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Category: Uncategorized

Member Spotlight: Tim Hriczo

Coach Pete

Member Spotlight: Theresa Demich

Coach Pete
From Coach Pete:
When I think of Theresa, I think of consistency. Consistency is one of the most important factors for success. With that said, its no surprise how much progress Theresa has made in the past year. Her hard work has paid off on a world wide level. This February, Theresa will be taking her talents to Miami to compete in one of the most popular fitness competitions in the world. In order to compete, Theresa needed to qualify. She enters Wodapalooza as the 3rd ranked 60+ female in the world. Along with her success in the Wodalapooza online qualifier, Theresa also finished the 2020 CrossFit Games Open ranked 21st in the world for the 60+ female division, earning herself an opportunity to compete in the CrossFit Age Group Qualifier. She has positioned herself as a contender for the 2020 CrossFit Games this summer in Madison, Wisconsin. Check out Theresa’s story below!
1) Why do you workout?
I love to workout. Anyone who knows me, knows this is my passion. It provides a new opportunity every day to push myself in ways that I never thought I could. After my workout I’m always thinking to myself, “I wish everyone could feel as great as I do right now.”
2) What has been your greatest obstacle on your journey?
My greatest obstacle has been double unders, such a simple skill to some but they crush me.
3) What is your favorite part of Roaster Barbell?
I love Roaster. I’m so fortunate to have people around me everyday who believe in me, support me and always expect the best from me!
4) Why is it important for older athletes to lift weights?
As an older athlete I feel it is so important to lift weights and be as strong as possible. I’ve been a server for 40 years, yes you read that correctly 40 years. I am confident I am stronger and have more stamina than my co-workers, even though I am triple some of their ages.
5) What are your fitness goals?
I work on my fitness goals almost everyday, many of you may see me doing extra programming from Pete  to help strengthen my weaknesses, I would love to make it to The CrossFit Games as an athlete, and not a spectator!
6) What made you start working out?
I played sports in high school and community college. Then took a 35 year hiatus, but in my heart I always felt I was an athlete. When I was 55 a friend suggested I try CrossFit and I never looked back.
7) What is your favorite part of CrossFit?
One of my favorite things about CrossFit is the opportunity to test myself everyday. I also love getting to spend time with my CrossFit family and my real family as my son and daughter are also members. My son Tim is my favorite partner for Saturday partner workouts.
8) What is your least favorite part of CrossFit?
Im pretty sure my least favorite thing is any piece of equipment that has assault in its name, Assault Bike and Assault Runner!
9) What motivates you?
I always want more for myself because I know I am capable of it but it takes a lot of discipline and not just motivation to put in the work when you just don’t feel like it. I also want to be in my best physical shape possible when I retire so I can enjoy myself.
10) Where do you see your self in 10 years?
In ten years I can see myself doing sets of 100 dubs and partner workouts with my kids!
11) What has CrossFit allowed you to do that you thought was never possible?
CrossFit has given me the mental and physical confidence to take on my challenges that I would have shied away from before, so many things I would have missed out on!
12) How has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?
What? Theres life outside the gym?!
13) What would you suggest to someone who is new to CrossFit and who is nervous to get started?
When I tell people how passionate I am about CrossFit, I invite them to try. Their first response is, “I’m not you, I can’t lift weights or do a pull up.” I tell them EVERYTHING I do can be scaled so that they are putting in the same work on the same muscle groups but at an appropriate level. For example, instead of push-ups on the floor they can do them on a box. I also try to reinforce the fact that everyone is so supportive and that we were once all beginners too.
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If you would like to learn more about what we do here at CrossFit Roaster Barbell, shoot Coach Pete an email at ptaylor@mail.bw.edu to begin your journey and begin writing your success story. We know you have goals, we want to offer you a path to them!

