Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit (BCF) and what convinced you to join the gym?
I found BCF by accident. During my break at work, I happened to walk down 11th St towards the pond and saw the sign “BALLSTON CROSSFIT”. (At that time, I was in search of a new gym) As I popped in there, was someone hitting multiple Ring Muscle Ups. I was sold and said sign me up!
Q: What stopped you from joining the gym sooner?
I was new to Arlington and was a new hire during a Covid year. I used to work and live in DC so all I knew was that area.
Q: When did you start at BCF and what were your goals you set when you joined the gym?
I started BCF in January of 2023. My goals were to relearn the foundation and perfect the basics. I had done some Olympic lifting during the Covid years but not consistently.
Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?
The community! I realized that everyone at the gym comes from different environments. The one common quality I experienced was that all members were willing to put in the effort to make themselves better every day. Three years in, the effort is still there and it fuels my success at BCF.
Q: What advice can you give to others who are new to CrossFit?
“Days don’t define you…leave yesterday in the past, make today a good one and be better tomorrow.”
Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?
I completely changed my entire lifestyle from nutrition, sleep, putting myself as #1 priority, reading more and learning the power of saying no.
Q: What is the biggest benefit you have noticed since starting CrossFit (both in and out of the gym)?
It has completely restored my confidence, both professionally and personal. Numerous opportunities have been recommended to me and all have been completed with highest remarks.
Q: What has been your favorite thing about BCF?
My favorite part is seeing members who hit their own PR goals. It is a reminder that there is always room for improvement. Plus, the support we give or receive on achieving those goals.
Q: What has been your favorite memory related to CrossFit?
My favorite memory is getting my 1st Ring Muscle-Up. Gymnastics is not my strength, but I have been working on it for about 7 months. One day a member saw me miss while working out, stopped, and proceeded to walk with me to say positive encouraging words. “YOU ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO GET IT; I CAN SEE IT” That stuck with me the entire day. I returned to the gym in the evening and nailed two Ring Muscle-Ups. I am so thankful for her!
Q: What is one thing you love about this gym that has nothing to do with working out?
I love the camaraderie I have developed among the coaches and all the members.
