Back in January 2016, Jeff took a leap into CrossFit, encouraged by a friend and coworker who had started CrossFit in Minnesota. “He was talking about how challenging but fun it was,” Jeff recalled. Intrigued, Jeff and his wife decided to give it a shot, especially since they often passed by the “odd-looking gym” that would eventually become their fitness home. It didn’t take long for Jeff to feel hooked. “After the first few weeks, I was hooked!” he said.
A Foundation in Fun Sports
Jeff’s athletic background wasn’t rooted in organized sports but in a love for pickup games like frisbee, soccer, and football. More recently, he’s taken up Australian Rules Football—“Not rugby!” he clarified—which has benefited greatly from his improved fitness.
“Since joining CrossFit, I’ve improved my footy skills and my ability to wrestle with my dog,” he said, smiling.
Beating the Lazy Streak
CrossFit has been transformative for Jeff, both physically and mentally. “I’ve become stronger, healthier, and more flexible,” he shared. But perhaps most significantly, it helped him overcome a tendency toward inactivity. “I’ve been able to beat the ‘lazy’ that had been prevalent in my life,” Jeff admitted.
One of the things that keeps him motivated is the variety and challenge of the workouts at No Excuses. “I enjoy the challenging workouts each day and facing them head-on with the great folks at the gym,” he said. And if he ever starts to slack, his gym family keeps him accountable. “They call me on it!”
A Community Like No Other
Jeff’s favorite moments at No Excuses are not just about the workouts but the camaraderie. One standout is the gym’s yearly camping trip. “Always a brutal challenge for the workout, but spending the rest of the time hanging with friends, laughing, joking, and usually huddled around the fire under leaking tarps trying not to get rained on,” Jeff said, laughing.
It’s this sense of belonging that he loves most about No Excuses. “The No Excuses family! I always feel welcome. Even when I’ve burned every little bit of energy on the workout and am laying dead on the floor, someone is there to offer a friendly fist bump—‘good work.’ When I’ve had a rough, stressful day with work, I can leave it at the door and just enjoy the class.”
Advice for Newcomers
For those hesitant about starting CrossFit, Jeff offers simple but powerful advice: “Take the leap! It might not be for everyone, but you won’t know until you try. You can’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and give something new a try!”