Member Spotlight: Kara Corrigan

Coach Pete
From Coach Pete:
One of our original members, Kara has played a huge role in our community over the years. I remember when we began working together, years before Roaster Barbell was even imagined. Kara’s progress has been pretty amazing. Fitness has impacted her life physically, mentally, and professionally. Check out Kara’s story below!
1) How has CrossFit impacted your quality of life outside of the gym?
I’m stronger and healthier which makes everyday tasks easier, both at home and at work. Just last week I had to help move someone at work and was able to do it without issue.  I’m asthmatic and have not had to take any medications for it since starting CrossFit. I think I’m nicer after a workout and overall have a more positive outlook on life. I love seeing the changes in my body when I workout consistently and I think it even makes me more conscious of what food I’m putting into my body. I don’t find trying on clothes scary anymore which may sound silly but I’m sure someone can relate.
2) What was your exercise background prior to CrossFit like?
  I ran a lot….marathons and halfmarathons which actually kinda broke my body down. I worked with Coach Pete as my personal trainer for a few years before Roaster was even open, which is when I really fell in love with fitness. I did yoga, spinning and just about everything you can imagine. I played various sports growing up and still play volleyball as an adult.
3) What has CrossFit allowed you to do that you never thought you would do?
  I have never been strong, when I started Crossfit training I could barely lift the bar without any weight over my head so just being able to gain muscle is huge for me. When I was in my early 20’s I failed a PT test for a police department which was humiliating because I couldn’t do push-ups but with CrossFit I not only passed my PT test I ended up passing it for the younger age bracket. I can even do more yoga poses because of gained strength.  Even things like handstand push-ups or pull-ups were unimaginable for me when I started and I can do them now. I honestly think I can do more physically at 31 then I could at 25.
4) How has CrossFit changed you mentally?
I like to think that it has. I feel better, stronger, healthier when I work out regularly so when I’m consistent with my training I just feel better all around. My mood and energy levels are better which has a positive impact on me mentally. It also has proven to me that I’m a lot stronger not only physically but mentally. You’re always one workout away from a good mood.
5) What have you learned about yourself through training with the CrossFit methodology?
I’ve learned what my strengths and weaknesses are because you can’t hide from them during workouts. I’ve learned that the workouts are essentially what you make them because you choose how hard to go or not to go. I’ve also learned that you can’t hide from your fitness level because these workouts will show you where you’re at. It has helped foster the “no quit” mentality in life and at work.
6) Why did you start CrossFit?
I started CrossFit because Pete told me to, true story. Pete had been my trainer for a few years but I had stopped training with him at some point and was strictly running high mileage. I then got injured and reached out to Pete because running was off the table for a long time while my foot healed. Pete literally said I’ll see you Monday and that was that.
7) What is your favorite part of CrossFit Roaster Barbell?
The community is a huge part of it for me. I’ve made a lot of friends here over the years who have supported me. Whether it’s teaching yoga, changing careers or hitting a PR the people are here and ready to celebrate with you.
8) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don’t give up. The last few years have been challenging for me, not bad just challenging. I quit a job after 7 years to teach yoga and become a cop (in my 30’s). There were definitely moments where I wondered if I was crazy but now that everything has settled down some I know I made the right decision. If there is something you want don’t give into your fears of failing or worry about how much time it will take. It sounds cliche but it’s true that the time will pass anyway. I think CrossFit is a great example of this if you simply set a goal and don’t give up on it you will be amazed at how awesome it feels to accomplish it 🙂
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Your time to thrive is now. If you would like to learn more about starting your path to your goals just email Coach Pete at ptaylor@mail.bw.edu or shoot a text to 440-503-6712 and lets talk about you and your goals! Check out our other member spotlights to learn a little more about who we are as a community. Thank you for your time and we look forward to meeting you!

Member Spotlight: Mike Varney

Coach Pete

From Coach Pete-

Sometimes life has a unique way of reminding us about our health. Sometimes that reminder is a heart attack. Mike 1st began with modest goals and had not yet fully dove into CrossFit. Early into his CrossFit journey, which was only 1 on 1 personal training, it happened. This was an eye opener for both Mike and myself. Whats happening inside the body can go unnoticed for years and years and then out of nowhere, boom, it hits you. Once cleared we inched our way back into regular training and slowly dosed intensity for several months. In retrospect, its all pretty amazing. 6 months post heart attack, Mike completed his 1st CrossFit Games Open Workout. Check out Mikes story below…

 

1) What was your fitness and training background prior to Roaster Barbell?

