4
Jan
Bob Lyons
| Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit and what about it convinced you to join? I learned of Ballston CrossFit from Coach and Owner Tucker. I appreciated how committed he and the BCF team were to welcoming and including individuals from all backgrounds along with BCF’s investment in the greater community. Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner? I was not familiar with what CrossFit looked like and whether this was something I could do. Despite some gym workouts here and there over the years, I always felt like a zero-beginner gym guy as a longtime runner who avoided the gym environment. Q:When did you start at BCF and what were your goals going into it? I have been around BCF for a number of years, yet I was not very consistent. My aim has been to build more muscle and to get into better shape. The trick for me has been discipline in terms of making it into the gym. In 2022, I only went to approximately 42 workouts. In 2023, I set a goal to aim for consistency by coming for 100 workouts at BCF. On December 30, 2023, I came for my 107th and final WOD (workout of the day) for 2023! Now with better consistency, I aim to continue to come in and make progress on various CrossFit movements. Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF? The special feature of BCF is the community. The coaches are amazing, super supportive, and helpful. I like to say that BCF stands for Best Coaches For Real! The gym members are also incredible! I appreciate how supportive everyone is of each other whether accomplishing a PR, participating in the CrossFit Open or other competition, or simply just showing up and completing the workout. There are so many people at BCF that I genuinely care about and look up to as individuals. Q:What advice can you give to others that are new to CrossFit? Ballston CrossFit is welcoming to all individuals and all fitness levels. I am not naturally inclined at working out in the gym environment, yet I have never felt safer working in a gym than when I do at Ballston CrossFit. I know I can rely on expert coaches who can guide me on my form and challenge me to have a rigorous workout. Also, while most of the members are much further along in their fitness journey than I am, they are all super encouraging and welcoming! I really do appreciate the supportive vibes here. Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals? I worked with a specialist to make updates to my nutrition and exercise plan. I lost around 30 lbs as a result. The great news is that BCF works with a variety of specialists, so resources are available for individualized coaching from nutrition to personal training, etc. I also follow Dr. James DiNicolantonio (@drjamesdinic) online. He regularly posts encouraging and informative content reminding folks about the best exercise for weight loss and maintaining health is weight lifting. Q: What benefits have you noticed since starting CrossFit both in or out of the gym? I definitely have felt a sense of endorphins and confidence that has carried me throughout other areas. From being better able to open a jar for a family member or for having a renewed sense of calm at home or work after a workout, working out at BCF is changing my life for the better. Q: What has been your favorite thing about Ballston CrossFit? In addition to the community of coaches and members, I would have to say the focus on precision and safety at BCF, BCF’s Coaches, and BCF’s Community! Form and technique are critical, and BCF does not cut corners. |