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. 

Q: How did you find out about Ballston CrossFit and what about it convinced you to join?
I used to get coffee at the Starbucks in the Marymount University building and I would see the members from the 7:30 morning class finishing up. They looked driven, fit, and happy. In November of 2024, I received a Black Friday deal for Foundations. I loved foundations with Brock, Bobby, and Kris! At 43, I had become a weekend warrior at Onelife trying to squeeze everything in on Saturday. CrossFit was a fitness rebirth into something that resembled my fit days of being a personal trainer in my early twenties. 

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

I was intimidated. I knew what I was doing in the gym. In the early 2000s I was a team NASM personal trainer, and I had a strong knowledge of weight training. “Why rock the boat” mentality. 

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

Foundations in December 2024 and officially a member January 1, 2025. I wanted to be fit in every way. I had some muscle tone from weight training as a weekend warrior at a big gym, but that was it. I didn’t have any cardio endurance, coordination, flexibility, motivation, or challenging and fun workouts. I thought it would be cool to do “CrossFit stuff”. It also helps that I thought it would be fun to meet new people. 

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

First – the coaches in every way. From high quality instruction methods, kindness, and their attention to detail, ensuring I have the right technique. Shout out to coaches Brock, Bobby, Kris, and Stacey!

Second – Remembering the principle of progress and not perfection, and not comparing myself to others who have been doing CrossFit for years. Eating more and increasing my protein intake. Talking to my classmates. 

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

Changing my protein intake and taking in more calories.

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

Cardiovascular endurance, stress relief, and increased self-confidence. I take what I’ve learned and share it with the high school students I teach. 

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

The feeling I have when I leave feeling a million times better physically and mentally. 

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

I have 2!

1. Bring a friend day: I brought my girlfriend, and we had such an amazing time together as partners. It was like the Amazing Race BCF and she was able to see why I love it. 
2. When Coaches Bobby and Kris came to the high school I teach. They had three classes go through a CrossFit workout! My students loved it and it feels great to share this life changing experience with others. 

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

It’s not a big box gym where there are too many people and the gym does not care about you. At BCF, you’re not a number, you’re a person who matters. The coaches know your name, care about your success, and you make friends in your classes. Tucker the owner is all in, and is always trying to make the best better.

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

A friend from my previous CrossFit Gym had really good things to say about her time at Ballston CrossFit so I took her word for it!

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

I did not live here 😛

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

I started about a year and a half ago when I moved here. I just wanted to move my body, get stronger, and make some great new friends.

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

The coaches and friends (shoutout ELLA) I’ve made along the way make coming into the gym consistently and pushing myself easier. Working out is way better when you’re having fun! Could not do it without you all 🙂

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

Don’t be overwhelmed with all that you can’t do. Take small steps forward and celebrate each new gain. Soon you’ll be looking back and can’t believe how far you’ve come!

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

If I’m not at the gym that day, I make sure I’m still moving somehow by taking a walk, bike ride, or going country dancing. Gotta maintain the inertia!

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

I can do pull ups now! And going to sleep is mucchhh easier when I’m beat from a hard workout.

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

The people! (and Sunday morning Yoga)

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

I had a lot of fun at this year’s Open cheering everybody on. People push themselves so hard and it’s so inspiring to see everyone give it their all! It’s heartwarming when the whole gym comes together to support each other.

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

The community! Having a group of people who genuinely care about each other and can celebrate small wins together is like having a second family <3

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

Luckily for me, my apartment is right next door to BCF so it was easy to find. After my first class, I knew I found my new gym and it was unnecessary to even look at any other CrossFit gyms in the area 

Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?

I moved to Virginia on a Saturday and joined BCF that Monday so I think I came in as soon as I possibly could 

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

I started September of 2024. My goals were just to continue getting better at CrossFit, get stronger and try to RX more workouts. 

Q: What has helped you achieve success at BCF?

Obviously all the coaches. I have always really struggled with confidence when it comes to CrossFit. I doubt myself and my abilities a lot. Having coaches that push me and believe in me when I don’t believe in myself has made the BIGGEST difference in my CrossFit journey. I cannot thank all the coaches enough for constantly reassuring me, pushing me and being beyond patient with me when I’m doubting myself. 

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

If you’re anything like me, sometimes walking through the door can be the hardest part. Being shy can make working out in a group setting difficult but just keep coming! Even if you awkwardly stand there and don’t talk to anyone other than the coaches for 4+ months, just keep showing up and before you know it, it’ll be the best part of your day. Also make a connection with the coaches. When I’m confused, feel lost or have no idea what’s happening in class, the coaches ALWAYS help me. 

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

Hmmm well not a huge lifestyle change but I just try to be as active as possible! I love walks, hiking, and occasionally going for runs. Being mindful about nutrition is something I try to focus on as well, especially protein intake 

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

Too many to even list but I definitely benefit a lot from the mental component of CrossFit. Showing up and pushing myself mentally and physically has shown me that I can do hard things inside and outside of the gym.

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

All the friends! When I first moved to Ballston I had 0 friends, and I’m not exaggerating, I literally had 0. Now I have some of the greatest friends all thanks to BCF. I could not be more grateful for all of you. You are all such special people and make my life better. If it weren’t for the friendship and support BCF provided me, I don’t know if I would have survived moving here. 

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

Without a doubt, the day I got my first pull up. I wish everyone in the world could feel the excitement I felt in that moment. I had been trying to get pull ups for quite some time and was starting to lose hope. Coach Bobby gave me the final push I needed and I got one! Although the pull up itself was a huge win for me, seeing how genuinely excited my bff Lauren, coach Bobby and coach Kris got for me when I did it was the best part. Doing a pull up was cool, but celebrating my pull up with all my friends was even better. Thank you for all being so excited about my wins with me!