I had no real fitness or training prior to coming to Roaster.  I did go to some gyms but was never really focused on achieving any real fitness goals.

2) What prompted you to begin training regularly?
It was my daughter, she had wanted to start going to a gym and working out.  So I would go as a way of spending time with her and trying to support her in achieving the goals she was focused on achieving.  I would come to the gym with her on the weekends, but would never do anything when I traveled.  Then two things happened, the first being when my daughter Abigail found Roaster Barbell.  To be honest I was nervous for her coming to a CrossFit gym based upon my impression of these gyms and others we visited.  This impression changed at the first meeting with Pete, seeing the mix of fitness levels, and most importantly how everyone supported everyone irrespective of their fitness levels.  This made me comfortable for my daughter to go there, and then she started to push me to begin individual sessions with Coach Pete.  This got me to start doing lessons every Saturday morning which motivated me to do more exercise when traveling during the week and showing initial progress.  This motivated me further to keep going. Then I had my heart attack in April of this year which was a real eye opener for how unhealthy I really was.  I actually started to miss going to the gym and working out, so when I got clearance from the doctor I started back with the Saturday individual training sessions, then moving to the regular classes. In summary – the two things that prompted me was my daughter pushing me to start doing the individual sessions which showed I could actually do this once I focused more on it.  The second was my heart attack, reinforcing the need to be healthier.
3) What have you changed about your diet and what was the impact on your health?
My main diet change was attempting to cut out all processed type foods.  I also do not restrict myself from foods I used to eat on more regular basis.  If I want a piece of cake or pizza, I have it.  Doing things this way, I do not get really hungry, don’t really crave processed type foods, and have seen consistent results.
4) What are your fitness goals?
I want to maintain consistency of exercising on a regular basis, side goal to be able to do a 5k and also 10 pull ups.
5) What is your favorite part of the Roaster Barbell community?
My favorite part is the support from everyone (as noted in question 2) no matter a persons fitness levels.  A person at the gym that can complete one of the full open workouts is right there supporting a person who can just get through one round of the workout with all the excitement as if they were doing the exercise.  This drives a sense of community, and more importantly gets rid of the intimidation for beginners to come to Roaster and actually begin with confidence they can achieve their goals.
6) What health challenges have you faced?
As mentioned above my biggest challenge and eye opener was my heart attack (with a stent).
7) What advice would you have for someone who is afraid to start?
Set realistic goals for yourself and work to your goals for health and fitness, not anyone else’s.
8) What fears did you have before starting, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest fear coming to a gym like Roaster was if I could actually do any of the exercises effectively or fit into one of the classes.  I overcame these in two ways, first having a support network to push me to just do it (this was my daughter and the community at Roaster). The second was just taking the first step and signing up for the sessions.  I know that sounds cliche, but taking that first step gives you the confidence to continue moving forward.
9) Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have greatly enjoyed the time I have been coming to Roaster, the people I have met, and the support that has been given to both me and my daughter.  I’m glad my daughter found Roaster and pushed me to start coming to the gym.  The sense of community Pete has developed at Roaster has helped me keep the motivation and enjoyment in exercising.  More importantly for me is that my daughter has felt welcomed at Roaster, to which I thank everyone at Roaster.  Finally, one day Pete we will find the absolute perfect cup of coffee.
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If you would like to learn more about what we do at Roaster Barbell simply shoot us a message at ptaylor@mail.bw.edu and lets talk about how we can help you!

