Q: What is the biggest benefit you have noticed since starting CrossFit (both in or out of the gym)?
It’s difficult to label one as the biggest benefit. The physical and mental changes have
been phenomenal. Pain from arthritis is 90% gone in every joint (still strap my wrists
and knees during WOD’s). Over a year ago completely stopped cortisone shots and
radiofrequency treatments for arthritis. I have no lower back pain. The need for
maintenance meds is nearly eliminated – now at the lowest possible dose (will be
eliminated by year-end). Basically, any physical activity that I could do at age 25 I can
do today…and I’m 67 years old! Inside the gym, gains are consistent but slow, frequent PR’s are not my goal.
Q: How did you find out about CrossFit Route 7 and what convinced you to join the gym?
When looking for a gym after Covid, CFR7 offered more of what I was looking for
compared to other gyms I considered – mix of instructor led weight training, cardio, and
convenient class schedule.
Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?
Unfortunately, I did not prioritize personal health and fitness until after retirement.
Career demands as a CPA with a large public accounting firm for 35 years, and family
commitments left little time for exercise other than a twice weekly run.
Q: When did you start at CFR7 and what were your goals you set when you joined the gym?
Joined CFR7 3 ½ years ago, with two primary goals (1) to build muscle strength around
arthritic joints, and (2) to improve heart health. Decades of poor diet (full of empty
calories), limited exercise, and daily work stress had wrecked my health. By age 60, I
had developed arthritis in my fingers, wrists, neck and knees, had lower back problems,
difficulty walking up/down stairs, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The typical
American medical treatments just cover up the symptoms with medications and shots of
cortisone for example, instead of addressing the underlying issues.
Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?
Absolutely critical and equally important – changes in diet. Greatly reduce sugar,
alcohol, and processed food and bread (all enemies of the body). Eat “single word”
foods, and commit to a 100% plant-based lunch. Also, it is a joke that two alcoholic drinks/daily is medically acceptable. It should be 2 / month. The next most important is “restorative” sleep.
Q: What has helped you achieve success at CFR7?
Incredible coaches!
Q: What advice can you give to others who are new to CrossFit?
Commit to at least 3 WOD’s every week for 3 months. If you’re new to CrossFit, the
WOD’s will be intimidating at first but ignore it. The coaches will work with you during
the classes to teach technique, and will help scale the WOD for you to safely build
strength and endurance at your own pace.
Q: What has been your favorite thing about CrossFit Route 7?
That’s a toss-up between (1) great group of members! – a diverse community of people
of all ages, and backgrounds all with a single-minded focus of improving their physical
fitness, and (2) variety of the daily WOD’s. I also privately enjoy a little METCON
competition.
Q: What has been your favorite memory related to CrossFit?
Best memories are the themed and named WODs like the “Murph” on Memorial Day,
and the annual CF games. Also enjoy the partnering WOD’s.
Q: What is one thing you love about this gym that has nothing to do with working out?
The world-wide CF affiliation that allows for tracking and comparison with other men my
age competing in the games (fun fact: rank – 446th in 2025, vs 950th in 2024).
