Success Stories

Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit, and what about it convinced you to join?
I did a quick Google search for CrossFit gyms near me, and BCF was the first on the list. The people at BCF are what convinced me to join. Within moments, I felt like part of the group. The coaches are personable, patient, and nonjudgmental, and they make the workouts fun!

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?
My ego. I used to be a powerlifter and had the attitude and mindset that powerlifters don’t do CrossFit. Ironically enough, I competed in a powerlifting competition a week ago, and my numbers were slightly lower than when I used to powerlift. However, my score was higher because I lifted more than my body weight.

Q: When did you start at BCF, and what were your goals going into it?
I began at BCF in February 2024. My goals were to lose weight, look and feel good, and be stronger and faster. I also thought this was an excellent way to meet people in the area.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?
Staying humble and listening to the coaches. I’ve been lifting/working for over 14 years, and I knew the only way I would achieve my physical goals was by coming into each class early on, like I knew nothing, and it was my first time lifting. To this day, I’m still learning and growing every time I attend class.

Q: What advice can you give to others who are new to CrossFit?
Be patient, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. CrossFit can be challenging, but you can achieve your goals with the right mindset and attitude.

Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?
I started working with a nutritionist about three months into my CrossFit journey. The year before joining BCF, I watched both of my parents battle cancer. My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, and my dad with lung cancer in November 2023. Seeing what they went through and are still battling, I knew I wanted to do anything and everything within my power to combat this in my own life. So, I hired a nutritionist in May, and I’ve lost 18 pounds since then, and a total of 20 pounds since joining BCF. I have never felt better. Honestly, for the first time in 44 years, I feel confident and happy with who I am.

Q: What is the biggest benefit you have noticed since starting CrossFit both in or out of the gym?
Setting the example of how to care for myself holistically (body, mind, and spirit) for my son. Yeah, I have lost weight, and I’m in the best shape of my life, but to hear my son say he wants to workout and see him make healthy choices regarding what he eats is the best thing ever!

Q: What has been your favorite thing about Ballston CrossFit?
The people! The coaches are fantastic! I love my 6:30 a.m. BCF Battle Buddies (they don’t know I call them that, but they do now)! And I love attending Faith & Fitness on the Sundays they are offered!

Q: What has your favorite memory related to CrossFit been?
The relationships I’ve made. The PRs are great, but the friendships last a lifetime!

“I’ve kept myself pretty fit for many years now. I have a demanding and sometimes stressful job, and I also have balance my time with my wife and three young kids. I live in Arlington and work in DC. Before the pandemic, I regularly attended a gym in DC for over four years, enjoying their great lunchtime boot camps. COVID changed a lot for all of us, with more time spent working from home. The gym I used to go to struggled and eventually closed. During the pandemic, like many others, I invested in equipment like an ERG rower and ECHO bike and managed to keep up with workouts for a while.

As we emerged from COVID, I wanted to return to a more structured environment. Before joining Ballston CrossFit, I tried all the local gyms—F45, Madabolic, Orange Theory, Barry’s—but none of them were right for me or had the atmosphere I was looking for.

I found Ballston CrossFit through a random Google search based on proximity to home, and I’m glad I did. It’s a fantastic place where the instructors are not only fit and engaged but genuinely connect with the people taking the classes. This creates a great community feeling.

I was surprised by how much I liked CrossFit. It has a bit of a reputation for being cult-like, but I don’t think that’s the case. You can scale the workouts to fit your goals, which I do. The classes are diverse, with people of all levels—men, women, young, old, etc. The key elements for me are the numerous classes available, engaged, knowledgeable, and friendly coaches, and high-energy, welcoming classmates. Additionally, Ballston CrossFit regularly hosts special workout events for holidays like Labor Day and Christmas, which are a lot of fun and foster great camaraderie. On a personal note, I’ve enjoyed learning some of the more technical moves that I never thought I’d be able to do or even try, like handstand pushups. A core element of CrossFit is constantly changing and different workouts and so that keeps it interesting.

After all these years of working out, the secret to success is clear: build it into your routine and keep doing it. Everything else will take care of itself. The benefits of going to a place like Ballston CrossFit are that you not only get a great workout, but you also look forward to doing the workout.
For people looking to get on a better fitness track – irrespective of fitness level, I would suggest you call and talk to the coaches. Don’t worry about the technical stuff. That will come in time, and there are always modifications to help you get there. Good luck!”