Member Spotlight: Karen Bernat

Coach Pete

From Coach Pete:

Nearly 10 years ago Karen and I began our partnership. A partnership that has been more mutual than she would think. Consistency and loyalty have carried us for many years, and it is one of give and take, ying and yang. We couldn’t be more different in many ways, but our similarities have helped us form a great friendship and working relationship. Karen has been through every single up and down with this community for a long long time. She has seen many different versions of myself and the business and she’s still going strong. Our relationship is much more than just fitness. We started with 1 on 1 for many years and through that time we were able to discuss life, faith, love, and everything in between. We took on some of the worlds most controversial topics. Karen has helped me be a better person and coach. Her importance to this community and myself cannot be emphasized enough. Through the years, she has had a hand in many projects and events. Often times her help has been behind the scenes doing the little things that need done. Her main objective has always been to put others first and anyone who has spent time with her knows this. Karen, thank you for sharing your story with us.

1. How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?

Probably about a million ways but I want to focus on one. It has given me an inner strength that I never had before. The last couple of years have been tough for me, and life has knocked me down a few pegs. I have been dealing with pain, weight gain, and depression. But I have not given up or given in to this “rough spot” in my life. I felt close one time. And it was a CrossFit friend who listened to my craziness- until it even sounded crazy to me.  I have had a period of fewer days at the gym. And I believe once no- twice I stayed away for an entire week. But never have I given up.  Because of the inner strength I have developed, quitting is not an option. So I show up. I do what I can do. And I continue to strengthen my body, mind, and spirit. I continue to do what I have to do and slowly I have come to a much better place. In every area of my life. The gym is my place to shut out the world for a bit and take care of me. I think everyone needs a place like that.

The inner strength helps me to deal with what I call my demons.  (My lack of self confidence, that inner voice that is constantly critical, anxiety, depression, knee pain, a true addiction to sugar) To name a few.
It has been crucial to finding my way back. And I am. It gave me the strength to seek a counselor which gave me the courage to look for acupuncture for my knee pain. Which led me to PT as well.  –Insert plug here for Pure Physio. They are amazing!– Which gave me the strength to fight to be healthy again. Then I had to tap into that inner strength to ask for help with my diet. I really though I could do that myself.  I did it before right?  Wrong!
I am incredibly grateful to have a place that helps me develop strength of all kinds.
Friends and family often remark on my “strength”. They think that I’m strong person and that’s why I love CrossFit. What they don’t understand is that CrossFit made me the person I am. It gave me physical and mental strength I never had before.
2. What was your exercise background prior to CrossFit?
I found fitness just a couple of years before crossfit found me.  At 48 years old I walked into a gym for the first time since high school. I was 450# and could barely move. I started by walking on a treadmill. My first workout was a 15 min. walk at 1.5 mph; some of it on a slight decline. Pete Taylor became part of my journey that first year. He was working as a personal trainer at the gym. He slowly moved me from machines to free weights.  Yes he would make me go in the scary room!  And then began adding some crossfit elements into my workouts.
3.What has CrossFit allowed you to do that you never thought you would?
Short Answer
– Row a Marathon – indoors
– Bike a Marathon – stationary bike
– Ski Erg a Half Marathon (I had to alternate standing and sitting on this one)
– Row 5 Million+ meters.
– Keep fighting through the hardest of times!
4.How has CrossFit changed you mentally?
See answer #1. And it has also made me a more open minded person.  Maybe it is seeing everyone, (Male, female, overweight, young, old, fit; put whatever other descriptor you want here. believer, non believer, straight, gay, black, white, tall, short) Struggle to become a better person, to be the best version of themself. It has helped me to realize that in this life, we are all in it together. We need to cheer each other on. Build each other up. We all have more in common then we have differences. I now truly enjoy being a more accepting person. I love hearing your opinion on deep issues. And guess what? You are not going to offend me.
5. What have you learned about yourself using CrossFit methodology?
I have learned that no matter how far I have traveled in the wrong direction it is never too late to change the direction I am headed.
It’s not easy- but I can face my fears head on.
That I need people.
That it can take me a very long time to learn something new. And that’s ok.
That the hardest fight I’ll ever face is with myself.
6.Why did you start CrossFit? 
Because this guy I was seeing for personal training opened a CrossFit gym.
As I said earlier. Pete slowly began introducing CrossFit into my personal training sessions with him. So I had I pretty good idea of what it was like. But when he told me he was opening a “real” CrossFit gym. I didn’t think that I belonged there. Pete and I had a rather heated discussion about it.  I was scared. I didn’t think I would fit in. On bad days my demons still tell me I don’t fit in. I don’t listen.
Anyone can do CrossFit.  Because you do it at your level and you compete with yourself to become the best you.
7. What is your favorite part of CrossFit Roaster Barbell?
The people!  Their support, their friendship.  I am fully aware that I am a difficult person to get to know. That has even been worse the last 2 years as depression does not help to make you an outgoing person.
Yet I feel fully accepted at CFRB. At my worst times I was at the gym on the bike and I was hoping no one would talk to me. Sometimes I would walk out so that I didn’t cry. Sometimes I did cry. Through all of that no one ever treated me like I shouldn’t be there.
I have gained back over half the weight I lost. No one ever treated me like I didn’t belong there.
I hope it’s because even though i just seemed to be losing battle after battle. They could see that I was still in the war.
And I have learned to love hugs, even sweaty ones.
8. Anything Else?
Yes!  You won’t find a better or more supportive coach than Pete!
He is a huge part of my support system and takes an interest in every member. Just today I heard him ask a member,  so how’s your water intake today?  He’s knowledgeable and not afraid to keep learning. He’s honest. Sometimes I don’t want to hear his honesty. Sometimes it is uncomfortable.  But when I give myself time to think about his comments I understand what he was trying to tell me. I’m rather black and white in my focus, he helps by pointing out that huge gray area in the middle.
I also want to say that I know I was pretty open in answering these questions. You may not have wanted to hear about my struggles.  But that’s me. A rather open book. Because I know I’m not the only one struggling, and to keep quiet about it and pretend I’m not won’t help those other people.  Again we are all in this together. And together we can make it through.
I am finding my way again.  And I know if your struggling you can too!
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If you would like to learn more about what we do at Roaster Barbell simply shoot us a message at ptaylor@mail.bw.edu and lets talk about how we can help you!

