Mickey Le
Like many of us, after graduating from college, I put a priority on my family and career at the expense of my own health. I played Semi Pro football while at Texas A&M, so I knew how to work out but my attempts to get back into shape at a “globo gym” always stalled out.
Frustrated with my situation at the time, I joined CrossFit Illuminati in order to try something new and take back control of my fitness. I instantly fell in love with the people and the atmosphere which kept me motivated to continue in my fitness journey. I started seeing the results of my hard work at the gym and gained motivation to clean up my diet.
After a year and a half of hard work, I am down 70 pounds and in the best shape of my life. CrossFit has led me on a path of health and allowed me to reach goals that I truly thought were unattainable.
LISA’S AMAZING FIRST 4 MONTHS OF CROSSFIT
I was very nervous when I arrived for my first class. Our first activity was the 200m run and that’s when I tried to talk myself out of this crazy decision before it even started. I’m not a runner by any means. I could barely even run to my car. When the class got started, we worked on some lifting moves with the PVC pipe and I felt like a fish out of water. Everything was so awkward but I kept getting told that it will get better, it just took some time.
Our WOD that day was 40 Burpees , and 40 Double Unders which was enough to send me running for the hills . Half way through I tried to talk myself out of Crossfit again. When the WOD was over I laid on my back for a few minutes trying to recover from what just happened. I knew that I was out of shape so that was not a shocker. What really got me was how weak I really was.
I watched as the regular athletes completed their WOD and I noticed that most of them were on their backs gasping for air too. I also noticed each of them cheering for the other and shouting words of encouragement for the ones that had not finished yet. I could see the friendships and bonds between the athletes and I knew instantly I was in the right place. The experience was humbling and exhilarating.
I joined CrossFit Illuminati on April 1, 2014. I have noticed a total transformation both physically and mentally. I have new muscles, definition, feel stronger, and overall I feel amazing. CrossFit provides continuous goals and it is so fun working toward those goals. In addition to that, CrossFit Illuminati has a great team of coaches that are patient with you and really work towards driving you towards your desired results.
This is truly something I enjoy doing and it is a huge part of my daily life. Members here at CFI push each other to the next level and encourage one another. Joining CrossFit Illuminati was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I’m a whole new person and it’s all thanks to CFI. Don’t be scared to try Crossfit because of the crazy stories you hear. If I can do it, anyone can. Push yourself to come for one class and I’m almost 100% sure you will be hooked .
JACLYN’S JOURNEY
FROM “CARDIO PERSON” TO CROSSFIT ATHLETE
July of last year my sister convinced me to try a CrossFit class with her. I have always been a cardio person and avoided the weights and machines at the gym. The first class was challenging and left me pretty sore but I was hooked. I liked the atmosphere and the idea of trying something new. It was kind of fun sweating and suffering as a group verses alone.
Having no weight lifting or strength training experience prior to joining, I started with very light weights and had to learn all of the movements. Seeing some of the other members more advanced was a bit intimidating but motivating at the same time. The coaches and members have made a huge impact on my growth over the past year. They have taught me proper form, pushed me when I wanted to stop, shown me how to eat healthier, and continuously encourage me to keep improving.
I have kept a journal of all of the WODs, weight amounts, and times since I began. Looking back is a HUGE motivator to see how far I have come in one year. For example, my deadlifts have improved by over 100 pounds! Not only have I gotten stronger and gained muscle, I have PR’d my running times drastically, and have lost about 4-5 inches in my waist. The pictures speak for themselves.
The CrossFit Illuminati family is very welcoming to new members and makes you feel comfortable at any fitness level. I couldn’t imagine starting this journey at any other box. It’s also a huge bonus that I can come as many days a week as I’d like, to whichever class fits my schedule. No requirement of signing up ahead of time and limits to each class like most places. If you have the slightest interest, come check out Crossfit Illuminati!
Theresa’s CrossFit Journey
I got serious about my health and fitness in June 2010 after being on high cholesterol medicine for over one year. I went hard and strong doing Insanity, P90x, boot camps and eating right, or so I thought. Even though I lost lots of weight, my cholesterol was too high; it was lower but still not low enough to be removed from the bandage of Lipitor.
Then in November of 2012, I saw a Facebook posting to try CrossFit for free for one week. Free? What could I lose right? I was hooked after the first tough session. I fell in love with the challenge of the workout even though I was so sore I hated walking, turning, moving, everything (lol).
