Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit (BCF) and what convinced you to join the gym?
When I moved to Arlington, I tried just about every gym in the area, but Ballston CrossFit felt completely different. The sense of community stood out right away, and I loved the variety of class times. It makes it easy to fit workouts into my life instead of rearranging my life around the gym.

Q: What stopped you from joining the gym sooner?
Honestly, the stereotype that CrossFit leads to injuries. But I’ve learned that as long as you listen to your body, push yourself wisely, and prioritize good form, you’ll be just fine.

Q: When did you start at BCF and what goals did you set when you joined?
I started in July 2024 with the goal of making working out something I looked forward to instead of a chore or obligation. Now, the WOD is the best part of my day, and I find myself counting down the hours until class.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?
Consistency, consistency, consistency! Progress takes time, but if you dedicate yourself to showing up and putting in the work, the results follow. To get my first pull-up, I practiced almost every day for months, and it paid off!

Q: What advice can you give to others who are new to CrossFit?
Don’t be afraid to try new things! No one is judging you. You might not get a skill on the first try or the hundredth, but if you keep at it, you’ll get there and it’ll feel amazing when you do.

Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?
I focused on finding other forms of joyful movement, choosing activities because they make me happy, not because I feel obligated to do them. I love swing and line dancing, and I’ve been exploring aerial silks and Lyra classes. I’ve also shifted my mindset around food, seeing it as fuel that supports the things I love rather than just counting calories.

Q: What is the biggest benefit you’ve noticed since starting CrossFit? (both in and out of the gym)
I’ve developed a real sense of gratitude for my body, for how it moves and all the things it allows me to do in and out of the gym. I now value it not for how it looks, but for what it can do.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about BCF?
The people, 100%! I’ve met some of my closest friends (shoutout Barb, ily!) through this gym. The community and coaches are endlessly supportive and make every workout more fun.

Q: What has been your favorite memory related to CrossFit?
Getting my first rope climb! When I started, it seemed impossible, I thought there’s NO WAY I’m ever climbing all the way up there. When I finally did it, I had never felt more capable, and it taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to.

Q: What’s one thing you love about this gym that has nothing to do with working out?
The people 🙂 They make BCF feel like home.

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

I was looking for group exercise classes and had done a ton of internet research on various options in Arlington and the surrounding area for a few weeks. I even tried an intro class at another gym (not CrossFit) that wasn’t a good fit for me.  Somehow, even though I had included CrossFit gyms in my search, BCF hadn’t come up in my research, but I was out at dinner at the Melting Pot (upstairs in the BCF building) one night and saw the gym.  I went home and googled BCF that evening and reached out with questions. The managers answered my questions, I came in for a free class, and I’ve been with BCF ever since.

Q: What stopped you from joining the gym sooner?

I had some exercise equipment in my home gym and I thought I could meet my goals without doing anything structured. (I couldn’t. My home equipment mostly collected dust. I needed the structure and accountability BCF provides…) 

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

I joined in December 2024. My goals were really general – just to get more active and healthier. I had spurts of activity in my 20s and 30s and a home gym I used occasionally, but in general, I was pretty sedentary. I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes. As I transitioned into my 40s, I realized that if I didn’t get more active, I was going continue that history, so I wanted to get ahead of that, and I was hoping BCF could help provide the structure and accountability to get me there. 

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

The supportive coaches and the welcoming community.  Although there’s a competitive aspect to CrossFit, everything can be scaled to your particular fitness and skill level.  When I was first starting, and I was consistently one of the most out-of-shape, poor performing athletes in the gym, I really appreciated that everyone met me where I was, explained ways to scale the exercises, and never judged the fact that it was obvious how out-of-shape I was. 

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

Set realistic goals and try not to compare your performance to other class participants. BCF has a wide range of athletic skill, but everyone was a beginner at one point and everyone is understanding of the work that goes into starting out. 

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

I’ve never been a big fan of stretching and my flexibility reflects that, but I have worked to build a habit of stretching more, including on days when I don’t work out. I’ve also been making a more focused effort at eating more whole foods and less processed foods.

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

My motivation behind starting CrossFit is general improved health. I recently had a health check-up and all my vitals were dramatically improved compared with before I started CrossFit!

Q: What has been your favorite thing about BCF?

All of the encouraging coaches! In particular, weeknights with Beth and Travis, and a special thanks to Kris, Bobby, Brock, and Dr. Scott Murray, who were super-helpful and supportive.

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

The feeling of accomplishment the first time I lifted 100lbs! 

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

I already said this earlier, but how welcoming everyone is. I’m not a naturally outgoing person, but I appreciate how many people made a point of introducing themselves when I was first starting. (and still do when I come across coaches and athletes I haven’t met before) 

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!

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

I have a friend who has been a long-time member, and he convinced me to try it. After I came in and completed the foundations classes it was an easy decision to join, and I’ve been a member since April 2025. 

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

The only exercise I was doing at the time was running and I just didn’t realize what I was missing in my daily routine. 

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

April 2025. Coming into BCF I was looking for something that would help me physically and mentally. I also knew that it was going to take more than running to achieve success. 

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

The coaches and the quality of the classes are very motivating to achieve success. 

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

Stick with it. Set up small goals, stay motivated, and be happy with the progress you’re making even if it takes time to hit all your goals. 

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

I completely redid my diet, I drink less alcohol, and I run more. My days are more productive, and I pay more attention to how my body feels. 

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

My stamina, my strength, and mobility has improved significantly. I have more energy and my mental being has improved. 

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

The overall vibe, I know that when I get there, I’m going to have a good workout and I’m going to have fun. 

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

When I did my first wall walk. That was quite an achievement compared to where I started. 

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

Definitely the people. Everyone is friendly and helpful which contributes to the positive environment.

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

I moved to Arlington from Seattle in 2021. I did CrossFit out in Seattle until COVID hit. When I moved to Arlington, I was looking around for a CrossFit gym.  I used to go to a gym at my workplace. I got bored working out by myself. Ballston CrossFit was only 2 miles away from my apartment and they have a 5:30 am class.  Positive reviews, great coaches, and friendly classmates convinced me to join.

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

I was training for the Philadelphia Marathon.

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

I started at BCF in February of 2023, my goals were to increase mobility, lose weight, perform complex movements, and work on perfecting my technique.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

The coaches of course! They are easily approachable and will give you tips on your lifting form and motivate you during class. I come to BCF 4 to 5 days a week because I enjoy being part of the community and the progress I see from attending.

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

Be patient, when I first joined BCF I was nervous of doing strict handstand push ups, rope climbs, and bar muscle ups. I thought it would take me forever to do them but this year, I got all three. I am no longer dreading when looking at the WOD and seeing HSPU, rope climbs, or BMU in the workout, I get excited when I see them in the workout. Be consistent, I try to come in 5 days a week. Keep showing up and putting in the work, that’s all it matters.

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

I took the 50 Day Nutrition Seminar that was offered in January. That made a big difference, I lost a lot of weight but gained muscle mass. Nutrition is very important. I replaced a lot of processed food with nuts, fruits, and veggies while increasing my protein intake.

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

The biggest benefit is I can easily move around without stiffness.  I spent 20 to 30 minutes after class working on mobility stuff that helps out a lot with activities in and out of the gym.

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

My favorite thing is that everyone is supportive at BCF from coaches to classmates.

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

Getting my first rope climb and Kris F. congratulating me.

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

I made some amazing friends that I can hang out with outside the gym.