Name: Jesse Nelson

Age: 38

Occupation: Owner, Simpleman Marketing

Hometown: Statesboro, Ga

Which class time do you usually attend? 12:30 or 4:30

Favorite WOD: The Kessel Run

Favorite CF Movement: Bench Press

Least Favorite CF Movement: Kipping – I have such a hard time with the forward shoulder mobility

1RM Back Squat: 235

1RM Deadlift: 325

Favorite Food: Cheeseburger

Favorite Movie: High Fidelity

Favorite Athlete: Happy Gilmore

Dream Job: Filmmaker

Dream Vacation Destination: Mediterranean Coast

If you could have any super power… teleportation

Favorite Motivational Quote: “Burn the Ships”

How long have you been doing CrossFit? (Since Month, Year) January 2025

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?

“I have heard of it for many years, and tried to go to the gym and work out on my own, but never stuck to it and always felt out of place. Then I saw a friend post about his CrossFit gym in a different town and it looked different than anything I tried before. Before joining CrossFit, I was at my highest weight and worst shape of my life and was just trying to find something that stuck.”

Tell us about your fitness/sports background:

None. No consistent workout and never played any sports

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses?

“I have lost 25 lbs, gained muscle mass, feel stronger, but most importantly, feel like I know what I am doing and belong there.”

Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated?

“Aside from my clothes fitting better and my posture improving, I also enjoy the hardness of the workouts and doing something that I’m not great at, but improving consistently. Only part of my day that I get to just show up and not think, not make any plans, just do the work, and feel better at the end.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness?

“I have 3 kids, so I just want to be active with them as they grow older and not be the old dad who is stuck on the couch, out of breath.”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment.

“Coach Christine pushed me just last month, saying I was capable of lifting more than I was. She encouraged me to go heavier on my deadlift, and I increased it by 80 pounds in class resulting in my best PR of 325.”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year (doesn’t have to be CrossFit related, but it can be)

“Continued weight loss (20% body fat or less), take a family vacation over the summer for 2 weeks)”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym:

Family, concerts, and learning about marketing/business/AI

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting?

“I had zero workout experience, and had the hardest time finding a place that I felt like I belonged, and I needed a place to hold me accountable and someone to tell me what to do. I am not the kind of person who could plan out a workout, go to the gym, and do it for myself. Especially during the first few months, the coaches were really there to hold me accountable and make sure I was showing up and doing the work. If that is something that you struggle with as well, I highly recommend CrossFit, specifically No Excuses CrossFit. Also, the 1st few private lessons were so helpful in getting accustomed to the CrossFit approach and in asking questions without feeling like you were slowing everyone down.”

What do you love most about No Excuses?

“The people and community. The coaches all have a specific style and so every class is different but they all want to see you grow. I never felt like I was holding the class back or ashamed to say I don’t know how to do something. Everyone is so supportive and there to lift each other up.”