Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit and what about it convinced you to join?

I discovered BCF by searching for CrossFit gyms in Arlington and saw the great reviews so I decided to drop in. The friendliness of the coaches and sense of community convinced me to join and I haven’t looked back since. 

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

I moved to DC in 2021 and decided to make the move out to Arlington in 2023, so I would say location prevented me from coming sooner. A part of my move to Arlington was to be closer to BCF.

Q:When did you start at BCF and what were your goals going into it?

I started coming consistently in January of 2023 and my goals going into it were to just learn more about the sport and get fit. I was really impressed with how fit everyone was and my goal was to try to keep up with them.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

The coaches and community without a doubt. I teamed up with Coach Chelsea to work on different gymnastic drills before and after class and that has really helped me with overall strength, we’ve been working together for almost a year now. Coach Bobby helped me with back squat programming and that helped me reach PRs in back squat each year (Squatober is only 6 months away). Whatever goals I had in mind, the coaches have helped me with figuring out a way to achieve them. The community has also held me accountable, seeing friends at the gym achieve their goals and get better has motivated me to get better too. 

Q:What advice can you give to others that are new to CrossFit?

If you’re new to CrossFit, be patient with yourself and try to develop a consistent workout schedule. Some CrossFit movements are very technical and it takes time to perfect your form and technique so just be patient with yourself and ask for coaches help along the way. I started to notice real results when I came on a regular basis, so my advice would be to find a regular cadence that works for you and stick with it.

Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?

Two things – Nutrition and mobility. I participated in BCF’s nutrition challenge a few years back and it helped me understand what I was eating and how much. I adjusted my diet after the challenge and it has really helped with my progress. I’ve also focused on mobility the past few years, stretching before and after class to make sure I can hit all the ranges of motion in the workout and recover faster. 

Q: What is the biggest benefit you have noticed since starting CrossFit both in or out of the gym?

I’m really glad I discovered CrossFit in 2019 because I started to notice real results after 6 months of doing it. I noticed changes in my physique and just overall fitness level. I felt more explosive and stronger. It’s also pushed me outside my comfort zone, over time I’ve been able to do new movements that initially scared me like rope climbs. 

Q: What has been your favorite thing about Ballston CrossFit?

Since joining BCF I would say the community. Everyone is really supportive of one another and I’ve made some really great friends.

Q: What is your favorite memory related to CrossFit been?

There’s been so many, but I think participating in the BCF in-house competition in 2023 takes the cake. It was really fun to workout in front of the gym and compete with friends. Second to that memory has to be the origin story of my nickname (shoutout to Coach Brock).

Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit and what about it convinced you to join?

When I moved to Arlington I knew the first thing I wanted to do was find a CrossFit gym. I went to the free class and was so excited to feel challenged by working out again and immediately joined.

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

I had taken a break from CrossFit to train for a half marathon and just focus on conventional weightlifting, but got so bored of doing the same things every week and decided to start doing CrossFit again. 

Q:When did you start at BCF and what were your goals going into it?

I started in January 2024. When I originally started I was focused on regaining the strength and skills I had lost in my time off from Crossfit, thinking that would take a long time, but I actually pretty quickly reached that goal and have continued growing ever since!

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

I think it has been so helpful to have coaches who know my strengths and weaknesses, will challenge me when I’m not pushing hard enough, and help me when I need to approach a skill or lift differently.

Q:What advice can you give to others that are new to CrossFit?

You will improve! Don’t give up! When I started I truly had to scale every single movement and felt like that would never change, but the skills and strength will come if you just keep showing up for yourself.

Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?

Nothing reallly! Sorry!

Q: What is the biggest benefit you have noticed since starting CrossFit both in or out of the gym?

I think there is something in the air here because I had been doing CrossFit for a few years but I have never improved as much and as quickly as I have since starting here. 

Q: What has been your favorite thing about Ballston CrossFit?

The coaches really care about you as a person. I’m pretty shy so I’m usually not chatting people up at class, but the coaches encouraged me to come to gym social events and introduced me to my new bestie Kindra! Shoutout to Kindra Faucher!

