Laura

I joined CFS as a guest, and remain as a friend.  I love the dynamic that the fellow members share there.  I am pushed beyond my limit just about every time I walk through the door.  

People spend countless dollars on personal training in traditional gyms, which I don't knock since I've found success in that too... but CrossFit offers a whole different approach to working out.  It's fun, competitive, challenging, inspiring, and I truly feel a part of the family.  (Something I've never experienced in other gyms before)

Plus, I think it's pretty bad-ass!! The last thing I'll mention is that this is an excellent avenue to explore if you want to get fit, but have a tendency to be a little "a-d-d" with all the mundane gym stuff.  CFS is like a game, and you always leave feeling like a winner!!

Grant

Yesterday was Grant's last day at the gym before heading back to school. We will definitely miss your energy and fun attitude around the gym. You've made huge improvements in a short time (First time doing Fran DNF second time in march 7:50 and yesterday 4:34!). 

Good luck at school and keep CrossFitting!

Hey Andy and Kristie,

Thanks for everything I was gonna try to come by and say goodbye but I cant today. But I just wanted to say thanks for everything. I love this gym and it really has changed my life. You guys know but the community at CFS is amazing and I wish recovery wasn't and Issue because I probably would come every day. I am excited about joining a new gym but i will miss CFS. But all in all stay awesome.

Best,
Grant

P.S. Im starting a Crossfit/music blog called crossfresh.wordpress.com soon to be just crossfresh.com.

P.S.S. Andy, I'm coming for you.

Charlie

Hey Kristie and Andy,

I finished Navy OCS two weeks ago and just got down to Pensacola to begin flight training. Can't thank you guys enough for getting me ready for all the shit they throw at you at OCS. Life was a lot easier without having to worry about the physical stuff breaking your body down and getting injured. 

My roommate and best friend was a SEAL candidate and one of the greatest compliments I received was from a guy in the class ahead of us who thought I was also specwar due to your preparation. 

I definitely plan on continuing my crossfit education in active service and wanted to say thanks for introducing me to the lifestyle. All the best and tell Christian that his squats are weaksauce. - Charlie

 Charlie lookin' hot in his uni (on the right)

Gawain

Crossfit is more like a dojo or dance studio than New York Sports Club, Equinox or the YMCA.   The exercises, "Workout of the Day," are done in groups.    There are few traditional weight machines.   Everyone is coached. Group exercise with regular encouragement has the impact of pushes people to stretch their limits.  

Crossfit gyms vary in the interest, skills and coaching ability of their owners.  There is minimum quality control.  Crossfit Stamford, however, has encouraging, supportive, and skilled owners and coaches, making it a consistently rewarding experience.   They are dedicated and reliable.  The coaches scale according to the student.

Unlike other gyms, there is little preening, attention to aesthetics, or wasted time.   Members arrive early, and many stay late. Striving and hard work is the norm.     

The workouts often include sprinting, running, rowing, jumping, throwing medicine balls, lifting heavy weights, pull ups, sit ups and push ups in various combinations.  Within a couple months a dedicated person will do handstand pushups, various sorts of Olympic lifts and other true indications of strength.   They are difficult, but rewarding.   Finishing a workout offers a real sense of achievement.

Because of the shared workout, there is a much greater camaraderie among the members.  The shy and hesitant will find themselves encouraged (demanded?) to greater heights of physical strength. 

Also worth noting:  crossfit is truly equitable across gender and includes regular guidance about diet, sleep and effective exercising.

There is an intro "on ramp" class that can help people discern if the Crossfit system is good for them.  For it isn't for everyone:  it's hard work.   They encourage setting goals and keeping records, for this is how people become stronger faster.

It's an excellent system for people who want to become functionally strong.  It is not for those who merely want to look good (although that, too, may come).

Gawain

Andy P

This coming April will mark my second anniversary as a CrossFit Stamford member.  In short, it has changed my life - I'm in the best shape I've ever been.  Andy and Kristie have created a remarkable environment - challenging for experienced athletes yet inviting for those just beginning.  The camraderie amongst the group is fantastic.

For the first time ever, I really look forward to heading to the gym

Andy

Tyler

The staff at CFS is phenomenal! I showed at at their gym in pretty bad shape with no idea what I was getting into. They kicked my butt, but were always friendly and motivating without being mean at all. 4 months later I was in the best shape of my life for my wedding, and 9 months later I'm still there! The attitude at this gym is really excellent, and it makes me want to go back for more each time.

Tyler

Rob

The three things that really distinguish CF Stamford from everywhere else are quality coaching, outstanding workouts, and an incredible community. Kristie, Andy, and all the coaches at CF Stamford are a big part of what makes this such a great place to work out.  

