In January 2006, I weighed 270 pounds. It had been four years since I had played college football and I was still in ‘playing shape’.

It has now been 15 years since I began my fitness journey and there have been a lot of ups and downs. 

I was tired of being fat. I was tired of clothes not fitting right. I was tired of not feeling good. So I started to exercise. I started to run. It was slow at first, but I got faster. I lost some weight and then I would put some weight back on. 

Then I found CrossFit and it changed my life. It gave me structure and guidance. It gave me the competitiveness I felt playing sports as a kid. 

My ideal weight is 212 pounds. I always told myself I would never get above 225 pounds again. Unfortunately, that’s happened a few times. If I reach the 240-pound mark I know it’s time to get back on track. 

When I started working out, I thought I would have six-pack abs in six months, a year at the most. I’m still working on those. 🙂 

I know I’m biased, but I think CrossFit is the best fitness program out there. I know if I back squat 200 pounds today and 250 pounds 6 months later that I’ve gotten stronger. I know if I run a 12-minute mile today and a nine-minute mile in two months that I’ve improved my cardiovascular endurance. But I know I’ve improved my fitness if I can do three rounds of 25 kettlebell swings and 25 burpees and my time is faster today than it was three months ago.

I share all of this with you to let you know fitness, nutrition, your health is not a box you check and move on to the next thing in life. Your health and fitness are something that you are constantly working on. 

If you’re struggling right now, you’re not alone. The staff at No Excuses CrossFit is here to help you. Maybe you need some coaching or guidance. Maybe you just need someone to listen to you. We can help. 

If you feel you’re on track with your health and fitness right now, that’s great! Keep it going, but also be there for the people that are struggling. Share with them what helps you and maybe they can use that advice. 

But whether you’re struggling or doing great, just remember this is a journey and don’t ever give up!

— Coach Brandon