Jude Luciano
As I turned 50 this year, I wanted to get a jumpstart for the next 50. I was on a mission to find the best gym in Arlington with a workout structure that will make an overall impact, where I can progress and maintain a healthier lifestyle. I wanted a program that offered challenges, something that was explosive and not monotonous. Those were the key components I was looking for to help me achieve my personal and professional goals.
I always strived to be active growing up, finding outlets that challenged me because I found fulfillment in them and felt that it made me a better person. I’ve always had a lot of energy, so physical fitness naturally became an interest — rucking, hiking, biking, rock climbing, running, and weightlifting was my favorite. But beginning in 2014, I couldn’t run as much anymore due to fractures I sustained, so I had to find other means to do cardio. Then in the last few years, I’ve noticed my energy was slowly declining, and more wear and tear was happening along with an autoimmune condition limiting me out of the blue. It was the most confusing and frustrating time. That’s why I needed to find the right and best gym. In my online search, I went down the list of “the best gym in Arlington” and Ballston Crossfit was the only one that struck my interest. CrossFit itself didn’t cross my mind during my search even though I’ve heard about CrossFit before. What caught my attention were the number of positive reviews. I was immediately in awe when I saw the website, learning about the programs, Yoga and the success stories, and how diverse the coaches’ backgrounds were.
One day I decided to visit the gym and I saw coach Mack teaching the class. Although I was a bit intimidated stepping through the door I ended up watching the class that she was teaching.This made me realize that my search was over!
After my visit, I immediately signed up for the Free Trial Class through the website. Near the end of 2021 I went to the Free Trial Class and Tucker put my group through a series of workouts that marked the beginning of my journey to CrossFit.
Shortly after was the Foundations Class with Brock and Stacey leading it. The first class was nerve-racking for me. I remember vividly hearing one of the beginners referring to us like the contestants in the Squid Game as we waited in the lobby. Quite honestly, as intimidating as it can be at times if you have not done CrossFit, let alone know the coolest terminologies like WOD, EMOM, AMRAP, Split Jerk, etc., all the coaches are there guiding and encouraging you! Finding Ballston CrossFit is more than a check-in-the-box for me.
Despite the slow start on my end, because of the many missed WOD days for weeks from travels, work, and school, I have always been looking forward to being back. As I wanted January 2022 to be the turning point of my life-changing moment, I wanted to make sure I was grasping what I was learning from WOD days and not feel lost. Both Tucker and Brock helped set me up with Katie in the buddy program, which helped tremendously, explaining the WOD to me when I had questions. I still have so much to learn, but with everyone helping, my personal goals are starting to progress. I am gaining momentum in strength again, helping me cope with my injuries and ailments, slowly but surely! More importantly, CrossFit has become a part of my daily schedule, helping me with my professional goals for the new Army Physical Fitness test. Each WOD day is like a test of endurance from beginning to end. The fact that I can do the WODs is an achievement. I am slowly venturing into more classes like the Core Blast and Skills class. My favorite WOD so far is the barbell workouts; I am so inspired by it and love it! Each WOD is a fun surprise because it challenges me to the core!
The best advice I can give is to keep going to the WODs. The only way to make progress is to do it! It gets more exciting and life-changing as you do it. Doing CrossFit little by little is like finding my mojo, niche, edge again before the injuries, ailments, and COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on my body and energy. BCF has made a positive impact on my life. My life is slowly transitioning back to my normalcy plus more again. Also, I am more focused and not as consumed with work.