Amie Heibert-
"I joined MEADE CrossFit in January 2015; I believe it was the first week the gym opened! I had dabbled with working out at other gyms and had even ran a mini marathon, but I was bored and looking for more personal training and classes. I was tired of the same workout routine and needed a challenge. MEADE CrossFit definitely provided that challenge. After almost 2 years at MEADE CrossFit, I can honestly say I don't think I have felt this physically fit since high school (maybe not even then). CrossFit has taught me to believe in my strength both mentally and physically. I am proud to say I can bust out 100 burpees (when I have to); I have muscle definition that I've never had before; I've even become faster. Since 2015, I have lost about 20 pounds, and I've gone down TWO sizes! I no longer struggle with my diet -- I've learned that in order to feel my best and do my best, I have to eat well. I have more energy than I've ever had. My family and I go to Disney every year, and this is the first year I had no trouble doing 14 hours of the parks. I could easily keep up with my teenagers! My CrossFit family also encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and participate in a Rugged Maniac. We will compete as a team this September (2016). Without CrossFit, I would not have the nerve or the confidence to try something so challenging. CrossFit definitely changes your way of thinking and your way of living. One of the most unexpected benefits of CrossFit is the relationships you form. Over the past two years I've attended classes at all different times during the day, and EVERY class is welcoming and supportive. It doesn't matter if you are lifting the heaviest weight or finishing last -- we are a family."
Jessica Caster-
What scared you about starting CrossFit?
To be honest, I was terrified. Terrified of being judged. Scared I wouldn't be able to do it. I didn't want to be the person to come in and not be able to even finish the workout or to be able to do any of the movements. I was afraid to be surrounded by insanely athletic people while I was at the lowest athletic ability I have ever been. That is the furthest from the truth. Meade CrossFit is for anyone and everyone. You can come in at any athletic ability. The workouts are able to be modified for anyone whether you are just starting out, have limitations due physical abilities or pregnancy, or it can be for those at the top of their game. It is one of the most inviting places to be. It's more than just a gym, it's community of supporters and friends.
What keeps you coming back?
I love the way I feel. The feeling of completing a workout that you didn't think you would finish. The feeling of being stronger, healthier, more active. The community of people keep you coming back. Their support, encouragement and friendship would be worth it alone. I keep coming back to achieve goals I never thought I would set for myself; to be able to be at an athletic ability that I never dreamed possible. Most of all I keep coming back for my family. I am a better wife and mother. I am able to pick up and carry both of my toddler twins without struggle and chase after them without becoming tired.
Because of Meade CrossFit, I am the most athletic and fit I have been since high school. I feel better about myself and the fact that I have lost weight and inches off my body. It's become a way of life for me, looking forward to coming and being bummed when I can't. There is so much more to Meade CrossFit than just a gym. Yes, it's a place to work out at, but it's also a place to get nutritional help, a group of people who genuinely care about you, and a place to do not only do more for yourself but for your community. They are so involve in making this community a bette place for every one, not just it's athletes, by participating in community fundraisers and events. I feel so lucky that I am apart of such a wonderful place. I encourage ANYONE to give it a try, you might just fall in love with it just like I have.
1 year into MEADE CrossFit
9 months into MEADE CrossFit
Blake Willoughby-
"I started at Meade Crossfit a little over a year ago and the only thing I regret is that I didn't start earlier. Physically, I'm the strongest I've ever been and can do things I never thought I'd be able to do. A lot of that has as much to do with the community as it does the workouts. It's always helpful to have a committed group of people to help keep you accountable! Meade Crossfit has become a great, positive part of my life and since I joined, multiple members of my family have joined as well. Sweaty 6am's have become my favorite way to start the day."
4 months into MEADE CrossFit
2 Years at MCF
6 month postpartum journey with 2nd baby
Danielle Anderson-
I’ve always lived an active lifestyle, but didn’t workout consistently and ate whatever I wanted. I felt blah and wanted to workout but needed someone to plan the workouts for me and push me. In August I walked in to Meade CrossFit and found exactly what I was looking for! I started going consistently, changed my diet, and immediately saw results. I’ve almost been going for 4 months and plan to go as long as I can! I love weight lifting and toes to bar! The Nastics class is so informative and parts of it take me back to my cheerleading days that I greatly miss. The age and ability of all the athletes at MCF vary, but everyone leaves there feeling like a rockstar!
2 years at MEADE CrossFit
1 year into MEADE CrossFit
2 years into his fitness journey, 1 year into MEADE CrossFit
9 months into MEADE CrossFit
Shawnie Hurst-
“As you know I started my whole journey a year ago at my heaviest and most unhealthy. I really focused on dietary changes before starting the physical part.
