MELISSA DEWITT, Castle Rock Colorado 1/2012
Most of my life I have struggled with weight issues; trying different gyms, power walking in the neighborhood, aerobic videos, so on and so forth but never sticking with anything for more than 6 months at a time. I was never interested in lifting more than a 15lb dumbbell thinking all I needed was more cardio in addition to a few dumbbell lifts to lose the weight. Right before my fortieth birthday, more frustrated than ever, I told my husband I needed to make some changes; thankfully he was on the same page as I and also wanted to start working out, building his own strength and reaching new goals. After meeting John and Fran they mentioned Crossfit and I thought that would be a great class for my husband to try but instead both suggested I give it a try and thought I would like it. Although very apprehensive, I still gave it a shot that very next week.

Unbelievable!!! What was I thinking; I didn't belong there, this is not for me, you want me to do what, run??!! I don't run!! These are the very thoughts that went through my mind the first time I tried a CrossFit class at The Gym. Eighteen months later and 50lbs less no one could talk me into changing a thing. Every day, the workouts (WOD's) were different and challenging, never boring, always learning something new and doing things I never thought I would ever even try. It wasn't just the actual workout; it was way more than that. This Gym was different. First off, the staff; everyone was so friendly, very welcoming, encouraging and it was a comfortable environment.

Then there was CrossFit. The trainers were amazing, very supportive and willing to teach or walk me through anything that was new to me, (which was everything). The members were great, telling me their stories, encouraging me through every workout, finishing a WOD with me even though they were done with their own, always pushing me to finish strong, etc. My life has changed!!! It's not just the weight loss, it's the better health, feeling good getting out of bed in the morning, self accomplishment, more confidence, lifestyle change, being more active and after 25 years of living in Colorado I finally hiked a 14er last summer. Wow!! That is huge for someone that used to get winded just after jogging one block in the neighborhood. Of course the hardest thing to transform was my eating habits and that is still a work in progress but many adjustments have already occurred and the trainers are always willing to offer good advice. I want to give a heartfelt "Thank You" to Fran for the encouragement and talking me into trying something different. Then there is Spencer; although he knows I am not breaking any records or winning any contests (yet) he keeps giving me that "hard time" I need to accomplish my goals.

Thank you Spence (you're killing me Smalls)!!! I show up, I finish, I feel good, and I am happy about the results. Thank you CrossFit Castle Rock at The Gym!!!

In the spring of 2010 at the age of 37 I realized that I had been living in denial. I weighed in at 227lb and was up to a very snug 38inch waist on a 5ft 7in frame. There were telltale signs along the way that I ignored, like a constantly upset stomach, the need to justify my looks by comparing to other overweight people and the electric toothbrush. I know what you're thinking, "Electric toothbrush?"….. You can kid yourself all you want and say it's for better teeth, but the truth is you can't stand to look in the mirror and see the way your body jiggles when you brush with a regular toothbrush!

I decided to make some changes in my life starting with my diet. I looked at several different diets and decided that a combination of a couple would work best. I woke up June 1st 2010 and began my weight loss journey. I kept a log of measurements that I recorded every Sunday along with my weight, I immediately started seeing some changes. By July 1st I had lost 20lb and was feeling much better but I needed something more. My friend at work had been telling me about Crossfit for the last 6 months and how good I would be at it, so I started looking for a gym close to my house. I called 3 places and decided to visit 2 based on the calls. The first one I visited reminded me of the bad guy dojo from the Karate Kid and I left there laughing to myself having not bothered to even talk to anyone. The next stop was The Gym.

I went after work the next day and the place was great from the start. The guy working the front desk was friendly and helpful, showing me all of the facilities and introducing me to the staff and trainers. I immediately felt welcome and sighed up for Crossfit classes. I am now 1 year into it and I have never felt or looked better. I have lost a total of 65lbs and I am down to a 31in waist, and I owe it all to Crossfit and The Gym.

When I started Crossfit I couldn't do a single pull up, run 400m or lift very much weight, but the way the coaches scale the workouts and teach you good form I was doing these things within 6 months. The workouts are awesome, they are different every day and are always challenging no matter what level you are at.  I found that it was a combination of Crossfit, the atmosphere at The Gym and most of all the people that made it all possible. I am now looking towards a Crossfit competition in October, a year ago I would have never imagined doing something like this.

