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Carrie’s Story

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[vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][container][text_output]Nutrition has always been important to me. When Robby and I first discussed the Whole 30, I made the comment that he’d have trouble cleaning up my diet and what my family eats. Well, he succeeded... Most people think a lot about what they will lose with the whole 30, that's all I heard from other people, until I started mine. Sure, you’ll lose some fat, maybe a few pounds, but what will you gain? That's where I feel like I really hit my stride, especially on a rough day,  shifting focus to my gains. Here’s what I have gained... · A more thoughtful, present lifestyle. I was very surprised at how much introspection came along with the Whole 30. Hello, WHOLE 30, not body 30! Being more cognizant of cause and effect, what am I doing to relax, is this stressing me out, how do I change what I don’t like, etc…. you get the idea. The Whole 30 isn’t just about your body. · A son asking me some tough questions, like does gluten make you sick? For him yes. Not his tummy, but his brain. The difference when he's not on gluten, huge. He can actually focus. Without the whole 30, I never would have thought of gluten! · Pride in how my body is changing, lots more muscle. I was terrified of turning 40. Now? It doesn't phase me to tell people. I'm actually kind of proud of it :) CFSB has a lot to do with that too! · Sleep. I have three boys, and I can fall asleep again....and stay asleep... · I feel great. All the time. · Most of all, I am done talking down to myself. Melissa Joulwan wrote an amazing article that sums it up. Our precious bodies. If only we ALWAYS treated our bodies as the special gift they are all the time. Our bodies deserve healthy food and being taken care of, this includes being nice to ourselves. This has been positive for EVERYONE I know and I can't share it enough. What I’ve gained is awesome, but what I’ve lost isn’t all the bad either! · Almost an inch off my waist and one inch off my hips. · My husband lost 15 pounds in the first 3 weeks and has been heartburn free since! All while eating MEAT and FAT, until he was full. · Allergies · Psoriasis · PMS. Seriously, need I say more? And we continue to see gains. My husband continues to lose weight, my boys are all happy and eating healthy. And Mama just bought herself a new bikini. :)[/text_output][image type="none" float="none" link="true" target="blank" info="none" info_place="top" info_trigger="hover" src="12707" href="https://crossfit-south-bend.myshopify.com/collections/nutrition-coaching"][/container][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2015 08 09

Johnny K – Sweat Equity

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I Had started Crossfit in Boston before I moved to South Bend. Checked out some of the other gyms in South Bend and decided CFSB was it. To me a gym is 40% about its members, 40% about its coaches and only 20% about the gym itself.  Some gyms can rightfully be described as “tool boxes.” If there aren’t good vibes from the coaches and the members, you don’t wanna stick around. Didn’t get that impression when I first met everyone at CFSB so I decided to stay. My First impression? Wait, no AC?! What changed: You’re not supposed to be comfortable working out! A little sweat equity is good for you…those outlines on the floor when you collapse after a hard workout are badges of pride. My first huge accomplishment was a Kipping pull-up. Made some of the WOD’s so much easier! [Except they’re outlawed now that I switched to the strength and conditioning class…Thanks Carl!] Also Squatting double body weight. I’m only 5-lbs off of it right now and it continues to elude me. Its the perfect evil little circle of motivation. I Always enjoyed coming to class and getting to zone out on everything else for a little while. The encouragement for everyone and how well everyone gets along at CFSB made me look forward to coming to the gym every time. Even if I was having an off day with everything else, always left the gym feeling much better.  But if I had to pick one would probably be the Wade’s Army WOD. A really fun event, and you get to get swoll for a good cause! (Great t-shirt too) -Johnny K ***Hey there Johnny K - Just wanted to say we will miss you too my friend! - Brandon