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

I looked online for CF gyms in the area before I even moved over from the UK, BCF being one of them. The class schedule fits perfectly with my work schedule and the availability of open gym makes it’s easy to get in and do extra accessory work (bicep curls). I also wanted a gym that had a good social scene and saw all the upcoming events on the whiteboard. Everyone who I spoke to was really welcoming which made it an easy decision in the end.

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

I ruptured my Achilles playing rugby a week before moving to the US, so I had to wait until I had rehabbed that enough before starting otherwise I probably would’ve joined immediately.

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

I started in January 2024 and my goal was to regain fitness whilst rehabbing my injury, I also wanted to make some friends in the area.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

All the coaches seemed to genuinely care and adapt the workouts around my injury, providing the same amount of intensity whilst not sacrificing the intended stimulus. This helped keep me motivated to train and prevented me from becoming frustrated at not being able to train at the level I have been use to.

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

Listen to the coaches, ask questions, have fun and keep the chalk in the bucket…

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

I started to pay more attention to what I was eating, drinking and prioritising sleep in order to recover. I love the trails around the local area so walking, running and cycling keeps me active outside the gym.

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

My baseline level of fitness has improved. I was worried at how unfit I’d become. Since returning to training the gains in all aspects of fitness came back far sooner than I had expected.

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

There are a lot of things I like about this gym but it has to be the people. I was a member at an amazing CF gym in the UK and made some really good friends (shoutout to @crossfitISCA) so it was important to try and do the same here and I’m grateful that everyone here makes it a welcoming environment to train in. Everyone is cheerful, even at 6:30am and working out with likeminded people is the best start to my day.

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

Probably dropping into gyms around the world when travelling. I love that CF gyms allow you to drop in to a class and get to meet new people who share a common interest. I think there’s something cool about dropping into a gym and doing a partner workout with a total stranger. Im able to get a workout in and get the local intel on the best local places to eat and drink.

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

I moved to VA from Atlanta, GA in 2021 and immediately started looking for a
CrossFit gym in the area. The idea of CrossFit always intrigued me, and I was eager to
try something new and challenging. After researching local options, Ballston CrossFit
stood out because of its positive reviews, experienced coaches, and welcoming
community. The focus on functional fitness and injury prevention was exactly what I was
looking for.

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

I first heard about CrossFit when I came to the U.S. in 2017. My coworkers were
enthusiastic about it, but as a hardcore boxing fan with over 10 years of experience, I
quickly found a boxing gym and began training for competition. Unfortunately, I needed
to undergo surgery, which not only hindered me from competing but also required a
significant time to recover, preventing me from doing any sports for some time.

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

I started at BCF in August 2021 with the goal of regaining my previous fitness level,
improving my conditioning, and losing weight. I believed the intensity of CrossFit
workouts would help me achieve these objectives. Unfortunately, I had to skip a couple
of months of training to undergo a small surgery for an issue that had been bothering
me for some time and needed recovery afterward, but I bounced back stronger and
remained committed to my goals.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

The knowledgeable coaches and supportive community have been crucial to my
success. The competitive environment keeps me motivated and focused on improving
my performance daily. My weightlifting technique still needs work, but I’m steadily
progressing.

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

I don’t want to sound like a financial advisor or like I’m running an ad for BCF, but my
advice to newcomers would be to switch to unlimited training sessions as soon as
possible. With limited classes, you’re likely to choose workouts you’re comfortable with.
However, I’ve found that tackling exercises I initially disliked helped me reach my goals
much faster.

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

I changed my diet, drastically reducing my carb intake and switching from three
meals a day to two, which has been plenty. I also started taking vitamins and minerals
consistently. I rarely eat out and prefer to cook my own meals. Additionally, my friends
are very supportive, and I spend a lot of time with people who have a positive impact on
me mentally. My routine includes WODs at 6:30 am and Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the
evenings, both of which complement each other well. I also actively cycle and try to do
as many fun activities as possible with my friends to remain healthy and enjoy life.