In February 2013, I was introduced to paleo eating and everything got even better. I have gained so much from just doing one free week of CrossFit; confidence to push myself past limits I never knew I had, not just in CrossFit, but in everyday life. I’m part of a community like no other and I have met wonderful people and lifelong friends.
The 2014 CrossFit open took me to the next level on this journey. I went from zero toes to bar to six! CrossFit continues to show me things about myself and that’s why I keep going back. I’m stronger physically and mentally and now as of April 2014, I am cholesterol medicine free. CrossFit and paleo eating (clean eating) have changed my life forever!!
– Theresa Williams (CrossFit Illuminati member April 2014).
Clarissa Flores
CrossFit is more than just “functional fitness”. It’s about becoming a part of a community that comes together to test their mental and physical strength on a daily basis.
When I started CrossFit in 2014, I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t in “shape” when I started CrossFit and had never considered myself an athletic person. I honestly thought I would try it out and not stick to it. During my first class, the coaches took the time to break down every movement and over time, my technique started improving.
Our coaches have been there every step of the way and even today, they still give me small tips to allow me to improve. I’m happy to call CrossFit Illuminati home. I’ve made some lifelong friends and have a support system that can help me weather any storm. I can’t wait to see what new pr’s I’ll get thanks to the support from my CrossFit community.
Priyanka Athavale
Wearing cute gym clothes and going to Zumba/Cardio was my thing. But 2 things happened last year – I hit my 30`s (metabolism went out of the window) and my body stopped responding to Cardio. I stopped losing weight and didn’t look fit anymore.
My husband always wanted me to join him and give CrossFit a chance but remember ….Dance/Cardio/Zumba were my thing! Finally, earlier this year, out of desperation to lose a couple of pounds, I gave it a shot and LOVE happened!!!
Crossfit Illuminati is now a second home to me. The weights, the bars, the dumbbells , the tire flips, the wall balls…make me cry, make me sweat, make me growl and wince in pain but when it’s done, I feel on top of the world. The coaches are super motivating. They are with you through and through. They do a great job in personally making sure that everyone knows their moves and maintain correct form.
I am still a beginner at this training program but it’s a definite lifestyle change. Yes, I did lose the few pounds, I do feel fitter and yes, I still wear my cute clothes but the personal high I get after a CrossFit workout, is unbeatable!
Megan Suggs
I had no idea what I was doing the first day I went to CrossFit Illuminati but the challenge and friendly environment kept me coming back. My thoughts on healthy eating and being skinny quickly changed after I saw my body as well as my mind change through the workouts and the nutrition advice. Instead of being negative about my body image, I saw myself slowly getting stronger and being able to do workouts and techniques I couldn’t do before with friends cheering me on even when I was the last one to finish.
After 2 ½ years at CrossFit Illuminati, I can say that the gym is more than a place to workout at but also provided a lifestyle change and a family atmosphere. I use to hate working out and eating healthy but with the right tools and advice from the coaches, it’s hard to take a rest day from the gym or not go to just go see everyone. I encourage anyone to try the CrossFit “kool-aid” because it’s important to find out what works for you to help get you to your goals. CrossFit Illuminati has gone beyond that for me and my health.
Jodie Brockman
I joined Crossfit Illuminati in Januray 2016. I always thought myself as fit but I seemed to always be lifting the same weight, running the same slow mile and that ever elusive 10 pounds seemed to never leave. Of course I wanted to lose weight but I did not just want another gym where I put in my headphones, go from machine to machine and talk to no one.
Coach Jason made me feel confident and took care in making sure I did every movement correctly. And that’s the thing! There are movements in Crossfit that I stare at and think – no way. Everything can be modified. Heavy weights can be intimidating but throwing them from overhead after completing a move is a euphoric feeling – a feeling you won’t get from a shoulder press machine at the gym with your headphones on.
You look around and everyone else is striving for their own greatness. Crossfit is accountability, community and strength. It is both individual improvement and a community lifestyle. Since joining CFI I have lost 20 pounds – and gained just as many friends. Each one of these friends motivate me to not just go to the gym, but do better every single time. And that is what makes me feel beautiful! (And going shopping in the back of my closet for clothes I have not worn in 5 years…that’s just a bonus.)
These are just some of the amazing transformations our members have seen when incorporating CrossFit with a healthy diet.
They changed the way they ate, came to CrossFit frequently, and got incredible results!
