Check out the video interview between Mark and Tucker here!

Q: How did you find out about CrossFit Route 7 and what convinced you to join the gym?

I actually did CF 12-14 years ago at CrossFit MPH and I remembered the results of going to CrossFit were really good. But by 2021, I had fallen off any fitness regiment and my weight had ballooned to 560lbs and I couldn’t walk anymore due to the pain in my knees (from being so overweight). I got gastric bypass surgery and quickly lost 60-70lbs. I then found a personal trainer at a local fitness studio and I worked with my PT (once/week with him and 2 days on my own) for a couple of years and I got to the point where I thought I could do more. I kept seeing the CFR7 sign and eventually came in to inquire and I met with one of the coaches. After speaking with the coach, I decided to sign up for the beginners Foundations course (it was May 2024 and I weighed 340lbs at the time).

Since joining CFR7 last year, I have lost over 100 pounds and I weigh 230 pounds! My goal weight is 220 pounds (but I may reset that to 200 as I’m making such great progress!). What’s crazy is when I set the goal to reach 220 pounds, I felt it was such a stretch goal that it’d be equivalent to most people setting a goal of climbing Mt. Everest!

Q: When did you start at CFR7 and what were your goals you set when you joined the gym?

I initially didn’t really have any goals other than losing weight. But as I progressed, I started wanting to see how hard I could push myself and how much effort I could put into a workout. I wanted to be able to not stop when it got hard and I needed an environment where I could endure a lot of pain and suffering and still push forward…and that’s what I found at CFR7!

Q: What has helped you achieve success at CFR7?

There is a book I read called Atomic Habits. The book suggests that you enter a community of like minded people to establish good habits. That’s exactly what I found at CFR7, an amazing community of people trying to improve their fitness (and themselves)! The community is really supportive of me during workouts and I love it when I’m finishing the last few seconds of a workout and people are clapping for me (or Dale is slapping my back!).

I have also met members (shoutout to Amanda and Sarah) who also inspired me to get more out of my comfort zone and to try Pilates and yoga. I enjoyed both and yoga helps me with my flexibility and mobility to help me with CrossFit!

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

CrossFit is tough and intense. Understand that the coaches will scale things down for you. Don’t be afraid of CrossFit, think of it as an opportunity to improve. Show up and be consistent. Some days I don’t want to come in to workout (I’m sure everyone has these days), but on those days I still get in to CFR7 to get in my workout. If it’s one of those tougher days, pay attention to your body and adjust the workout accordingly. Don’t push too hard and always remember to hydrate and get proper nutrition before and after the workout. 

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

I count macros and calories to really dial in my nutrition for my weight loss goals. As long as I hit my calories and macros, I can eat what I want. I’ve also had to buy new clothing as one of my coaches helped me realize my clothes were too big and I needed to buy smaller shirts, better fitting sweatpants and new shoes that are good for CF. I used to wear 8x – 6x shirts, then as I lost weight, I got some 4x shirts, now I’m buying 2x shirts.  I keep having to buy a new wardrobe every few months.  Things are getting expensive!

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

Weight loss has the largest benefit (and biggest goal). But the thing I didn’t realize was the increase in confidence I’ve gained in the idea that I can actually make myself a fit person. When I first started, the idea that I could be an athlete wasn’t a reality. But now, I’m more confident in my ability to gain overall fitness and that has come from showing up and doing hard things. I also have seen great progress in my strength numbers and its fun getting stronger!

Q: What has been your favorite thing about CrossFit Route 7?

Other than the fitness it’s certainly the music! Bryan has the best music (I’m saying that b/c he is here in the gym and might hear my answer…but really Anastasia has the best music mixes)!

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

I don’t really have a favorite memory but it is a series of memories. For example, I couldn’t do a lunge for a long time. I worked with my coaches to improve this situation and the first day I could do lunges in the workout, that was an amazing memory (and I was very proud of myself)!  Also there was the time Anastasia said it was time for me to try to jump rope…and I can now do 30 in a row! My coach knew to push me and encouraged me to do a more difficult and challenging movement. It’s also encouraging every time someone tells me good job and when members are cheering me on. 

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

The people and the community. I really enjoy my new friendships with members and coaches. At the noon workout, I see Jamie, he is my role model…I want to be like him when I grow up! Dale is outrageous. Amanda is so driven, passionate about health and fitness, she is inspiring. Sarah may be short in stature but she’s a mighty powerhouse, crushing it in both CrossFit and Yoga.