Functional Fitness Takes to the Skies
The other week I found myself late for a connecting flight at the Dallas/Fort Worth International airport. As soon as I made it into the terminal I was informed that all the Skytrains and escalators were down. Not to be deterred I grabbed my bags, tied my coat around my waist and began to run. Not jog, but all-out sprint up stairs, around baggage carts, strollers, and cranky travelers. Much to the amazement of the flight crew I made it to my flight in 15 minutes flat. I looked like hell but I but I was grinning all the way to my seat. Thanks Pioneer Valley CrossFit for making that happen!
Rosie P.
Hey,
Just wanted to say thanks. I'm psyched about the lifts today (Jon had just hit 1000 lbs in his CF Total--ed.) and I couldn't have done it without you and Sandy. It's been the best 6 months of training I've ever had. Keep up the good work...
Jon Davine, firefighter, Northampton
I told Sandy that CrossFit was changing my life. She said, “Really? Your life?”
Really. Here's one example: two years ago, at the age of 55, I received a diagnosis of osteoporosis. In May of this year I started working out at Pioneer Valley CrossFit. Come early September, the results of a bone density test showed a whopping 6% increase in bone density in my lumbar spine. I've been getting my bone density tested for the last five years; this is the first time there has been an increase. Frankly the doctors would have been very happy to just see no further bone loss, but instead they upgraded my diagnosis to a lesser form of the disorder. The next time I am tested, two years from now, I fully expect to have no need for a diagnosis, thanks in large part to my training at PVCF.
Want another? A few weeks ago I traveled to the Cape with my friend Linda. We’ve gone almost every year for the past 20 years, and part of our routine is to bike through the rolling sand dunes on our way to the beach. Each year I have contentedly trailed behind, as I knew that around the next bend Linda would be waiting for me. This year we started out and without thinking about it I pulled ahead. I did notice that unlike other years, I wasn’t walking my bike up the steep hills, that I never shifted into my lowest gear, and that riding a bike was much more fun than I remembered. But it wasn't until I came to a confusing crossroads that I realized I'd lost Linda. I stopped and waited. Luckily, two cyclists came along after five minutes and said they were looking for me, because “...the blond woman a bit back on the trail was worried that you were lost.” Slightly stunned (this is a frequent reaction when the axis of your life does a quick tilt), I told them not to worry. I must have been smiling in a pretty goofy way, because the bikers didn’t move on. So I went on to explain, "It’s just that my new gym program really seems to be working.” Satisfied, they pushed off, assuring me that Linda would be along soon. A few minutes later she coasted down the last hill and found me waiting for her. It was a delicious moment.
So, yes, Sandy, working out at Pioneer Valley CrossFit is really changing my life.
Kathleen Becker, 57, Speech/Language Therapist, Northampton
I'm very, very glad to be part of the PVCF community. This is the best thing I've done for myself in years.
Greg Saulmon, editor, Easthampton
I started with PVCF in April '08, just last month, as a way to crosstrain for Ultimate Frisbee, but in that time working out at Pioneer Valley CrossFit has become something I look forward to all on its own. We'd have conditioning as part of practice in college, but that's nothing compared to the workout I get coming to Pioneer Valley CrossFit only 3 times a week. In the short time that I've been coming, I'm already more flexible, stronger, and better conditioned than I was after 4 years of exercise in college. CrossFit doesn't even compare to what I'd do in a regular gym; having Sandy, Sean and the other CrossFitters around helps me push myself harder than I would on my own: that's what makes PVCF such a great community and a great workout. It's not for everyone, but if it's for you, I doubt you'll ever go back to a normal gym again.
Paul Swartz, Software Developer (and Ultimate Player), Northampton
(After getting his first muscle-up): Thank you Sean and Sandy! To think that 2 1/2 months ago I could barely do 5 ring push-ups from my knees. I know I still have a long way to go but I'm getting there. You're doing a great job!