Q: What is your favorite memory related to CrossFit been?

I had a short stint of unemployment after taking the bar exam and would just come and spend hours at the gym talking and working out and it was so much fun.

Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit and what about it convinced you to join?

I actually found out about BCF about 7 years ago when I was in nursing school at Marymount University. About a year ago I decided I wanted to get back into weight lifting and I decided to check out Ballston CrossFit!

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

I was actually a little intimidated by CrossFit and was doing other things for my fitness for a while.

Q:When did you start at BCF and what were your goals going into it?

I started at BCF in February 2024. I wanted to increase my muscle mass and decrease my body fat. So far I have lost 10lbs since joining BCF! 

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

 Being consistent and listening to the coaches! The coaches are so helpful and encouraging! 

Q:What advice can you give to others that are new to CrossFit?

Be consistent and listen to the coaches 😉

The coaches at BCF are very knowledgeable and great at teaching. They will also give you the push you need. 

Being consistent will help you see and feel results. 

Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?

I have really tried to adjust my eating habits to eat healthier and eat more protein and vegetables. I also try to get in at least 8k steps on the days I don’t work out at BCF. Taking my dog on long walks really helps me get my steps in.

Q: What is the biggest benefit you have noticed since starting CrossFit both in or out of the gym?

Both my mental health and physical health have really improved since joining BCF. Getting out of my apartment and meeting new people and working out with new people has been really good for me. Every class feels like I’m part of a team!

Q: What has been your favorite thing about Ballston CrossFit?

My favorite thing about BCF is the people. The coaches and other athletes in the gym are all so positive and have great energy! 

Q: What is your favorite memory related to CrossFit been?

My favorite memory is when I was able to get over 100lbs on the barbell the first time. It was my second time deadlifting at BCF and was able to deadlift 105lbs and I was so excited! Currently I can deadlift 140 lbs

Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit and what about it convinced you to join?

I found out about Ballston CrossFit after searching online for CrossFit gyms in the area. I decided to try out any gym that offered a beginner-friendly drop-in, but I only ended up visiting one — BCF. From my very first day, I felt the positive environment, the knowledgeable coaches, and the supportive community. I knew right away this was the right fit for me.

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

I constantly regret not starting sooner! I have always been very active — track & field, cross country, and later, a mix of bodybuilding/powerlifting workouts from college onwards. I stuck to that solitary “gym rat” lifestyle until Summer 2020 when the CrossFit Games live stream popped up on my YouTube. From that moment, I told myself that once I finished my Master’s degree in December 2022, I would explore CrossFit in the new year. I truly missed the adrenaline rush from training while also craving strength-building in a new and challenging way.

Q:When did you start at BCF and what were your goals going into it?

I started at BCF in February 2023. My two main goals were to challenge myself with a new sport in ways I hadn’t before and to make lifelong friendships. I wanted something that would push me beyond my comfort zone in a team environment, and CrossFit at BCF seemed like the perfect way to do that.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

What has helped me achieve success at BCF has been our incredibly knowledgeable coaches, unwavering supportive community, and consistency. From the coaches to the other athletes, I find the most encouragement and motivation surrounding myself with those I can truly look up to. Plus, the variety and constant opportunities to improve and track progress have kept me genuinely excited to come in every day and train. I have also learned to embrace the process and not just focus on the end result — this mindset shift has made a huge difference.

Q:What advice can you give to others that are new to CrossFit?

My advice to those new to CrossFit (and something I am still trying to take my own advice on) is to not worry about being “perfect.” Everyone starts somewhere, and it is okay to be a beginner again in a new sport! Listen to your body, communicate with your coaches about any concerns, and focus on making small improvements each day. The more consistent you are, the more you will see progress — just keep showing up!

Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?

Outside of the gym, I made an effort to focus on self-care and managing stress better. I started paying more attention to fueling my body properly and finding a better life balance. I also made sure to incorporate rest days and structured programming to avoid burnout and ensure I had the energy to push myself during training. Overall, prioritizing both my physical and mental health in all areas of my life has been key to achieving my goals.

Q: What is the biggest benefit you have noticed since starting CrossFit both in or out of the gym?