Member Spotlight: Kathy Dillon

Coach Pete
Kathy joined our community in April of 2018 and her progress in the last year and a half has been incredible. How incredible? Well, possibly life saving. Being diagnosed with diabetes is news that no one wants to hear. Endless medications and complications as well as possible loss of vision and toes through amputation are all worries of diabetics. Fortunately for Kathy, with the right nutrition and lifestyle change, she was able to completely come off of her medications. Currently, Kathy is at 110# LOST and thriving. People like Kathy are exactly why Roaster Barbell exists. We are grateful to have been apart of your journey, Kathy!
1) How has CrossFit impacted your quality of life outside of the gym?
It has changed my life 100%. I used to have to sit down between stores at the mall. I now eat standing up because I have so much energy. I used to feel like I was dragging my body with me. Now I feel like I don’t want to stop walking once I start.
2) What was your exercise background prior to CrossFit like?
Desk job. The last time I was seriously into exercise was the Jane Fonda era.
3) What has CrossFit allowed you to do that you never thought you would do?
Run a 5K. Hated it, but I did it.
4) How has CrossFit changed you mentally?
CrossFit has saved my life mentally. My doctor will back me up on this. I want to live. I want to exercise. I want to continue to show up the old me.
5) What have you learned about yourself through training with the CrossFit methodology?
That all my excuses were my fault. I would blame everyone and everything. Even my 55 year old body is changing every week. I have muscles. I’m strong. It works.
6) Why did you start CrossFit?
My walking tapes and faceless gyms were getting old. I have a friend who was taking CrossFit classes.  She told me her weight had not changed. But her body was definitely changing for the better.
7) What is your favorite part of CrossFit Roaster Barbell?
That I don’t have to be the best. Most days I’m the worst . But I’m still learning new things and getting the workout of a lifetime every single day.  The CrossFit community will support you no matter what your skill level is.
8) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Before diet and exercise my A1C was 9.9 . After 8 months of diet and exercise my A1C was 8.1. After 3 months of CrossFit my A1C was 6.2 and 3 months later it was 5.6. That speaks for itself. My doctor was thrilled!
I have been a daughter
a  wife
a mother
a sister
a friend
a lover
a widow
a survivor
All these things make me who I am, but at my last doctor visit she called me an ATHLETE.
Three years ago that is a name this 305 lb. woman only dreamed of.
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If you would like to learn more about what we do here at CrossFit Roaster Barbell, shoot Coach Pete an email at ptaylor@mail.bw.edu to begin your journey and begin writing your success story. We know you have goals, we want to offer you a path to them!