The quality of instruction is superb.  Proper technique is strictly enforced and each trainee receives a lot of personal attention.  The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable, happy to answer your questions, and are always providing great insights on how to make your movements more efficient. Also, the programming here is excellent.  The workouts are challenging without feeling like a grueling chore and Kristie and Andy always find that perfect balance between setting up a good hard workout day-to-day without overtraining.  The team workouts are just straight out fun.   

For me, the community is the best part and has me looking forward to each workout.  The people at CF Stamford are all of exceptional character: kind, generous, positive, and encouraging.  People who didn't know me from a hole in the wall took me in, coached me, shouted words of encouragement, and slapped me on the back like we've been friends for years. I’ve learned so much from Andy and Kristie in such a short period of time and have made incredible gains in my overall fitness level.     

I’m a second degree black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do and have been training for over 15 years.  I’m doing things now that I never thought were possible.  I never get gassed while sparring anymore and there aren’t many people who can keep up with me on the mat.  If you are looking for an outstanding place to workout and a life changing experience, then look no further. 

- Rob

Seb

I grew up a competitive athlete and was always conscious about my fitness level; however, after several years in the “real world” I found myself making excuses as to why I didn’t have time to work out and lost a lot of motivation. Before I knew it I was what I like to call “a yuppie marshmallow.”

A good friend of mine had started Cross Fit and had been urging me to join but I was hesitant considering my current “marshmallow physique.” One day I just decided enough was enough and called up CF Stamford to see if they would even consider letting me through the doors. Kristie and Andy were immediately accepting and said not to worry about my current fitness level, just show up and work hard. In June of 2010 I took the plunge and began ‘on ramp’.

The first few workouts I wanted to quit, I had never hurt so badly in my life. But the motivation from Kristie, Andy and Kevin as well as my teammates kept me coming back and really believing that I had what it took. Now about 7 months later I am in the best shape of my life, I never thought I would top the shape I was in when I was a competitive athlete; but, I was so wrong.

Each WOD I continue to surprise myself with what I am capable of and how good I feel when I come to the gym. I am so motivated and inspired by what CrossFit Stamford, especially Kristie, Andy, and Kevin, has done for me that I continually urge others in my life to join. The knowledge and experience that the coaches possess regarding fitness and nutrition is more than I ever expected, and I am continuously inspired and excited to see what’s to come.  

- Seb

Ian

I am going to be heading back to Vancouver on Monday and won't be spending nearly as much time in Stamford in the new year.  Its a bit of a bummer because I have really enjoyed CFit Stamford - you have created a terrific environment with great instructors and students. 

I have made tremendous gains in the past 9 months in terms of raw numbers.  More importantly, though, I have made fitness a priority in my life again and you and crossfit are largely responsible for that.  There are 3 cfit gyms within 5 blocks of my place and I have tried them all but can honestly say that they are not quite the same.   

You guys do a great job - I am sure you notice the progress of everyone who walks through the doors every day - and I just want to thank you. 

Ian

Mike F

Crossfit Stamford has been a great experience. I have found myself pushing harder than I ever thougt possible. I never knew laying on the floor gasping for air after a WOD could be so rewarding! But you find yourself wanting to do it faster , heavier or more reps next time.  

Andy, Kristie, Kevin and Greg have been awesome in keeping things intense and more imprtantly safe. Learning the various weightlifting techniques has kept things real interesting and challenging . The coaches are always eager to help pointing out flaws in technique or to answer your questions. 

The camaraderie is what ties the whole thing together.  From the coaches down to the firstimers there is a great sense of teamwork. Everyone is there to work hard and push there limits and its contagious.

After a long day it's great to go crush yourself physically with a great bunch of people. You can see results pretty quick and there is always something to work on. It works!

- Mike

Jeff S

Why CrossFit? If you are reading this then you are probably asking that exact question. The Answer: IT WORKS ---

CrossFit is not for everybody. It’s intense, challenging and HARD. So if that’s not your deal you should probably try something else. But if that sounds intriguing to you, then you should try a “Ramp” class and see if you like it.

I came to CF to supplement my Tri training. In the fall of 2008 I had just completed my Tri season (Sprints, Olympic and Half-Ironman distance races) and wanted a strength program to help me in the off-season. I have been doing CF for the last 2 years, and I have never felt better. Being active is important, but being healthy is the most important thing for me. CF has enabled me to work hard, avoid injury and get the maximum results for my efforts. I’m working HARDER and SMARTER than ever, and am reaping the rewards. Effort has never been an issue for me, but it used to be hard to maintain the level of consistency I needed to see long term gains. CF has made my efforts pay off, and that is enough motivation to keep me coming back to get more results.