Dave Perry
Technology Operations Manager,
Senior System Administrator

JULIANNE SMOLEN
Growing up at Lake Quivira in Kansas my hobbies were swimming competitively and water skiing but never did any weightlifting until I was in my thirties.  I was always active in sports until college and then I played soccer on an intramural team.  I met the love of my life in college and then pursued my career as an elementary school teacher. I continued to play indoor soccer for fun.  After four years of teaching we started a family and I have been busy raising my kids since 2002.  I spent 15 years battling being overweight.  I trained and ran a full marathon and 5 half marathons and then decided my love for running wasn't that deep.  I needed something more, I needed something more diverse!
After having my fourth baby I was tired of being overweight.  I was introduced to Crossfit in March of 2008 and I have never looked back.   With four kids I had time to fit Crossfit into my schedule due to the short intense workouts!  Crossfit has changed my life in many positive ways.  Not only was I able to lose a significant amount of weight I am also in the best physical and mental shape I have ever been in my life.  Not only do I love the challenge of Crossfit but I thrive on the self-competitiveness of reaching new levels.  I also love the diversity Crossfit has in comparison to the traditional ways of working out. workouts!  Crossfit has changed my life in many positive ways.  Not only was I able to lose a significant amount of weight I am also in the best physical and mental shape I have ever been in my life.  Not only do I love the challenge of Crossfit but I thrive on the self- competitiveness of reaching new levels.  I also love the diversity Crossfit has in comparison to the traditional ways of working out.
I feel like I can be an inspiration to those who think they can't do Crossfit. I believe Crossfit is a lifestyle and not just another "diet" or "workout".  It mentally and physically prepares you for life in general.  I hope to teach and help others set and reach new goals they have for themselves to make them a better athlete and help  them feel better about themselves!

After being a member of another gym in Castle Rock for three years, I moved my membership to The Gym five months ago. I have been so impressed with all that The Gym has to offer. They have great equipment and facilities, and amazing classes. I have been participating in classes three days a week, and the trainers are pushing me to a much higher level of fitness. I am much stronger and fitter thanks to the motivation of these wonderful trainers who teach the classes and work with me one on one. I was in a rut with my workout routine, and not making any progress. The staff at The Gym has taught me many different ways to push and strengthen my body. The classes are never the same, and the instructors keep them creative and interesting. I have also found the clients to be very friendly and helpful. I am so glad I made the change. I recommend The Gym to everyone who wants to get in better shape.

Cindy Gamber
Castle Rock, Colorado

"I am 41 years old, and a year ago I weighed 284. I now weigh 211, and continue to see my body change every week. I got sick of being fat last spring. After a few months of starving myself and exercising I lost some weight but I wasn't getting healthier. Then I found The Gym and their Crossfit program. If you are interested in real results -- try Crossfit. It has changed my life."

Sean Gallivan
Castle Rock

I relocated to Castle Rock from Illinois in late March 2011. I was aware I put on a few pounds but brushed it off. My husband and I made a promise to get fit once we get to Colorado. My plan was to get a personal trainer that would push me to my limit so I'd see result. A family friend recommended CrossFit, and lucky for me I found CrossFit Castle Rock just down the street. I made my first visit to Castle Rock CrossFit first week of April. I was greeted by the owner, Fran. I was impressed by how fit she is at 40. I am 40 yrs. old myself so, I was SOLD! On my very first day I could barely run 200m plus have to do 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, 20 squats, and 30 sit-ups, 3x. And, that was just the warm-ups! We still have to do WOD on top of it all. I would have a coughing attack after workout. I feel as if someone had beaten me up every time I finished a workout. Then, we had to lift some barbells. I was definitely scared. Needless to say I was ready to call it quits after a month. My husband advised against this decision and recommended I stick with CrossFit.

Two months into it, I told Fran about my thoughts of joining the Recreational Club in the area so that I can work out while my kids go for a swim (using my kids as an excuse). I thought of never coming back to CrossFit once I leave. Fran went along with me and asked that I keep her updated on my results. It was around that time that I began noticing my pants getting looser. My problem area (mid-section) is actually trimming down. Also, I haven't had any coughing attacks. I have noticed a drastic change with my strength and agility. I can even dead lift a whooping 170lbs. Who would have thought that I have that much strength? I was amazed at what CrossFit has done to me that I decided to stick to it. Needless to say that everything is history after seeing all the good changes in my body. I come 4-5 days a week now and love the workout I get each time. WOD is never the same. I come to the gym with an open mind and ready to take a beating. I am not intimidated any longer. I actually look forward to a great challenge each and every WOD. It's a plus having a coach that pushes me to my limit and doesn't let me quit. Thanks, Spencer!

It's nice to feel that I am a part of a great team. My kids love going to the kids lounge also, that makes it easy to fit into my schedule. Castle Rock CrossFit/The Gym is definitely a nice, friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Thank you CrossFit Castle Rock for helping me make it happen.

You guys are the best! -- Cindy Hoop