2015 07 31

Jason C.- First CrossFit Experience @ CFSB

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I came to CFSB after nearly two decades of various gym memberships that were essentially a waste of money. I had started masters swimming in my late twenties and ended up moving into triathlons and road racing. With repetitive strain injuries causing increased down-time and waning motivation, I was left floating through the endless abyss of emotionless weight machines and gaining unwanted weight.
My family had recently moved to SB in July 2014 from California.  After signing up for the requisite YMCA family membership, I actively started searching for a new experience for myself. I decided on CFSB because of the available two-week trial period for fundamentals.
New to Crossfit, I considered the vast and supportive rhetoric online. However, I was also aware of the risks espoused by online “pundits” criticizing the general concept of Crossfit. Any apprehension was quickly allayed by the pleasant discovery of the overall level of education of coaches.
[/text_output][/vc_column][vc_column fade_animation_offset="45px" width="1/2"][image type="none" float="none" info="none" info_place="top" info_trigger="hover" src="12569"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top="0px" padding_bottom="0px"][vc_column fade_animation_offset="45px" width="1/1"][text_output]Experienced athletes and coaches with a variety of master’s degrees and PhDs alike, working together to provide a safe and challenging environment.  Robby, the Fundamentals’ coach espoused the importance of health and safety through egoless scaling down of exercises as neophytes. As my first goal was to remain injury free, our mutual goals were aligned. Further, the concept of a warm and welcoming community became evident as a dozen people introduced themselves on my first day. The overall culture at CFSB is one where encouragement and praise is given for even the most basic of achievements.
My first accomplishment was the discovery, in my second month, that I had attended more workouts in six weeks, than in the preceding five years. My second accomplishment was realizing that my body craved coming back for more, and that I wanted to as well. I had some secondary benefits such as losing weight, adding a Paleo-based nutrition program and increasing my overall cardiovascular fitness level. My lifestyle was in the process of changing for the better.
Seven and a half months in, forty years old and in the best shape of my life to date, I have just started to set the stage for future accomplishments. My initial goal of remaining injury free has been sustained.
My favorite experience is that I can’t wait for the next workout.
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2015 07 20

Doug B: Thrusters and Mayonnaise

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[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][text_output]Before I joined CFSB I had been lifting weights pretty regularly for about two years prior and was completely stuck in a rut. I was just so tired of the globo-gym routine where I would constantly witness curved backs on deadlifts, squats that didn’t come close to full depth, bros flexing in the mirrors, and the god-awful Smith machine (who is Smith and why did he create that awful thing?). After hearing Chad talk about how awesome Crossfit South Bend was I decided I’d give it a try. Living the globo-gym life for a couple years, you get used to seeing a sea of weight machines, dumbbells, and treadmills so I was surprised by how empty CFSB felt when I initially walked in. To the uninitiated, it looks like someone set up a few squat racks, what could be mistaken for scaffolding, dangled some rings from the ceiling, and called it a gym so I wasn’t sure how it was all going to work. After my first on-ramp WOD all of that skepticism disappeared. I remember thinking two things; don’t puke, and sign-up for a membership as soon as possible. That first WOD has led to many accomplishments and moments of pride in the past year, the first being committing myself to something that makes your brain scream at you to stop while you force yourself to run a little faster, swing the kettlebell again, or push the bar overhead. The accomplishment of which I am most proud was RXing 15.5 and completing less than twenty minutes, and then setting a new PR for Helen the next day. Up until that point in the open I hadn’t RX’d a single workout and when I saw 15.5 involved thrusters I immediately thought, “whelp, looks like I won’t be RXing another one”. Because, you see, I hate thrusters at any weight. I hate thrusters more than anything on this planet (even more than mayonnaise) and for me to force myself to grind through at the Rx weight was big and then to go into Helen the next day, not trying to get a PR and actually coming up with one just added to a memorable couple of days. (Side note: I didn’t walk right for a week after that). As for my current goals, I’m trying to get my first muscle-up and trying to regain the ability to string double-unders together. I say regain because I had them at one point but then they vanished (apparently practice is necessary). I’ll let you know how it goes. Photos courtesy of Bluekrishna Photography [/text_output][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_row_inner padding_top="450px" padding_bottom="450px" border="all" parallax="true" bg_image="12525" inner_container="true" no_margin="true"][vc_column_inner width="1/1"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2015 07 10

