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.

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

During my house hunting trip in July 2020, I dropped into a few gyms in the area. Of those drop-ins, the BCF coaches were the most knowledgeable and welcoming. A mix of that interaction and the availability of class times, both scheduled classes and open gym times, made it an easy choice to join!

Q: What stopped you from joining the gym sooner?

I lived in Iowa. Not very commutable. 

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

August 2020. I had no specific goals in mind when joining but that changed with the OG 4:30pm crew. I always wanted to deadlift 500lbs and have a heavy back squat (I was stuck at 360lbs). Consistency over the past 5 years has helped me hit a 500lb deadlift and a 425lb back squat. As a side quest, I can even give you a 20ft handstand walk. Just don’t ask me to do a wall walk…

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

Consistency, coaching, and the mad scientist (Brock) programming. With the occasional “BBB” programming (Body by Bobby).

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

Do not cherry pick the classes you attend. Stick out the programming blocks and stay within the prescribed percentages. It might feel like you are just treading water but the results will come. Not every day is a max effort day/PR day.

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

Stretching, sleeping, and taking rest days have become more of a priority.

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

I’ve been doing CrossFit since 2018 and seeing my progress in strength and conditioning over the years has been very rewarding. I like to hike and snowboard and having better stamina and endurance makes those activities more about the experience than being exhausted during or after.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about BCF?

BCF is the best (hands down) when it comes to availability and quality of coaching. 

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

Competing with Chelsea, Elizabeth and Bobby at and taking 2nd at MACC. “Almost” – maybe next year. 

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

The events held outside of the gym. I love the annual baseball game and watching the Nationals lose…go Phils! 

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)