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

CrossFit has significantly improved my conditioning, strength, and overall fitness.
These benefits extend to other sports I practice, and being in good shape has enhanced
my self-esteem and mental health, which is a major benefit in today’s stressful world.

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

I absolutely loved the food that Dima and his wife Katya brought to the gym on
MURPH day for his birthday. I wish he had more birthdays each year!

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

My favorite memory is participating in the MURPH workout. It was an incredible
experience, and I loved every moment of the struggle, surrounded by like-minded
people. It felt truly special.

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

I started at a brand new box in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 4 months before moving back to Arlington. When I arrived in August, I looked up CrossFit gyms near me and found two. Ballston CrossFit is close enough for me to walk to and when I exchanged texts with Brock, he convinced me to sign up for foundations.

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

The lack of CrossFit gyms in the countries I was living in, but honestly I didn’t feel like I was fit enough to start, not knowing that CrossFit is meant for everyone at every level of fitness.

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

I started foundations in August 2023, and regular classes in September. My goals coming in were to be able to learn the techniques, proper form and push myself in every class and maybe lose a couple of pounds.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

The coaches have made a huge impact on my success at the gym. I have had an interaction with almost every coach and have found they know how to push me to try the harder movements, heavier weights, work on my form and give words of encouragement.

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

True to what almost every other member has said, is that I would tell anyone new to CrossFit would be to be consistent, don’t cherry pick workouts and keep working at the things that feel the hardest.

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

For almost 5 years I have been working on my health and wellness. I’ve tried to be more mindful of the foods I eat and cut out alcohol completely, finding that it really helps with my sleep and energy levels, improving my performance. I also try to incorporate active recovery days into my routine so that I do rest, but still move my body.

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

The most noticeable benefit I have experienced is my increased endurance – I love hiking with my family, but usually found myself falling behind and feeling so tired and sore. Now I can keep up and actually look forward to the more challenging hikes, like Old Rag. I’ve also started running again, an exercise I once swore I’d never do again when I finished my enlistment in the Army.

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

I love coming to the classes and experiencing the camaraderie of the members and coaches. Experiencing my first CrossFit Open was very inspiring, but also just SO much fun!

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

I was looking for a CrossFit gym when I moved to Virginia and I decided to try the BCF foundations class. The coaches were very friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. I then decided to join this gym without trying the other ones on my list.

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?
I already knew I wanted to join a CrossFit gym when I moved to Virginia, I was just trying to find the right one!

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

I started around November 2020. Initially, I just wanted to find a gym to work out, but then started setting some goals to improve my gymnastics and other movements.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

I think the people; between the coaches and the people I have met at the gym. They all motivate me to keep coming every week and the consistency has improved my overall fitness.

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

Just continue to come and you will see results. Don’t compare yourself to other athletes, each person’s journey is different.

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

I am more conscious about what I eat. I have joined the nutrition challenge at BCF twice and it has helped me make better choices regarding the types of food and quantities I eat.

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

I definitely feel stronger. I track how much I lift and have seen improvements since I joined this gym. I also improved my scores each time I have taken my military Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).

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

I like the variety of times for classes to chose from and that there are other classes like yoga, endurance, gymnastics, core, weightlifting, and a class to prep for the open. Also, there are movie nights, holiday dinners and other events.
I have tried all these classes and they are all great, I feel like there is no excuse to not come work out.

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

During the last open, I was able to do all the workouts Rx and was able to do my first chest to bar! 🙂

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

I moved to Ballston and got a dog a couple of years ago, and I noticed this gym on one of our walks around the neighborhood. I was looking for a new community, new lifestyle and exercise changes, and just new adventures, and eventually decided to give the free class a try. Everybody I talked to from the first time I walked in was so kind and welcoming, it really made me excited to come back.

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

I’d always thought part of the brand was super high intensity and thought that meant you had to be really athletic and already in great shape to enjoy it. I was thrilled to learn I was totally wrong and that it’s a lot of fun even at super introductory levels. Having such a welcoming environment, plenty of scaling options, and coaches who encourage you no matter what level you’re at fixed all of my misconceptions really quickly.