Mainly I had to tell myself that “I didn’t have time” wasn’t a real excuse anymore. Everyone has the same hours in a day and I needed to find 1hr at least 2-3 times a week. Now 3 days a weeks isn’t enough, I need at least 4 lol.
I have also learned that my prior ways of eating still weren’t sufficient, I’ve had to become more balanced and bring carbs back into my diet, healthy obviously, and change my protein intake to get me through workouts.
I am very fortunate that I walked in the doors of #MeadeCF
Brit and Cassie have been my big supporters and encouraging me, but since the first couple classes it’s been so easy to feel apart of the team and the energy is always so good.”
Testimonies
3 months into MEADE CrossFit
Dana-1 year & Chad-9months into MCF
1 1/2 years into MEADE CrossFit
Chad Thissen-
"I have been going to MCF for one year and 2 months. Before I started, I was doing just strength training, kind of just going through the same routines over and over. I enjoyed the buddies that I was meeting every morning, and they kept me accountable, but I felt like there was something missing when it came to my same old routine. I joined MCF to just see if I could push myself in more ways than just bench press and bicep curls. Once I came in and tried my first CF workout, I was hooked. It had been a long time since I worked that hard to get through a workout, but once I was finished, I felt like I got more out of that 20 minute workout where I was constantly moving and performing multiple movements than I was doing my same old hour and a half lifting routines. I have never been a strong runner, and was never able to just get myself out and run a mile or two just to be running. Now when there is a run or multiple runs programmed in the workouts, I do not fear walking in to the gym and dread the 3, 2, 1. I came in with many areas of weakness. My mobility and range of motion was a major one for me. Stretching was never anything that I incorporated into any pre-workout or activity. I have seen a big difference in several areas were my range of motion has improved. This may sound strange, but it is no longer a strain to lean over and put on my socks and shoes!
There are some great people with all kinds of athletic backgrounds that are members of MCF. It is also inspiring when I think I have gone as far as I can or have pushed it to my limit and look over and see everyone else battling through the same workout and internal struggle. When I am one of the lasts ones still working to finish, there are others who are finished who encourage me to keep moving. It is an awesome feeling 5 minutes after the workout when I pick myself up off the floor and know that I gave it my all. I encourage anyone to at least give MCF a try. The coaches are great, the people are great, and you will feel even better."
Leslie Willoughby- I joined MCF in January of 2016 and it has been one of the best decisions I have made both for myself as well as my family. I started when I was 3 months postpartum with my first baby and needed the change and the accountability that PeeJay and Jeremy have gone above and beyond to provide. The community is absolutely amazing and welcomed me immediately. You are always greeted with a smile and sense of togetherness with the athletes, no matter what variation of the workout you’re doing- you’re all doing it together. PeeJay and Jeremy have both pushed me to try harder and helped me make modifications and scale back when I worked out up until the day before I gave birth to my second baby. I definitely believe it helped immensely all throughout my pregnancy and allowed me to jump right back into the gym when I was cleared by my doctor. The guidance and friendship that the MCF coaches and whole community have provided have changed me for the better. As a stay at home mom of two young children this is the only “me time” I usually get, and because of the safe and welcoming environment they provide, I always feel comfortable having my kids in the amazing childcare. I have loved every minute of my 4.5 year journey with MCF and look forward to all that is still to come!
Nikki Menefee-
"Going into CrossFit I knew nothing at all about it. And when I say nothing I mean nothing! There's a whole new language I found out that goes with every day. I knew I had to do something with myself for a couple of reasons. I wanted to get more fit, learn to eat healthier and most importantly know that I will always be able to lift my son who is non ambulatory and weighs a good 50lbs and who is not getting any lighter. It was very intimidating and scary at first but I found myself going back time after time. Why you may ask? Because I felt wonderful afterwards (even if I couldn't do everything that the others were doing) and I learned more and more after EVERYTIME in the box (more about my body and what I could do) and most importantly I felt special because of the encouragement I got from fellow athletes even if they didn't know me. There were lots of times I didn't want to or didn't think I could finish a workout but with the other athletes Cheering me on till the last second I suddenly realized I could finish something that seemed impossible!
I've now accomplished moves that I thought I could never do. Don't get me wrong there are still lots of things that I cannot do yet. BUT I can lift heavy weights, do burpees, and run 200 meters without stopping! I've improved on push ups, jump roping, Olympic lifts, box jumping and many more things.
