SUCCESS STORIES

I have always been active, playing sports from a young age and competitively throughout high school and as an adult. Between college and age 36 I had three kids (when I was 25/27/28yrs) and continued to workout, in whatever way I could given the circumstances, but I never “trained” for anything. I was just getting in my hour a day for my personal sanity and to “stay fit”. I was strong-ish but I really didn’t have muscle definition and it wasn’t something I thought about.

Fast forward to 2011 when I was 37 and had my last child… everything had changed and I KNEW I had to find something else to get my body back in shape. One day I stopped into a place called Synergy Fitness that I passed 10 times a day in my kid travels and met Justin. Things changed that day – he had energy and excitement and I saw the people in there working out that I knew would push me the way I needed.

I’ve spent the past 9 years with Justin and the community he’s built, first as Synergy and now since 2012 as Crossfit Pneuma. The running/elliptical/machine lifting was ok…. but my journey immediately took a turn and escalated for the better with Justin at the helm of my daily routine.

I’ve gotten stronger/more defined physically, my overall health has changed and most importantly my mindset has been pushed to another level. Justin, the other coaches, and my workout peers have driven me through workouts and convinced me to compete in events that I hadn’t even thought about attempting. And I’ve realized that your mind is what holds you back from pushing through the pain or when you think you just can’t do anymore – not your body.

This strong, DO NOT QUIT, mindset carries me through my daily workouts, raising 4 kids, and dealing with a high stress environment at work. For me the gym isn’t just a gym anymore. What CrossFit Pneuma gives me is a second family – coaches and fellow athletes who genuinely care about me and my family and my struggles. I turn to them for so many things – advice, a smile to start my day, a laugh to end my day, a text when they know I need it and overall they keep my desire high to continue to conquer my doubts and push to be the best I can be.

Thank you Justin and CFP for being such a huge part of my life for the past 9 years. Here’s to many more years of suffering (in the best way possible) with all of you 😊

The first time I went to CrossFit Pneuma, I nervously sat in my car and watched the members go in. THEN I LEFT!! I felt I was too old to do crossfit. That was 8 plus years ago. Fortunately, I went back the next day for a work out and realized that crossfit can be for anyone.

I have been active most of my life, but I was looking for something new and challenging. I was tired of the traditional classes with 5 pound weights and a bazillion reps or boring machines that offered the same old thing. Crossfit workouts are always varied and can be as challenging as you make it. Justin’s focus on programing our daily wods is key to achieving well rounded conditioning. Justin pours his heart and soul into Crossfit Pneuma. He is extremely knowledgeable and always strives to help us understand why we do what we do. I’m still learning from him, even after 8 years.

Justin and his team are great coaches. They provide detailed and personalized instruction with occasional “Nerd-out” explanations from JB! The emphasis is always safety first and functional fitness. Everything is scalable and Justin always offers multiple options. Our classes work for the most seasoned crossfitter to a first timer. Justin has made me realize that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought – even as one of the “elder” members. The mental fitness that all of us gain at CFP helps not only in work outs but also in everyday life.

Our CFP community is something special. You won’t find it at a traditional gym. During class, we cheer for each other until the last person is finished. And we sometimes get back up to finish with that last person. Sometimes, I am still that last person, especially when we are running! Encouraging yells always help me finish stronger. We are a family. I have long lasting friendships that carry well beyond the walls of CFP. I am so thankful I went back that second day and became part of the CFP family.

LIFETIME PRs:
Deadlift – 255lb
Back Squat – 215lb
Strict Shoulder Press – 85lb
Bench Press – 110lb

“I joined CrossFit Pneuma nearly two years ago and it has been a life-changer for me. As I was looking for something new and challenging to change up my workout routine (or lack of routine), I was introduced to CrossFit by a friend I used to workout with years before. She raved about the varied workouts, new friends she made, and how she felt the fittest in her life–at almost 60 years old!

So, I searched for a local CrossFit Box, found CF Pneuma, and reached out to Justin to give it a try; even though it seemed intimidating. Was weightlifting and those intense workouts really for me? It didn’t take long to realize CrossFit really WAS for me and so many others.

Men and women of all ages have found functional fitness and a true community at CrossFit Pneuma. Justin, Jeremy, and Sandy are fantastic. Even in a group setting, it is very individualized and gives us the right amount of push when you need it and reminders to listen to our bodies and rest and recover.

This has helped transform me, both physically, but also mentally. I’m pretty sure I could take out a questionable stranger in a dark alley! 🙂 But, the best part of CrossFit Pneuma is the community. From my first day, I could tell this was a group of welcoming, positive, goal-oriented individuals–even though our goals may be different. I have found a whole new set of friends that push me and make me laugh daily and I’m proud to be part of the Pneuma Family”.