Physically, I feel stronger, faster, and more capable than I ever have before. However, beyond this and with greater importance to me, I have seen a huge improvement in my mental resilience. CF challenges you to push through discomfort, and this has translated into greater confidence and the ability to fend off negative thoughts, emotions, and insecurities, both in and out of the gym.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about Ballston CrossFit?

My favorite thing about BCF are the coaches and athletes that make this community so welcoming and supportive. I am beyond grateful to say I have made lifelong friendships here and truly feel connected to everyone. I believe the coaches play a huge role in nurturing this type of environment, pushing us all to be the best versions of ourselves while ensuring we stay safe and injury-free.

Q: What is your favorite memory related to CrossFit been?

It’s hard to pick one favorite, but some of the best memories related to CF are participating in the CF Open each year. There is something special about doing these workouts alongside everyone, pushing yourself to a new limit to see how far you’ve come, all while cheering on your teammates. The energy and support in the gym — whether it’s during in-house competitions, the “Murph” Hero WOD, the Open, etc. — make for unforgettable experiences. The Open highlights my CF journey; I did my first one with only three weeks of experience, and it will always remind me of how much my mental and physical growth has progressed year after year. Also, another reminder that I should/can feel proud of myself!

Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit and what about it convinced you to join?

I had wanted to try CrossFit for years, ever since some of my friends from my past life as a triathlete started doing CrossFit and raved about how much fitter they had become. One day I walked by and saw the “free class” sign and figured — there’s my sign! I figured I’d try Foundations and learn what I could, without necessarily committing. I was pleasantly surprised! Everyone was so welcoming and the workouts were so fun that I was pretty much hooked from the start. Being completely new to this type of workout, I really appreciated that I could just show up and do what the coach said to do, and I’d be guaranteed a great workout without having to think about it.

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?
CrossFit has an intimidating reputation. I held the (mistaken) belief that I was too old to take up such an “extreme” sport. 

Q:When did you start at BCF and what were your goals going into it?
I started in September 2021. My main goals were to: (1) develop enough strength and mobility that I could do anything I wanted in life easily and pain-free; and (2) lose weight.  The women in my family tend to live a very long time. But their quality of life varies greatly based in large part on how they lived their younger years. If I am lucky enough to take after them, I want to do what I can to make my later years good ones.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?
Attending the 5:30 AM classes has been a big contributor. It’s the only time guaranteed to fit in my schedule, and I have to get up and out the door well before I’m awake enough to talk myself out of going! Also I have to credit my workout partner and friend of almost 20 years, Laura, who helps keeps me accountable through motivating pep talks and (well-deserved) guilt trips if I feel like skipping.

Q:What advice can you give to others that are new to CrossFit?
I don’t like to give other people advice. But I will offer what has helped me, and that is constantly reminding myself that the only person I need to compete against is myself. I’m still often the slowest and weakest one there, and there are a bunch of movements I have to scale way more than wish I did. As long as I can consistently show up and put in the work, I’ll be faster and stronger than I was before. 

Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?
About a year ago I started working with a dietician. She taught me a lot about nutrition and helped me develop a sustainable way of eating that has helped me lose weight and that also supports my fitness goals without being too rigid. 

Q: What is the biggest benefit you have noticed since starting CrossFit both in or out of the gym?
On weekends, I like to do orienteering races. Orienteering is a sport where you use a topographical map and compass to find checkpoints in the woods. It involves jumping over logs and streams, climbing steep embankments, etc. My race times have gotten faster and I’m less clumsy thanks to CrossFit.  The varied workouts have made me much more capable over challenging terrain.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about Ballston CrossFit?
The coaches. I’ve visited a few other CrossFit gyms and they can’t hold a candle to BCF in terms of the coaches’ level of knowledge and ability to teach. I learn something new in every class, and each coach has their own unique style that contributes to that.

Q: What has your favorite memory related to CrossFit been? 
I don’t have a specific favorite memory.  But if I’ve been away for a few days, one thing I quickly begin to miss is the familiar faces of people I regularly see in class and starting my day on a positive note with all of them!