In July 2015, Mike took a leap of faith that would change his life forever. After hearing a coworker rave about CrossFit at No Excuses, Mike’s curiosity finally got the best of him. Although he wasn’t convinced at first, the constant talk about challenging workouts intrigued him enough to give it a try. What happened next was nothing short of transformative.

“I started in July 2015,” Mike recalls. “A buddy from work talked to me about No Excuses, but I didn’t really listen at the time. The more I heard him talk about the workouts, the more interested I got. He moved, and a month or so later, I decided to try it for myself.”

From Obstacle Races to Overcoming Personal Obstacles

Before discovering CrossFit, Mike didn’t have much of a fitness background. He had recently started participating in Obstacle Course Races (OCRs), but that was the extent of his athletic experience. Little did he know that CrossFit would take his fitness—and his life—to new heights.

“I have definitely seen a physical change, and I am probably the strongest I have ever been in my life,” Mike says proudly. But the benefits of CrossFit have extended beyond physical strength. Mike has also learned to push past mental barriers, both in the gym and in life. “I have found that I can push past the mental aspects of quitting during a WOD, which translates well into the real world. I still want to quit, I just tell myself to shut up and keep going as much as I can!!”

The Community that Keeps Him Coming Back

Mike’s journey is not just about personal growth; it’s about the people who have supported and inspired him along the way. “The improvements I see, the challenges of the WODs, and the people at the box keep me coming back and motivated,” Mike shares.

But perhaps the most profound inspiration in Mike’s life is his wife. “Personally, it’s my wife. She has been through a lot with breast cancer, the loss of our daughter, among other things, and she is the strongest and hardest-working woman I know!!”

Milestones and Future Goals

Mike’s CrossFit journey has been marked by significant milestones, each one a testament to his dedication and hard work. “Probably getting my first pull-up—it took what seemed like forever,” he recalls with a smile. But Mike’s not done yet. His next big goal? “Muscle Up. Period.”

Outside of the gym, Mike enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with his family. He’s also a fan of obstacle course racing, which he feels has been greatly enhanced by his CrossFit training. “I ran my first OCR a few months before I started CrossFit. Then a few months after starting at No Excuses, I ran my second one and was amazed at the progress I had made on getting over some of the obstacles. I feel like I could hike anywhere as well, with not much preparation needed.”

Advice for New Members

For those new to CrossFit or thinking about starting, Mike has some sage advice: “If you’re on the fence, just give it a try. You will not regret it. If you have taken the leap and just started, slow down and follow the process. That was hard (still is) for me. Everyone wants to be doing Muscle Ups and Handstand Push-Ups in a month. It may take a while, but enjoy the process, celebrate the small things. KEEP TRACK of your workouts and look back on them. You will be surprised at how quickly you will progress.”

The No Excuses CrossFit Experience

When asked what he loves most about No Excuses, Mike doesn’t hesitate: “The people. Everyone encourages you and makes you want to do better. If I don’t give or get 5 or so fist bumps before I leave, then a lot of people didn’t show up for class that day!!! The coaches are encouraging and make sure you’re doing everything right and are always approachable when you have questions. They even do math very well for us barbell-counting challenged!!!”

Mike’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible at No Excuses CrossFit. It’s not just about building physical strength; it’s about mental resilience, community support, and personal transformation. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your fitness to the next level, No Excuses CrossFit is where those dreams become reality.