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

I started almost exactly a year ago! I think I took Foundations in May 2023. Coming into it I had general goals of being healthier. I had a lot of back pain issues and terrible cardio. So I wanted to try new ways to feel better. The diversity of CrossFit really appealed to me – Having better cardio, being stronger, being able to move around pain-free, it all had a lot of appeal. I didn’t set myself any particular benchmarks, I just wanted to generally be healthier.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

Being open-minded and committing to the process. I really try to check all prior beliefs at the door and if a coach tells me to do something, I do it 🙂

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

Focus on having fun and working hard and don’t measure progress *too* much. Certainly don’t compare your progress to other people. There’s so many dimensions to CrossFit, and everybody is progressing at different speeds on each dimension. Just enjoy your own journey and support everybody else on their journey.

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

I try to do a lot of work on mobility and I’ve tried to be smarter about my diet. I don’t count calories but eating more vegetables goes a really long way. It’s harder to overeat when half your plate is veggies.

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

Honestly everything about life gets easier and more enjoyable. Having a stronger core means I don’t get back pain anymore. I can run with my dog and not get out of breath. I sleep better and I’m less stressed. It’s pretty incredible how different life is.

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

The coaches and community! I’ve made a lot of friends at BCF, every day when I come in I’m excited to see who will be there and there are good groups that hang out outside the gym now too. The coaches are truly fantastic. Everybody is extremely well-educated and well-trained, but also everybody has their own perspective and their own way of thinking about the sport. So I always learn something new every time I talk to a coach!

Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit and what about it convinced you to join?
I am from Scotland and was doing CrossFit there so I knew that I needed to find a CrossFit box when I moved to Arlington. I have been active all my life and I have to say CrossFit is definitely the best sport/exercise program I have ever done. The coaching that you receive is like nothing I have experienced before. I searched online for a local CrossFit and I loved the look of the community at Ballston CrossFit.

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?
Nothing! Being at a CrossFit box in Scotland I didn’t have any reservations about joining Ballston CrossFit. I have been to various CrossFit gyms around the world when I travel and I have found that most are very welcoming.

Q: When did you start at BCF and what were your goals going into it?
I started in April 2023 and my goals were to have fun, meet new people, improve my form and maintain a level of fitness that I had already built up. I committed to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in January 2024 (which I have done!) and I knew that time restrictions within my life would prevent me from doing lots of training to hike. I knew that by staying consistent at CrossFit it would really help me with the climb. I am delighted to say I succeeded at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and I know that by attending Ballston CrossFit it really helped me to achieve that.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?
The community, the coaches, the programming, my mindset and my commitment to showing up. All the classes are coached by incredible coaches who have so much patience, knowledge and belief in you. The classes follow a program that is designed to help you become your best.

Q: What advice can you give to others that are new to CrossFit?
Don’t prejudge what CrossFit is and be coachable! I believe people have an idea of what CrossFit is and they talk themselves out of it without really knowing how beneficial it would be for them. The coaches at CrossFit give you so much guidance on helping you to decide what you want to achieve during your CrossFit journey. Once you know what your goals are, listen to the coaches and do what they advise – these guys really know their stuff! I would also recommend to not take yourself too seriously and have fun while learning, it can be frustrating when you can’t get the technique right. Commit to at least 6 months before deciding if CrossFit is for you or not. I guarantee if you do that you will know it’s for you.

Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?
Sleep! I have a very busy life and the thing that I would always sacrifice is sleep. I learned that to get the best out of my workouts I had to become disciplined to getting my 8 hours sleep every night. I have also learned the importance of recovery days where I don’t do any fitness except maybe some light stretching.

Q: What benefits have you noticed since starting CrossFit both in or out of the gym?
I have noticed that my stamina and posture have both improved dramatically. My body feels strong and I find every day tasks to much easier than I used to. I believe lots of people suffer back pain from sitting for long periods and prior to CrossFit I would be one of those people. I have never suffered back pain since I started doing CrossFit. I am much more flexible than I used to be and my body just feels fit and healthy – it’s a great feeling.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about Ballston CrossFit?
The community and how I feel after a workout. Often in class I will be the slowest of the person with the least weight and I have never once felt intimidated or less than – Nobody here ever makes you feel like that. There are days that I could easily talk myself out of going, however there is no better feeling than how you feel once you have finished class.

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