Q: How did you find out about CrossFit Route 7 and what convinced you to join the gym?
Adam: I started at Ballston CrossFit (sister gym) before CrossFit Route 7 existed. A friend talked me into the beginner foundations course.
Stacey: Adam had been coming here for a few years, and I would hear all about CrossFit every single day. Eventually, seeing how strong, energized, and happy it made him, it made me curious enough to try it for myself.
Q: What stopped you from coming in sooner?
Adam: I was stuck in a monotonous gym routine for 20 years and content until I tried CrossFit. I was probably a bit intimidated before trying it.
Stacey: Honestly? Adam bugging me to join! I need to find my own reasons to do things, and once I was ready on my own terms, I was ready to sign up as a member!
Q: When did you start at CFR7 and what were your goals when you joined the gym?
Adam: I started on day 1 in 2015. Fun fact. I accidentally showed up an hour early for the very first class in the afternoon and coach Adam let me do the workout solo. The goal has always been to stay safe, not overdo it, improve with new movements and skills, and ultimately maintain fitness.
Stacey: I started in 2022, and my biggest goal was simply to get into a consistent routine of lifting heavy and getting stronger. As a women’s health physical therapist, I know how important strength training is—CrossFit helped me practice what I preach at a higher level than I had been doing before.
Q: What has helped you achieve success at CFR7?
Adam: Consistency. Coaching. The sense of satisfaction from learning things I never thought I’d do and just becoming much more mentally tough day by day as I was successfully completing intimidating workouts that seem daunting. I probably hadn’t jumped rope since kindergarten and certainly never thought I’d do a muscle up. I had definitely never been upside down for a handstand push-up. Talk about uncomfortable. I remember Coach Tucker having me go upside down against the wall in my foundations course! But I put a lot of effort and consistency and got the hang of all of those things. The biggest benefit is becoming more well-rounded when it comes to fitness. Not just slinging weights at the gym. Getting the cardio. Learning gymnastics. Learning technical Olympic lifts. It’s stimulating!
Stacey: The coaching and community have made going to Route 7 an absolute pleasure. The coaches are knowledgeable, encouraging, and great at meeting you where you are. And the people here truly make the experience feel supportive and fun.
Q: What advice can you give to others who are new to CrossFit?
Adam: Show up. Be consistent. Don’t judge yourself compared to what other members are doing. Challenge yourself against your own fears and shortcomings and work to gradually improve. Work on your own PRs. Take pride in getting through every workout and apply that new found mental toughness to whatever else you do in life. A big presentation. A tough conversation. A sport you play. The list goes on.
Stacey: Don’t be afraid of lifting heavy—especially the ladies. Learn how to do it correctly, build gradually, and trust the process. Strength is one of the best gifts you can give yourself for your health, confidence, and longevity. Be coachable, ask questions, and let the coaches guide you.
Q: Besides working out, what other lifestyle changes did you make outside of the gym to achieve your goals?
Adam: Not really changes. I’ve just tried to be moderately healthy with sleep and diet and of course I exercise consistency.
Stacey: I focused on getting more protein at every meal (around 30g), improving sleep, and managing my stress better—especially with a busy family and business. I also became much more intentional about daily movement and recovery, which made a huge difference in how strong and energized I felt.
Q: What is the biggest benefit you have noticed since starting CrossFit (both in or out of the gym)?
Adam: Just feeling more confident with everything I do. Knowing I can get through it. The biggest benefit has been mental.
Stacey: When I come consistently, I feel a noticeable improvement physically and mentally. My strength, endurance, and confidence go up, and my stress and anxiety go down. It centers me.
Q: What has been your favorite thing about CrossFit Route 7?
Adam: I love the gym! It’s such a great space. I enjoy all of the coaches and members. It’s a great setup and a great community.
Stacey: I love that the space is clean, spacious, and well-organized. It feels welcoming the second you walk in.
Q: What has been your favorite memory related to CrossFit?
Adam: A Murph PR at age 50!
Stacey: The competitions I’ve done here have been amazing. They pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way and showed me I’m capable of so much more than I thought.
Q: What’s one thing you love about this gym that has nothing to do with working out?
Adam: 2 things: It is easy to park. Loud music. When it’s Rock!
Stacey: The sense of community. People genuinely notice when you’re there—or when you’re not—and that feeling of being supported and cheered on makes a huge difference. It feels like a place where families can thrive together.