Andy Pelis, firefighter, Northampton
I am a different Mina. Not the Mina four months ago prior to CrossFit. I had no enthusiasm for working out, never mind physically getting myself to the gym. It only cost twenty dollars a month, but I was completely bored of my workout routines, bored of lifting, and bored on the elliptical machines...never mind fighting for machines when the gym was busy. Then my fiance introduced me to CF. He had been doing the WOD's on his own at the gym for two weeks while I watched and thought...what is he doing? why is he doing all those reps? and why is he doing it for time? No lie I thought it was nuts, but then he finally convinced me to try it one day. I will never forget that day. We did a scaled version of the workout for me that included squats, pull ups, and push ups....all for time. We tucked ourselves into the corner of the gym where dust was collected and off I went and off the stop watch went. It was awful, I took forever, it felt like forever, and my fiance had to "assist my pull ups" since i couldn't do even one of them on my own. Gym patrons were stepping over and around me just to get to the paper towels. I even got a couple puzzled glares. I finished with an overwhelming sense of completion, disgust of myself for being out of shape, as well as mentally fatigued and stimulated at the same time. My fiance then suggested I try a burpee next. Lets just say I did two and thought I was going to pass out on the floor. We left the gym that evening discussing how this could get addicting. How our limits we had set for ourselves were unrealistic and that there was so much more CF could offer to us. How my mundane gym routine was just that...a routine...getting me nowhere, no results, no mental progress, and no sense of goals or direction. So the Mina now, has lost ten pounds of fat, put on lean muscle, is fitting better in her cute jeans, is eating better to help performance, can do push-ups that kick ass, is realizing why form and balance are so important, and got her first non assisted pull up, (well two, actually). This is training for me. I have learned so much in the so little time since I started (at Pioneer Valley CrossFit, right, Mina? ;) -- ed.). It just feels good to know I've found something that has impacted my life in so many positive ways.
Mina Bahrehmand, Medical Esthetician, Chicopee
Let me be honest: I was scared to death to check out Crossfit. I have always been active, played team sports, and belonged to a gym, but I certainly am far from being an "extreme athlete" or "hardcore." I was very worried that I would be totally "out of my league" and have no business at Crossfit. I didn't have any experience doing many of the exercises so I was sure that I wouldn't be able to keep up. I am so grateful that I set aside my worries long enough to give Crossfit a try because it has totally transformed my workout experience and I can't imagine ever going back to a traditional gym setting again.
When I first walked into Crossfit, I was immediately relieved when I met Sean and Sandy. They were very welcoming, friendly, and encouraging. If I remember correctly, I could barely do any of the activities--pull-ups, push-ups, squats etc. However, all the exercises were scaled to my ability so that I could be successful and complete the activites. No one expected me to be an expert when I walked in the door and they took the time to teach me everything I needed to know. I also like the small group setting because it's great to have people that will help push me to reach my goals but also support me when I'm struggling. After just one short month, I have seen dramatic results in my confidence, strength, endurance, and even my appearance. As long as you have a positive attitude and are willing to work hard, you will love Crossfit. Give it a try--you won't be disappointed.
Loren Lauffer, Guidance Counselor, Holyoke
Where do the trainers train? At PVCF of course! PVCF is a first-class establishment; encouraging and supportive. Both Sean and Sandy know how to push and "pull" to help their Cross-fitters get results while having fun. Sean and Sandy also ensure that each person is working safely and at a level of intensity commensurate with their ability. Additionally, the CrossFit community in Easthampton is supportive, intelligent and non-judgmental. The intensity and weights are scaled to appropriate level too. So anyone can get started where they are comfortable.
I'm constantly amazed by my own gains and the gains of others at PVCF. I'm a trainer myself, but I too need correction with my form and a "kick" to the next level. From my experience, the only way to succeed is with a knowledgeable coach and a team of other positive supporters. PVCF doesn't leave room for slacking or whining either so you've got the best all around.
If you want to get fit without wasting time, get CrossFit at PVC!
Brandon Reed, Exercise Coach, Northampton
I have found Pioneer Valley CrossFit to be much more than I originally expected. I have worked out in the local gyms for years, doing the standard types of workouts, but have never been satisfied with my results. In my short time at PVCF I have made so many gains in overall fitness that it's difficult to even compare it to going to a regular gym. While the CrossFit workouts are certainly challenging, I equally enjoy the camaraderie that exists among members. Everyone continually supports, motivates and pushes each other to excel. I have met many great people there and always look forward to going. I can't wait to see what more I'm capable of, and I continually recommend Pioneer Valley CrossFit to everyone I know!
Brian Kazak, firefighter, South Hadley
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