It was in October of 2013 when I walked into Shred to try CrossFit for the first time. Little did I know that through this program, this “box”, and the awesome people that called it home, my life would be completely changed, physically, relationally, and professionally.
Physically. The first CrossFit workout I attempted was a (now familiar) descending rep scheme of 21-15-9 of toes-to-bar, deadlifts, and box jumps. It took me 20+ minutes to complete. It destroyed me….and I loved every second of it. I caught the CrossFit fever immediately. I completely bought in. I trained consistently, sometimes twice per day, and dialed in my nutrition to maximize my results. It works. Period. My body composition quickly changed and my body fat dropped below 10% within the first year as I added lean muscle mass. Not only that but I was more flexible. I began re-acquiring gymnastics skills that I had lost over the years and then learned how to weightlift – to control external objects in a way that I had never even imagined before. I was in the best shape of my life, at 32, and I had been working out (or so I thought) my entire life. And after 5 years, I’m still doing it, though to a lesser degree. The CrossFit program made a believer out of me and it helped change my life. For that reason, I am grateful.
Relationally. The people that entered my life when I joined Shred have had a significant impact on my growth, athletes and coaches alike. Marcus Creaturo. Owner and Head Coach. God used this man to change the course of my life. He is my brother in Christ first. He is my coach second. Work out partner third. Business mentor fourth. He gave me an opportunity to coach and allowed me to run my business within his space. For all these reasons, I am grateful. Jenessa, Aaron and Tanya. Your friendship with Stephanie and I impacted us in a way that words will never adequately describe. Coach Mike. We have learned so much together, growing as coaches, fathers, and husbands. To all the other coaches, I will miss our daily interactions. Athletes. You. It has always been about you. I love and appreciate you all greatly. You have all pushed me and inspired me in your own unique way. In a way that only each of you can. You all have played a roll in my growth as a coach. As a person. I wish I could name you one by one but you know who you are. FOR YOU I AM MOST GRATEFUL. YOU I WILL MISS THE MOST. Thanks for lettting me be your coach.
Professionaly. I briefly touched on this but Shred CrossFit and it’s athletes and coaches re-ignited my passion for fitness. After being exposed to the program at Shred, I wanted more. I wanted to immerse myself in the culture. I wanted to become a coach. So I became a coach and have never, nor will I ever, look back. The CrossFit prorgram lead to my first ever exposure to (Olympic Style) Weightlifting. I fell in love with the sport. This exposure lead to the birth of Steadfast Barbell. I now own and operate Steadfast Barbell, a USAW affiliated barbell club and I have been operating out of Shred CrossFit for 2 years. And the dominos keep falling. More on that next week.
Shred, it’s athletes and coaches, you have impact. I know this becuase you have impacted me. Thank you. It is bittersweet to be leaving you, but I have a God-sized dream for Steadfast. The vision has been cast and I am all in pursuing what is next for this business that has been entrusted to me. Stay fit my friends ;).