CrossFit Kids – Fall 2019

Coach Pete

Our CrossFit Kids Fall schedule is now live! CrossFit Kids is our youth program specifically designed for 6-12 year boys and girls who are looking to learn the fundamentals of fitness in a safe and encouraging atmosphere. Coach Kasey Reis will once again be running this program which is scheduled to begin in October and wrap up around Thanksgiving. The goal of our CrossFit Kids program is to actively encourage young boys and girls to learn about fitness through games, skills, and teamwork. This hour long class is sure to keep your kids engaged and entertained while safely coaching them in a small group atmosphere.

 

*CrossFit Kids Fall 2019 Enrollment*

—> ENROLL HERE <—

Do you need help enrolling?

Coach Pete Email: ptaylor@mail.bw.edu

Coach Pete Cell: 440-503-6712

*CrossFit Kids Fall 2019 Pricing*

All 15 Classes – $140

Single Class – $15

*CrossFit Kids Fall 2019 Schedule*

Thursday October 3 – 4:30 pm

Saturday October 5 – 8:00 am

Thursday October 10 – 4:30 pm

Saturday October 12 – 8:00 am

Thursday October 17 – 4:30 pm

Saturday October 19 – 8:00 am

Thursday October 24 – 4:30 pm

Saturday October 26 – 8:00 am

Thursday October 31 (NO CLASS)

Saturday November 2 – 8:00 am

Thursday November 7 – 4:30 pm

Saturday November 9 – 8:00 am

Thursday November 14 – 4:30 pm

Saturday November 16 – 8:00 am

Thursday November 21 – 4:30 pm

Saturday November 23 – 8:00 am

—> ENROLL HERE  <—

 