I always felt that CF was working – I could see it and could feel it, but the definitive moment came during my physical exam last summer. My doctor and I were reviewing my vitals and bloodwork, and were comparing my levels to the prior year’s test. My numbers have always been good, but now they were GREAT. Resting heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol – everything had improved to the best levels ever. My doctor asked if I started taking any medication or supplements that had lowered my cholesterol.  Meds didn’t move the needle – CrossFit had.

Andy, Kristie & Kevin make the CFS experience fun, unique and rewarding. They are all extremely capable and supportive trainers. I feel that’s its critically important for trainers to be able to show you how to properly perform the movements. They can and do, through demonstration and one-on-one attention. They have all helped me to overcome difficulties with tough movements and accomplish things that I know would have been impossible just a year ago.

Crossfit is hard – there is no getting around that. But the supportive environment and camaraderie make it work. We all suffer during the WOD’s, but we suffer TOGETHER. The best thing is, no matter how fit you are, how much you lift, or how fast you are – we suffer equally. We track and score everything, not so we can compare it to the person next to us, but so that we can compete with ourselves, and continue to strive for better results. 

There are hundreds of programs out there and it’s up to you to find what works best for YOU. If you are willing to put in the work, then this is definitely a program that deserves serious consideration. CrossFit works because it works…..

Stephanie O

I came to Crossfit Stamford looking for a challenge and a different way of working out. What I found was a gym that doubled as a highly supportive community. Crossfit Stamford is comprised of an athletically diverse group of highly competitive and enthusiastic people. No matter where you are on your physical journey the trainers at Crossfit Stamford are there to support and educate you in a fun and challenging environment. Everyday brings a different yet equally challenging workout.

During my time at the gym I reached many physical goals I had previously thought impossible. The members of Crossfit Stamford are welcoming and encouraging and are there to push you beyond what you believe your limits are. If you are prepared to work hard, have fun, and not complain Crossfit Stamford is the gym for you.

I came to Crossfit Stamford looking for a challenge and a different way of workingout. What I found was a gym that doubled as a highly supportive community. Crossfit Stamford is comprised of an athletically diverse group of highly competitive and enthusiastic people. No matter where you are on your physical journey the trainersat Crossfit Stamford are there to support and educate you in a fun and challenging environment. Everyday brings a different yet equally challenging workout. During my time at the gym I reached many physical goals I had previously thought impossible.

The members of Crossfit Stamford are welcoming and encouraging and are there to push you beyond what you believe your limits are. If you are prepared to work hard, have fun, andnot complain Crossfit Stamford is the gym for you.

Rich

I have been working out my entire life and been a member of a gym since I was 14 years old.  Working out is a passion of mine and I take fitness very seriously. My previous workouts consisted of basic isolation strength training movementscombined with cardio training on stationary bikes, elliptical machines, etc.  These types of workouts caused overall tightness in my body coupled with soft tissue, chronic shoulder and back pain.  In addition, my workouts were getting stale and I washitting a plateau and seeing minimal results. 

CrossFit has changed my life by incorporating functional movements into every workout, which has loosened up my body,eased soft tissue pain and ultimately helped me in my everyday life.  The CrossFit program utilizes numerous total body movements designed to work every part of the body.  The emphasis on using correct technique is very important to me as I have always been very concerned with proper form to help me get stronger and prevent injury.  The trainers of CrossFit Stamford are diligent to ensure that all members perform each movement the correct way.  

If I do something incorrectly, they will let me know.  I have always been aware that using the correct technique will allow me to stay healthy and achieve my goals.  When I started CrossFit my goals include getting stronger, faster, increasing my cardio endurance and flexibility.  Since joining CrossFit Stamford a year ago, I have dropped 15 pounds of bodyweight, my cardio capacity has gone from poor to very good and I have increased my strength in major lifts (Back squat increased by 25lbs, Front squat by 20lbs, Strict press by 15lbs, Deadlift by 20lbs). 

The overall improvement I have made in the past year is directly related to improving my technique and altering the overall way I train.  Some days I come in and work on Olympic lifting followed by the next day performing Kettlebell swings with box jumps, double unders, or a 400 meter run and pull-ups (the list seems endless).  The CrossFit program at Stamford is well thought out, constantly changing and continually challenging, which has allowed me to achieve more of my goals in a year than I have in the past 5 years with my previous conventional training.  The best part of the class is that all workouts can be scaled up or down to fit your physical ability and the trainers give you the attention you need to make sure you understand what you are doing to ensure you are working towards achieving your personal goals.  The program is very goal oriented which is the only way to achieve your objectives.  If I want to push harder I can scale up by adding weight and/or reps to make the workout of the day more challenging.   My only regret is that I wish I found this class earlier.  