Betsy Jaffee: CrossFit Women

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[vc_row][vc_column][text_output]Betsy's Story What brought me to CrossFit?  Well...a visit to the dentist's office actually!  After commenting to my dental hygienist Carolyn how great she looked, she told me she did Crossfit and invited me to the next BAFD.  Now when I go to get my teeth cleaned all we talk about is Crossfit!! What was your first impression of CrossFit? What changed once you started at CrossFit South Bend?  My first introduction to Crossfit was watching the 2011 Crossfit Championship.   I had never seen women that strong and it absolutely blew me away.  Sure, I'd seen women body builders - you know, with the high heels and the spray tans, but these Crossfit women were different.  They were tough and scrappy and FUNCTIONALLY strong.  I immediately had two thoughts - 1) OMG I WANT TO DO THAT! and 2) OMG my shoulder tendonitis would NEVER permit me to do that!   It took awhile for my mindset to change.  I went in with such a fear of injury, but almost immediately I felt everyone was watching over me and would not allow that to happen.  I was taught some mobility exercises.  Then I found myself gaining confidence and slowly getting stronger - my shoulder began to hurt less and less - then one day I woke up and realized it wasn't hurting at all anymore.  This was kind of a milestone for me, especially after two cortisone shots and several rounds of traditional physical therapy had not helped me in the least. My first accomplishment that I took pride in- when I first started On Ramp I could not hang on the bar at all - it hurt my shoulder too bad.  I started practicing in 3 second increments.  Now I can do a 1 minute dead hang.  I'm very proud of that.  Oh, and my first successful rope climb was pretty exciting too! What accomplishment am I working towards now? I am currently working on getting my first strict pull up and my first strict toes to bar.  I also want to be able to overhead squat with something heavier than the pvc pipe! I think my favorite Crossfit South Bend experience is the daily camaraderie and encouragement I experience from the coaches and my fellow Crossfitters.  One of my best memories was the first time a coach stopped in the middle of her workout to give me a pointer and encourage me.  When a coach is doing a workout I always feel that's kind of their sacred time, and for someone to interrupt their own workout to help me...well that's pretty special. Photos courtesy of Bluekrishna Photography [/text_output][vc_row_inner padding_top="150px" padding_bottom="150px" border="all" bg_pattern="12499" parallax="true"][vc_column_inner width="1/1"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2015 07 06

Dan Long’s Story

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I am not sure that I am the “typical crossfitter,” as a matter of fact I am not sure what a typical crossfitter is. To put that statement into perspective, since I have been going to Crossfit South Bend I have worked out beside high school students and with those in there 60s. In order for my story to make much sense to anyone who doesn’t know me well, I believe I will have to give a brief explanation about my past. I don’t believe I have ever been an athlete. In school I played a variety of different sports and in my 20s I dabble in Karate with my wife and kids. Since that time, in the past 10 years I have been diagnosed with 2 bulged discs in my neck. I have had surgery on my left eye for a detached retina. I have had surgery on my left knee for torn meniscus. Most recently, February 13, 2014, I had a pretty nasty shoulder surgery that stemmed from being hit by a car when I was 18. Twenty-five years later I was at the point of having to stop doing anything or get it fixed. 5 months later I started with the bar on a linear strength program that Brandon and Carl provided me with. For the first 3 to 4 months I considered that a continuation of rehab. I started following the strength portion of the strength and conditioning class that Carl teaches. At this stage almost 11 months of training, my dead lift, power clean and back squat are stronger than they ever have been. My bench and press are lagging a little (I wonder why), but I believe I will be setting a new pr for both of them soon. There are other lifts that have had good progression but those are the most common to come to mind. I am very grateful for the support, coaching and lets not forget all the lifting spots from the staff and other members. I firmly believe, regardless of your fitness goal or goals, be it endurance, strength, mobility or even proper diet, the coaches here at Crossfit South Bend can give you the guidance you need. -Dan

2015 07 03

Janet’s Whole90 Testimonial-and she still isn’t finished!

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[vc_row padding_top="0px" padding_bottom="0px"][vc_column fade_animation_offset="45px" width="1/1"][text_output]Janet’s amazing Whole90 success story Robby’s thoughts: Janet is one of our all-time best success stories with the Whole90. She has been one of the most compliant members we’ve ever had with our nutrition recommendations and she’s seen the results. She still has a month to go with her Whole90 and she’s already lost 21.8lbs, with 7” off her waist, and 3.5” off her hips. How’s Janet feeling?: "Thank you. I feel great. I don't have any digestions problems now. The digestions thing is really is a blessing so I probably will stay gluten free. My sleeping is better. All around I am feeling really good." First Weigh-in Sept. 28th 2014 Weight: 190.2 Waist: 41” Hips: 44” Most recent Weigh-in Dec. 17th 2014 Weight: 168.4=21.8lbs lost! Waist: 34”=7” off her waist! Hips: 40.5”=3.5” off her hips! Want to reserve a spot in our 2016 Whole 90? Click here to reserve your spot! Check out some of Janet's Latest Update Pictures![/text_output][vc_media_grid element_width="3" item="mediaGrid_SimpleOverlay" grid_id="vc_gid:1450278554099-9ac4ee37-0d35-0" include="13605,13606,13607,13608,13609,13610,13611,13595"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2014 12 22

