Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit (BCF) and what convinced you to join the gym?

I had been curious to try CrossFit and saw that BCF was conveniently nearby and had great reviews.

Q: What stopped you from joining the gym sooner?

I took the Foundations class shortly after moving to the DC area, mostly out of curiosity, but it took me another year to convince myself to actually join BCF. I had never really had a workout routine, so I wanted to give myself time to try different options. I think deep down inside, I knew BCF was my favorite option, and a year of feeling scatter-brained and not particularly motivated at Gold’s Gym really solidified that I would enjoy the structure and community at BCF. 

Q: When did you start at BCF and what were your goals you set when you joined the gym?

I started in 2022. I didn’t have any specific goals in mind other than learning all of the cool movements that I saw people doing.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

Showing up consistently! I used to purposefully skip days with scary movements like snatches and rope climbs, but once I stopped avoiding them, the BCF coaches had lots of scaling options that set me on a good path to learn those movements. I don’t really do exercises outside of WODs to get better at certain skills (I certainly look up to those who do and aspire to be as motivated!), but I have been pleasantly surprised by the power of the repetition that comes from consistently showing up to class.

I appreciate that the coaches are so attentive and push me to try harder things even when I don’t believe I can do them. Being surrounded by fit people is also great motivation to get better — sometimes when I’m exhausted mid-workout, I pause and look around in awe at the other BCF members, and that reignites my engine. 

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

Keep showing up! Progress can feel like a brick wall, and some days, it can be frustrating to see how easily others do skills that feel so impossible to you. Don’t despair! Trust that you are getting better. Don’t be shy about asking coaches for scaling options. One day things will click…and then they might un-click for a bit…but keep going!

For specific skills:

• For learning double unders, try doing them on the platform — I found it a lot easier to hear the rhythm of the rope and time my jumping accordingly
• For the Olympic lifts, try watching slow-motion videos of others and yourself — there’s so much that happens so fast, and slow-mo helped me translate the BCF coaches’ cues into my body
• For pull-ups, I found slow negatives very helpful

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

When I first started at BCF, I remember noticing that I was a lot more tired and hungry, which definitely made me more mindful of my sleep and nutrition. I can’t say I’ve been diligent about either, but I’ll keep trying!

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

In terms of physical benefits, the first thing I noticed was better aerobic capacity. Walking up the stairs after the fire drills at my office building has definitely gotten easier! I can also carry heavier things. It’s fun to impress strangers by lifting my luggage into the overhead bin with ease. In terms of mental benefits, coming to BCF in the mornings before work has become a routine and puts me in a good mood for the day.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about BCF?

BCF was my first CrossFit gym. Since then, I’ve dropped in on several others, which has made me realize that the coaches and community at BCF are quite special. The coaches here work hard to create a warm and welcoming environment, and the people are a great mix of inspiring, encouraging, and fun. 

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

During my first CrossFit Open, I was terrified of snatching a 35lb dumbbell. My first attempt at heaving that much weight overhead had been the day before, and it felt super heavy. But with the encouragement of my judge and the coaches and the awesome energy of the gym, I somehow got through 90 of them!

Also finally getting my first bar muscle up!

Q: What’s one thing you love about this gym that has nothing to do with working out?

The people!