Thank you CrossFit Stamford! 

Blake

As a competitive college rower, I was looking for a program that could get me through the summer committed to daily workouts that would prepare me well for the following season. At CrossFit, I found that and much more. I found myself become part of an extremely competitive group of people of all ages and fitness ability with the same goal- to improve fitness to be in the best shape possible.

I found myself waking up ready to experience the feeling of accomplishment after completing an extremely difficult workout with a group that always gives a hundred percent. After a great experience this summer and being well prepared for a college level varsity sport, I'd recommend CrossFit to anyone ready to put in a full effort to achieve greater physical fitness.

Murph

CF has been the only thing that has worked for me. If you are afraid of a commitment to working hard and pushing yourself, then CF is probably not for you.

I do not really know where to begin about writing a review of CFS, other then I wish this was around 10 years ago.

I still remember my first day at CFS, the fear, the apprehension, the excitement of working hard. Greeted by two very welcoming people in Kristy and Andy that showed everyone great respect and ready to get it rolling. Later in the week meeting the other coaches and later to always be comfortable going to Kevin for extra tips/suggestions. No handholding and as long as it was clear that you are serious about your training, everyone was always willing to give back 110% to all the CFS athletes.

For me the program was been great. If you give it the commitment and show up regularly, one can only get fitter and stronger. Since July, I made myself pretty dedicated to CFS and enjoyed the coaches and fellow athletes pushing everyone on. The friendships and commaradre that formed most definitely pushed me to keep coming with a smile on my face, ready to attack the next skill or improve on my cardio conditioning and strength.  In August, I started to tinker with this Paleo idea. It made only perfect sense and I didn’t really need to research the deep details. I took the Paleo plunge in September and have seldom deviated since.  Today (1/5/2011), I am just off the scale and down 30 pounds from my all time high. My strength, cardio condition, flexibility is at a point that I have not been at since college age athlete days.  I could not have done this on my owne and all the credit to CFS, coaches and all the athletes, with all their encouragement, support to continue to get me to push myself and work hard.

Marlyn

I started Crossfit Stamford after a great friend suggested I try it to get me out of a bit of a slump I was in.  I had never seen her look so good and could not believe the shape she was in.  I was nervous to join as my friend had always been into fitness and is always in great shape.   I was no athlete and I thought there would be no way I would be able to do it…but I joined anyway.   I started in May 2010 out of shape, out of motivation, and out of patience for yet another workout regime I would start and get sick of.   Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be joining something that would literally change my life!! 

After day one in Onramp I thought I was in way over my head and thought this is not for me.   I could not do ONE push-up let alone the FIVE they were asking me to do along with the other tasks in the first WOD of my life.  But I committed to a month and I was going to stick it out.  Each day I gained more confidence in myself with the help from Andy, Kristie, Kev, and my fellow Onrampers.

Now eight months later I am a completely better person both physically and mentally, inside of and outside of the gym.  I am finally, if I dare say it, an athlete!!  I am amazed at my stamina, my strength, and my overall excitement to actually go to the gym.   I don’t think there are many gyms out there like Crossfit Stamford, if there are any at all.  I have received the most unbelievable support and encouragement from my coaches.  I truly feel like they personally care about me and my improvement.  They are genuinely as happy as I am when I succeed.  The friendships I have made and the camaraderie at the gym is unparallel.   I get  the chance to work out with the most amazing athletes I have ever seen and it has pushed me harder than I ever thought I could be pushed.   Personally I feel my results are off the charts for such a short period of time and I am so excited to see how far I can go.   The five pushups from day one are not even close to a warm up now and I can get through a ton during a WOD for sure!  It is such a unique environment that they have created at Crossfit Stamford and I am so grateful to them for improving my entire life not just my work outs!  

Stephanie L

I came to CrossFit Stamford almost two years ago looking for something to compliment my triathlon training, something that could help me break through my “plateau” and reach a new PR. What I got out of joining was so much more and I knew it right away; during one of my first intro sessions when Kristie gave me a 10 minute fitness test to see what kind of shape I was in. She asked me to complete as many rounds as possible-rowing, pushups, wall balls, and ring rows. About 2 minutes in, I was ready to stop, completely out of breath and unable to do any more. I couldn’t believe it; I thought I was in “great shape”!