Member Spotlight: Ryan Rohde

Coach Pete
From Coach Pete:
Ryan has been a leader in this community since day 1, and even before our doors were open. I sit in a unique position where I get to watch people grow and progress through the years. Ryan’s progress has been outstanding through the past 4 years, starting as a video game playing teenager, and progressing into a hero to many as a fireman and paramedic. As a community, we couldnt be more proud of the man he is today. Thank you for your loyalty and hard work through the years, Ryan. It has not gone unnoticed and your best years are yet to come. Continue with what got you to this point and the sky is the limit! Thank you! -Pete
1. How does CrossFit impact your career?
CrossFit impacts my career in a lot of ways. Being a FireFighter/Paramedic I need to be in good overall shape and health. From the simpilest things as picking up a skinny elderly lady, or having to pick up a person who weighs over 300lbs, to having to wear fire gear and move hose. I know it sounds and looks easy when we do it but, heres some numbers to help paint a better picture. Our fire gear weighs around a 65lbs. That’s the boots, turnout pants and coat, and SCBA. That’s not including the tools you have to carry in with you or the hose you have to move. One 100ft section of 2.5 inch hose filled with water weighs over 200lbs. And we on average usually use 200ft. While we typically use a 1.75 inch hose for most fires, when it comes to use the 2.5 hose (which isn’t uncommon)
you know that you’re gonna have to work hard and you better be ready. Okay, now take everything that i just told you and do it with a limited amount of oxygen. Our tanks are 45min bottle tanks…. you’re lucky if you last 30mins on the 45min bottle tank. If you are really working you’ll probably be able to make that bottle last around 20-25mins. That’s why it’s so important to work on your breathing while wearing the SCBA tanks and breathing air. That is why I do CrossFit for my career. It helps with my strength to be able to do all the lifting but also, helps me with my cardio that way I am able to last longer.
2. What have you learned about yourself through training with the CrossFit methodology?
What have I learned…. I’ve learned that sometimes you are not as good at something as you once thought. But, I’ve also learned that you are better at some things that you wouldn’t have thought you would be good at. I’ve learned that I can push myself a lot harder than what I thought was possible. I’ve learned that we all have bad days and good days even while working out. Even if you did bad during the workout the most important thing is that you showed up and did the best you could do at that time. Because, you can’t change the moment, you can only work with what you have at that moment.
3. What barriers have you had to overcome health wise?
Hmmm…. I can say I’ve been lucky and have been pretty healthy my entire life and haven’t had any major health issues. While, I do have scoliosis in my lower thoracic spine and lumbar spine, it hasn’t really played a major issue in my life. Sure here and there I’d get a tweak in my back but nothing serious. And if anything CrossFit has helped strengthen my lower back and core to the point where my scoliosis doesn’t really bother me at all. My only concern was about a year ago. Doctors found out I had a heart murmor and I had to do all these tests. I swear they did every test possible to make sure it was okay for me to do my job and do CrossFit. I remember the Doctors saying that what they found was unusual. I remember I saw 4 different doctors total. Each one sending me to another doctor for another opinion. Some telling me to stop doing CrossFit and some saying they don’t feel comfortable making the decision of what I “can do”. So finally the last doctor I met with was a Sports cardiologist who works with athletes all the time and he explained to me that everything was fine (after I did one more test that morning before I saw). But, the process of going through all those tests and seeing all those doctors frightened me. I thought I wasn’t gonna be able to do CrossFit again or at least at the pace I was going at. I thought I was gonna have to quit the Firefighting/Paramedic career and go find a desk job. And the final Doctor said I’m good to be doing what I’m doing and that I should just do a yearly check up with him to make sure nothing changes.
4. How has CrossFit positively impacted your life outside of the gym?
CrossFit has greatly impacted my life outside the gym. It just makes life easier in a way. As dumb as that sounds it just does. Even just picking up groceries from the car and putting them in the house. CrossFit also, makes me feel good about myself every way possible. I’m happier because of it. It’s definitely a stress reliever for me and boosts my self esteem. Which is huge for me. My self esteem used to be really low. It also, makes me appreciate being healthier more. Being a paramedic I see a lot of people of all ages who can’t take care of themselves because of their health.
5. Why did you start using the CrossFit methodology?
I started using CrossFit because I was getting bored of my old routine workouts at the highschool. I remember just sitting down one day thinking about how I could change up my workouts to make them better. While I was sitting down I remember my 10th grade history teacher talking to me about CrossFit one day and how crazy it was. So I went online I looked it up. I remember watching youtube videos of people doing CrossFit workouts with Clean and Jerks and muscle ups and everything else. I just remember thinking in my head “that looks cool”. So I tried getting into it and I remember I saw a person doing what looked like a CrossFit workout to me. So my skinny nervous ass at the time approached the guy and asked him if he did CrossFit. He said yes and asked if I would like to join him for a workout. I said “yes” and joined him for the workout and I loved it. I knew that this is what I needed to keep me working out regularly. After the workout he said that his brother is a coach and that I should get a hold of him to get more info on CrossFit and to start an offcial program. And so I did and I have loved CrossFit ever since.
6. What is your favorite part of CrossFit in general?
My favorite part of CrossFit…. I don’t know if I can just single down to just one favorite thing. I really like the broadness of CrossFit. It gives you this wide pool of variety. From running, to weightlifting and gymnastics.
Being able to do multiple movements that each work on different aspects is really cool. It’s just not one thing. The power lifter sure lifts a lot of weight. But, how good of a runner is he? How good is he at gymnastics? It’s this wide pool of movements that keeps me coming back. Because, you’re not gonna be great at all of the movements and thats why I keep coming back, to make those weaknesses no more. Another, aspect of CrossFit I love is the community. The community is amazing. It’s by far one of the best places to meet new awesome people but, to also have people push you. It’s awesome to have the community pushing you on a workout that your struggling with. You think that you can’t do it and there these people are cheering you on to finish the workout. It gives you that extra push. That extra motivation that you might need if you’re having one of those bad days. It reminds you that you’re not in this alone and that there are people with similar goals as yours. In CrossFit community we’re all there for each other inside and outside the gym.
7. Anything you would like to add that would help inspire others who want to get involved or anything you want to add at all:
Be happy. Don’t let things get the better of you. Life is too short to give too many shits about everything little thing. Unhappiness comes from comparing yourself to other people. So put down the phone and stop comparing yourself to the person with 2 corvettes and a pool. Or the person who goes on vacation every 2 months. And stop wondering why you don’t have what that person has. You know who got better from comparing themselves to other people?? No one. So stop complaining and go out to make your life better. Because only you can do that. The person who becomes a doctor is the person who studies 8 hrs a day 5 days a week. The person who gets the promotion and moves up the corporate chain is the person who works 70 hrs a week. The person who makes it to the Olympics is the person who trains 5 hrs a day. Yeah the time you put into everything sucks at that time and you may think it’s not worth it but, remember “The desire for more positive experience is itself a negative experience. And, paradoxically, the acceptance of one’s negative experience is itself a positive experience.”
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If you would like to learn more about what we do here at CrossFit Roaster Barbell, shoot Coach Pete an email at ptaylor@mail.bw.edu to begin your journey and begin writing your success story. We know you have goals, we want to offer you a path to them!