Even though there may be a time cap or rounds to be completed I always finish. I may be last or have the longest time but I complete them. That's all that matters!! As long as I give it MY all and finish and knowing that I have two coaches that stand behind me and are proud of me when I'm done.
I have never stuck to something as long as I've been with Cross Fit. I've been going almost one year and lost over 10 Pds and 12 inches overall and still losing. MEADE CrossFit has made me a happier person and I feel so much better after going. Most importantly I know I'm doing everything I can so I will be as strong mentally and physically to take care of my son!!"
Chad and Dana Pickering-
"I, Dana started MEADE CrossFit in June of 2015. I set out to make myself healthier and have more energy. After a month or so, man did I start achieving some goals! What an awesome start to my CrossFit endeavor! I gained more self confidence and have pushed myself more than I ever had before. Over the course of the next couple months Chad started having high blood pressure, was always short of breath, and was 20 pounds over where his doctor wanted him. I suggested he start CrossFit. He is glad he took my advice! Over the course of 9 months working out with the best people in the BOX, Chad has lowered his blood pressure back to normal, is within 5 lbs of his weight goal, and has a great amount of energy that he can devote to his family. Not only all of that, Chad and I have something we can do together and push each other to better ourselves! We were able to partner the Murph on Memorial Day and finished in 41 minutes!! It has definitely brought us closer together! We can't wait to make more goals and achieve them months to come. Thanks Jeremy and PeeJay and all our Meade Crossfit Family!"
Steve Redmon-
"I'm not great at this testimony stuff but I'll do my best! Before attending MCF I lifted weights and did some mild running for about 6 months. Before those six months I was in awful shape, felt like crap constantly, and my diet was to say the least absurd! In the mornings I would stop and get Dairy Queen with a 32 ounce fountain drink. Lunch was usually 4-5 soft tacos and for dinner was Totinos Pizza (the whole pizza with about 8 slices of bread) and beer. The beer still happens by the way because it's paleo right?! I finally told myself one day enough is enough! I started lifting and running but got bored with the same ole stuff day after day. My wife joined MCF and loved it! She signed me up and I was immediately hooked. The coaches, workouts, and the people are the greatest! I've seen people completely transform their bodies! Robbie Davis, Chad Thissen, Blake Willoughby, etc. I could go on for days about this but I'll wrap it up. I am in the greatest shape of my life and I will be 41 in October 2016. You are never to older or to young to start taking care of your body. If not for your family do it for yourself! I promise you will not regret it! I would like to personally thank PeeJay and Jeremy for the dedication and support that they put in day after day!" #MCF #changeyourlife
Lauren Caster-
"I'm not good with words but I have a testimonial. Before crossfit I was sluggish, no motivation, I didn't even want to play outside with my children because I would be so tired. My friends had started at MEADE CrossFit and just raved about how great they felt. I haven't had any physical activity since high school and was scared. The day I started CrossFit I was afraid I wouldn't finish the workout or I wouldn't be able to do the movements but I finished and all the movements were scaled to my ability. I have been doing CrossFit for almost 9 months and my whole life has changed. I wake up more energetic, I'm a happier mom and wife, I want to go out and play with my kids outside now. My mom had asked me the other day what the biggest change in my body was since starting CrossFit and I said "being able to run up a hill without being out of breath or avoiding the hill all together." I have lost inches and weight but more importantly I feel GREAT. With MEADE CrossFit you get a new chance and a new family!!"
Tara Hager-
"I started my journey at Meade Crossfit on November 1st, 9 months ago, specifically because they had just started offering childcare. I had just had 2 babies less than 11 months apart, and I was the heaviest I had ever been. I was unmotivated, tired all the time, and on the verge of depression. I just couldn't keep up with my 2 infants and I was so overwhelmed with life and felt like crap all the time. When I first started, I couldn't even run a quarter of a mile without stopping and felt like death. Shortly after starting, I ran my first 5K without stopping! I'm so much healthier and have so much more energy now! I can chase my girls around, carry them both at the same time, lift things that I would've needed my husband to do before. I've lost a total of 30 pounds and feel better than I've felt in years!! Meade Crossfit is more than just a "gym" or "box" to me. When I step inside, I know that I'm with family. The love and encouragement I receive from my Crossfit family makes the tough days so worth it! I actually look forward to getting up at 5am and seeing all my peeps every morning at 6am! I can't imagine where I'd be right now if Meade Crossfit hadn't come into my life! But thankfully I don't have to! Love you all! Thanks for everything you've done for me! You've given me back my life!!"