But I kept going despite this feeling and I finished this 10-minute fitness test because Kristie motivated me to keep going and pushed me to finish. This pretty much sums up what it is like to workout at CrossFit Stamford. The workouts, at first seem daunting and perhaps impossible, but the coaches at CF Stamford motivate and push you to do your best, to do more than you think you can.  

They have a knack for understanding your personal limits and knowing when and how to push you past these limits. And it’s not just the coaches; everyone in the gym motivates, pushes, and cheers for you. I have never experienced this type of camaraderie and encouragement at any other gym.

It’s impossible to quantify what I have gained since joining CrossFit Stamford. Most importantly I have a gym that I look forward to going to everyday; one that provides me with a supportive and motivating community, encouraging and talented coaches, and workouts that challenge me. There is not a day that I leave CrossFit Stamford after a workout that I don’t feel PROUD of myself for what I have accomplished.

I have learned so much about myself because of CrossFit: I’ve learned the importance of mental toughness and how it can help you accomplish the things your body says you can’t. I’ve learned how to take better care of myself: the importance of eating right, sleeping enough, and giving your body time to rest. The greatest thing I have learned is what it feels like to belong to a gym where both the coaches and other members are genuinely invested in your success. 

Jules

Last summer I found myself overweight, sick, and tired. It was to no fault but my own. Shift work on the graveyard shift, eating poorly, exercising little, and depression just spiraled me downward until I crashed. I am also a volunteer firefighter and one of the few females in my department. I was struggling to keep up with the guys and had spent countless hours and money at the chain gyms with no results and just a greater sense of frustration and unhappiness.

In June 2010 I was introduced to CrossFit. I signed up for the OnRamp class at CrossFit Stamford and wondered what I had just gotten myself in to. OLY (olympic) style lifting, conditioning and endurance training? Was I signing up for bootcamp or to a gym? When I first walked through the doors I was not sure if I had made the right decision. Was this really for me? Can I really do this? What about my bad shoulder and knee? What if I can’t keep up? What did I really have to lose but some wasted time if it was not for me? I did my 9 OnRamp classes with Kristie, Andy, and Kevin, and found that with each class I went to, I was looking forward to the next one even more. Even when I found I could barely move the next day, I couldn’t wait to go back.

Every day is something different. Every class you learn to push yourself a little harder. I learned that it is not what everyone else is doing, but what I can do today. Right here and right now. Sure we all do the same WOD (workout of the day), but the only person I am competing against is myself.

The people I have met at CrossFit have become family and friends, mentors and adversaries, cheerleaders when you feel like you have nothing left to give, and fierce competitors when you need to step up your game. We all come from different backgrounds, ages, and abilities, and we all do it together. When I went for my yearly physical to be a volunteer firefighter in October, I had lost 15lbs from last years physical, doubled my reps in push ups, sit ups, and leg extensions, and increased my flexibility. My heart rate went from 76 to 60bpm for resting and my blood pressure had dropped from 116/82 to 96/60. I no longer wear a knee brace and my shoulder is getting much stronger. At 31 years old I am getting back to the shape I was in when I was a rower in college. Better even. I started following the Paleo diet more strictly and the weight has just been dropping.

 

Now, in January 2011, I have lost a total of 30lbs, dropped 3 pant sizes, my acne and my allergies have improved, I am sleeping better, am happier, and my body is still changing. I have not bulked up, as many women fear, but I have toned up, slimmed down, have become much stronger and more confident in myself, in my abilities at the gym, as a firefighter, and in my life as a whole.

As we celebrate the beginning of 2011 and everyone is making their ‘resolutions,’ what will yours be? Mine is to push harder every workout, to reach further within myself for that little extra effort, and to be better than I was the day before. Yours should be to try CrossFit. If you are reading this then you are off to a good start. I promise you, it will be the best decision you ever made. It definitely was for me. 

Steve

I am in the best shape of my life thanks to Andy and Kristie. For a Police Officer, their program of functional multi-joint movements done at high intesity is a perfect training regiment that relates directly to a lot of the physical challenges of my job.  Training with them has helped keep me safe at work and made me a more effective Officer.

Kyle

Andy and Kristie, 
Thank you so much for introducing me to Crossfit. This past summer has really gotten me in great shape for the tennis season. 

Crossfit makes me excited to work hard on something physically when my tennis career is over. It really is like a sport in and of itself.

Most importantly though, you guys could not have been nicier and more encouraging. It felt like I had joined a club of friends rather than just some gym. I will definitely keep in touch and of course stop by for a workout when I am home. 

Thanks again, 
Kyle