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

I moved to Arlington after undergrad and starting working out at a local commercial gym. I was used to working out in groups because of college sports and got bored quickly. BCF had great reviews so I decided to give CrossFit a shot!

Q: What stopped you from joining the gym sooner?

I didn’t move to Virginia early enough! 

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

I started in December 2023! My goals were to make new friends, have fun trying new movements, and put on some muscle. 

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

Finding people around my fitness level and pushing myself against them! The most fun workouts are when you compete with a friend, talk trash when you win, and when you inevitably lose, hype them up all the same. 

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

Have fun trying new things. Every single person who has done CrossFit has found a movement they’re not naturally good at or feel silly doing – those are the movements you should have the most fun doing! 

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

BCF has helped me with time management. I’ve learned that my weeks don’t feel quite right without exercise, so making sure my schedule is built around getting into the gym on weekdays and weekends is huge.

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

I am now confident that if a 20 pound rock were to fall on my head, I would catch it and throw it back into the air roughly 30 times. Huge benefit for day-to-day life. 

Q: What has been your favorite thing about BCF?

BCF has the perfect balance of positive support and trash talk to keep any guy happy. 

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

My prosthetic flying off my leg during the Open in 2025. Thanks Ross! 

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

Friends! 

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 11^th 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 1^st 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.

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

I originally found Ballston CrossFit online, and it ended up being the closest CrossFit gym to me. I did CrossFit growing up and throughout high school, so I’d been wanting to get back into it.

Q: What stopped you from joining the gym sooner?

I felt like I needed to be in shape to join (you don’t), and was hesitant to get back into group classes post finishing college athletics. 

Q: When did you start at BCF and what goals did you set when you joined?

I started at BCF in February of this year. My main goal was simply to mix things up! I love working out and staying active, but I’m definitely guilty of doing the same routines over and over again. Being able to show up and have varied, structured workouts already planned has been huge for me.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

Definitely the coaches and members. They consistently push me to try things I probably wouldn’t have attempted on my own, and I’ve genuinely surprised myself because of it.

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

Keeping a consistent routine and schedule as much as possible. Going on the same days each week keeps you accountable and stops you from only choosing the workouts you like.

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

I just make sure I get some kind of movement or self‑care in every day. Life can get super busy with work and everything else, so taking little breaks has become really important for me. Even if it’s a quick walk, a gym session, or planning a fun healthy meal, those small things add up and help me stay on track.

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

Definitely feeling stronger overall. I notice it in my workouts, but also in everyday things outside the gym.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about BCF?

The community, for sure!  Everyone pushes each other to do their best, whatever that looks like. And honestly, That there’s always something to look forward to! Whether it’s a workout planned for the week or a community event coming up. There’s just always a reason to be excited to show up.

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

I wouldn’t say I have one specific favorite memory, but it’s always exciting to show up and hit a PR or finally nail a skill I never thought I’d be able to do. It’s the little wins throughout the week that always give you something to look forward to.

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

The vibe. Everyone is supportive, fun, and it really feels like a community. You can walk in stressed and leave feeling so much better.

Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit (BCF) and what convinced you to join the gym?
I used to live around here and see people running outside. I thought they were straight up crazy. Then a close friend convinced me to try a class, and I fell in love instantly with the workouts, the energy, the motivation from everyone, and honestly how CrossFit completely changed my body.

Q: What stopped you from joining the gym sooner?
I think I was scared of failing… or maybe just lazy, let’s be real.

Q: When did you start at BCF, and what were your goals when you joined?
I joined exactly one year ago, on May 1st. At first, my goal was just to lose weight, but now it’s bigger; I want to be strong, healthy, and keep improving. When I started, I looked around and saw everyone, even older folks, crushing it. That made me realize weight isn’t everything. I want to be strong and healthy for the long run.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?
The people, for sure. Everyone is always cheering, fist-bumping, and pushing each other, it’s contagious. The coaches actually care and notice when you show up, and those fist bumps are EVERYTHING lol.

Q: What advice can you give to others who are new to CrossFit?
Consistency, consistency, consistency. I used to be the type to quit after the first week, but CrossFit taught me patience… and even to be on time, which says a lot because I’m always late to everything.

Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym?
Honestly everything. This year, I really started focusing on myself, sleeping better, eating better, and actually taking care of my body. My mood is better, I’m more focused, and my whole life has shifted in the best way possible. Not saying that just to say it, for real.

Q: What is the biggest benefit you’ve noticed since starting CrossFit (in or out of the gym)?
Confidence. I feel stronger, not just physically but mentally too. I push myself more in life because I learned how to push myself in the gym.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about BCF?
Honestly… everything, the coaches, the people, how strong it makes you, and seeing real results when you stay consistent. It’s super motivating to actually see the progress.

Q: What has been your favorite memory related to CrossFit?
I did my first rope climb a couple of weeks ago, and hearing Bobby and everyone cheering me on and pushing me was the best feeling ever.

Q: What’s one thing you love about this gym that has nothing to do with working out?
The vibe. Everyone is supportive, fun, and it really feels like a community. You can walk in stressed and leave feeling so much better.

Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit (BCF) and what convinced you to join the gym?
I found BCF through a Google search and noticed it had strong reviews. I decided to try a trial class, liked the programming, and that made the decision to join easy.

Q: What stopped you from joining the gym sooner?
Nothing was really stopping me, I just had not come across CrossFit before. Once I found a gym that was only five minutes from our house, the convenience made it an easy decision to try. I have always preferred group classes and was not really a fan of working out on my own with equipment, so the structure and community were appealing.

Q: When did you start at BCF and what were your goals you set when you joined the gym?
My husband and I started at BCF about a year ago. Before joining, my goals were to improve my overall CrossFit skills, specifically doing pull-ups without bands, improving my cleans and overhead squats, and developing my gymnastics movements.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?
I don’t think I have fully achieved success, yet it is still a work in progress, but I have improved a lot since joining BCF. A big part of that is being surrounded by people who are more advanced and skilled, which helps me improve just by watching them and working alongside them. It naturally pushes me to get better in both strength and technique.

Q: What advice can you give to others who are new to CrossFit?
A piece of advice I received from a CrossFit coach that stuck with me is that CrossFit is not one-size-fits-all. Do not compare yourself to others, and just because you are not at the same level as someone else does not mean you are not doing well. It is important to focus on your own progress and not get discouraged.

Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?
I have been more mindful about my nutrition, making sure I get enough protein and balanced meals, which can be challenging as a vegetarian. I also focus on staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water.

Q: What is the biggest benefit you have noticed since starting CrossFit (both in or out of the gym)?
Working out has always helped me with my sleep, overall energy, posture, and strength. I feel better physically and mentally, and with CrossFit, I have noticed improvements in my overall fitness.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about BCF?
The people who attend the gym are serious about CrossFit, so you are working out alongside a higher caliber of athletes. I also appreciate that the gym offers gymnastics and core blast classes.

Q: What has been your favorite memory related to CrossFit?
I don’t have a single favorite memory, but what I enjoy most about CrossFit is that there is always something to work on and improve, which keeps me engaged and challenged. 

Q: What is one thing you love about this gym that has nothing to do with working out?
The energy and positivity in the gym make it a welcoming and enjoyable environment. Being there motivates me to be my best. The coaches are very kind and supportive, and I genuinely love them all.