Anna B’s Whole90 Testimonial

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[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][image type="none" float="none" info="none" info_place="top" info_trigger="hover" src="10508"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][text_output]Anna B's Testimonial! I can't believe what a difference this has made for me !! I really wasn't sure if I would make it. I had my doubts. But i must say i have been converted !! I really do feel better, I don't seem to miss bread at all, I REALLY do feel better ! And as a bonus I have lost weight. I have learned life long lessons on how to eat right and take care of myself. I wish I would have done it sooner. I have intergrated a few thing back in to my diet....milk here & there though not as much as i thought. The whole 30 has really just taught me how to put my meals together & how eating right can improve yourself. I'm so glad I did it. I know know that I will continue this eating pattern for always now, & soon hope to help my family to eat well too.Take care. I look forward to seeing u at the gym. U have really helped me in this process in being a great sounding board, and encouraging me when I wasn't sure. Thanks for all your help[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2014 12 11

Trey’s Before and After photos

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[cs_content][cs_section parallax="false" separator_top_type="none" separator_top_height="50px" separator_top_angle_point="50" separator_bottom_type="none" separator_bottom_height="50px" separator_bottom_angle_point="50" style="margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][cs_text]...last August at my reunion. Shows how much Crossfit has changed my life! Can't thank you enough for providing such a great place to get healthy and have an amazing time![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax="false" separator_top_type="none" separator_top_height="50px" separator_top_angle_point="50" separator_bottom_type="none" separator_bottom_height="50px" separator_bottom_angle_point="50" style="margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/3" style="padding: 0px;"][x_image type="none" src="http://crossfitsouthbend.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/B-and-A-2.jpg" alt="BEFORE" link="false" href="#" title="" target="" info="none" info_place="top" info_trigger="hover" info_content=""][/cs_column][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/3" style="padding: 0px;"][x_image type="none" src="http://crossfitsouthbend.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/B-and-A-3.jpg" alt="" link="false" href="#" title="" target="" info="none" info_place="top" info_trigger="hover" info_content=""][/cs_column][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/3" style="padding: 0px;"][x_image type="none" src="http://crossfitsouthbend.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/B-and-A-4.jpg" alt="" link="false" href="#" title="" target="" info="none" info_place="top" info_trigger="hover" info_content=""][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

2014 12 09

CJ’s Whole90 Testimonial

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[vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][container][text_output]When I was a kid I went the process of testing for allergies where they prick your forearms in long rows with various allergens and measure the swelling to determine how allergic you are to the different substances. I had to do it three or four times because I was so allergic to some of the things that the swelling of some of the points obscured all the ones around them. The doctor's quip was that it looked like I was allergic to everything under the sun, including the sun. I've been on allergy medication since then, that is, for at least twenty years. And it's not just the seasonal allergies that many get when plants bloom in the spring. I'm allergic to dogs, cats, fuzzy animals generally, cigarette smoke, pollen of all kinds, and worst of all, dust. Not being able to breathe through my nose is normal. I can't spend more than 15 minutes at the house of anyone who has a pet. Cleaning (particularly dusting and vacuuming) knock me out for the rest of the day. Except that I spent Easter with someone who has a cat. All afternoon. For hours. In a house with a cat. And was completely fine. And extraordinarily, over the past two months, this has become the new normal. I stopped taking my allergy medication sometime in February, and I still can breathe. I've become a better singer, because I have more space in my sinuses. I can be around people who have pets without crying, itchy eyes and a stuffy nose. I was not the most obedient or systematic Whole-30-er, but I have been relatively consistent and when I go off plan, I feel it in my head. A lot of people have stories involving drastic weight loss or increased performance or muscle gain - none of that really changed drastically for me. The difference hasn't been how my body looks from the outside, but how it functions on the inside. And not having to have emergency benedryl on hand at all times is a pretty big game-changer. At least for me.[/text_output][/container][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][share title="Share this Post" facebook="true" twitter="true" email="true"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2014 12 04

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