In January 2016, Vince walked through the doors of No Excuses CrossFit, determined to make a change. What inspired him? A visit to his in-laws over the Christmas holiday left a lasting impression.

“Watching them give up all the things they liked to do because of lack of mobility and strength really hit me hard. The reality of what happens when you stop moving as you age was a wake-up call. I walked into No Excuses CrossFit, read that CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity, and decided this is exactly what I needed. I signed up on the spot,” Vince shared.

A Fresh Start

Before CrossFit, Vince didn’t participate in many organized sports but stayed active through other physical activities. “After moving to Atlanta, I kept active by playing singles tennis, running, and mountain biking,” he recalled. However, life eventually got in the way. Family, career, and other commitments took center stage, and his fitness took a back seat.

That all changed when he discovered CrossFit.

Physical and Mental Transformation

Since joining No Excuses, Vince has experienced significant changes in both his body and mindset. “I have a renewed commitment to physical fitness and health. I have more energy, stamina, and strength,” he said.

Even though he didn’t lose as much weight as he initially expected, Vince saw impressive changes in his body composition. “My BMI decreased dramatically, so I must be converting at least some of that unwanted fat into muscle. I look forward to working out and pushing myself,” he added.

CrossFit hasn’t just impacted Vince physically. Mentally, he feels more alert and energized, both in and out of the gym.

Motivation from Progress

What keeps Vince motivated to come back to No Excuses day after day? The visible progress. “I have seen real progress in body composition, strength, and endurance. I can do movements that I couldn’t do before, more reps, and with additional weight,” Vince shared proudly. The support from the coaches and other members in class has been a key factor in his journey as well.

That progress hasn’t just shown up in the gym—Vince has noticed improvements in his daily life. “My 5K run times have decreased, and I don’t tire as quickly when doing hard physical chores. I transplanted a 20-foot tree in my yard without any assistance. I couldn’t have done that before CrossFit!” he said.

A Favorite CrossFit Moment

Vince’s commitment to his fitness paid off in a big way during the 2017 CrossFit Open. One of the workout movements, Toes-to-Bar (TTB), was a challenge for Vince leading up to the event. “I had been unable to do more than a single TTB in regular workouts, and it was on the WOD. I thought I would have to scale, but the challenge and excitement of the Open got to me, and I was able to do all the TTB and complete the WOD. It was a great feeling of accomplishment,” Vince recalled.

Life Outside the Gym

When he’s not at No Excuses, Vince leads a busy and fulfilling life. He plays drums and percussion in his church’s praise and worship band each week, a commitment that requires discipline and practice. He also enjoys spending time with his family, especially when his three adult daughters are home.

“My wife and I have bought and renovated several homes over the years, and we’re looking for a new project,” he shared, highlighting his passion for hands-on work.

Advice for Newcomers

Vince’s advice for anyone considering CrossFit is simple: “Start now. It does not get any easier as you get older. Commit to staying with it for at least six months. After that, you will see results, and there will be no going back.”

What Makes No Excuses Special

For Vince, the standout feature of No Excuses CrossFit is the coaching staff. “The coaches are really committed to helping you do things right, to challenge you, and to help you achieve your goals. It’s obvious this is more than just a job to them,” Vince said. He also appreciates the supportive community of members who encourage one another to push harder and achieve more.

With constant variety in the workouts and a community that fosters growth, Vince continues to look forward to each new challenge at No Excuses.