CrossFit Kids! Summer 2019

Coach Pete

Our highly anticipated CrossFit Kids program is back for 2019 and we couldn’t be more excited! Coach Kasey Reis will once again be leading our kids program and she is looking forward to working with your kids! Our suggested age group is 6-12 years old but exceptions can be made after discussing on a case by case basis. Class will begin at 1pm and will last exactly 1 hour. We highly encourage parents to stay and watch their children during class but it is not mandatory.

Our CrossFit Kids class will focus on exercise fundamentals and fun! We want this class to be highly enjoyable, while giving kids proper instruction on how to move their bodies. This is not a weight training class but they will learn the basics of how to move an object. The ultimate goal is to show kids that exercise is fun in a safe environment.

*CrossFit Kids Enrollment*

Enroll online here: Enroll Now!

Or enrollment can take place immediately before class #1, Monday June 10.

If you have any questions please email Coach Pete, ptaylor@mail.bw.edu

*CrossFit Kids Pricing*

All 16 Classes: $150 (one time payment, includes FREE KIDS SHIRT)

Individual Class: $15 per class

*CrossFit Kids Schedule*

Mon June 10 – 1pm

Wed June 12 – 1pm

Mon June 17 – 1pm

Wed June 19 – 1pm

Mon June 24 – 1pm

Wed June 26 – 1pm

Mon July 1 – 1pm

Wed July 3 – 1pm

Mon July 8 – 1pm

Wed July 10 – 1pm

Mon July 15 – 1pm

Wed July 17 – 1pm

Mon July 22 – 1pm

Wed July 24 – 1pm

Mon July 29 – 1pm

Wed July 31 – 1pm

You’re not ready.

Coach Pete

You’re not ready to start CrossFit. And guess what? You will never be ready. And you’ll never be ready to buy that house. And you’ll never to ready to start a family. And you’ll never be ready to get married. Taking steps forward in life doesn’t require you to be ready. You’ll never be ready to do any of those things. All you need to do is this; start now. Start with one small step forward, then another, and another. Start today, start now.

Email Coach Pete —->  ptaylor@mail.bw.edu  <—- Lets do this TOGETHER.