifully lacking at the globo gyms. I’ve met some really cool, amazing and STRONG people that I would have missed out on knowing if it weren’t for CrossFit. They motivate me like nothing else! I want to thank our awesome trainers for keeping it real! For continuing to gather knowledge and pass it along allowing us to grow stronger and push ourselves beyond what we thought were our limits. I plan on being here for awhile
Posted on March 4th, 2010 at 8:52 am
Today is my one year Crossfit anniversary so I thought I’d celebrate by doing a WOD – what else? 1:30/1:34/1:38/1:37/1:37. Great 6 am class. A year ago, I started with Jessi in the “Intro to Crossfit” class – it was me and one other person. That first day I almost died and the workout was less than one of our typical warmups. I could not lift the bar over my head, had to do push ups standing against the wall, could barely jump a pull up and could not run to the stop sign and back without walking part of it. Not to mention that my swimsuit has a lot less material on it this summer than last. I cannot believe what Crossfit has done for me in all asprects of my life, and unlike all of the other exercise programs in the past I routinely quit after a month, I cannot imagine this not being a part of my life. All of you already know it, but this place is special. THANK YOU!
Posted on August 3rd, 2010 at 8:15 am
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