For years I have struggled with my weight and trying to find an exercise program that not only motivated me, but that I enjoyed going to. I was a swimmer all throughout my life and once I stopped swimming I didn’t know what to do. I tried just running and then joining a gym, but I would always fade out and get bored. When I was swimming I could eat anything I wanted, but once I stopped, I still had the same appetite but not the same exercise regimen. I had heard so much about CrossFit and swore to myself I would never do it, but then the New You Challenge popped up on my Facebook and I decided to give it a try. I began my journey in March with the New You 6-week challenge.

I quickly learned how hard CrossFit was, but it challenged me and was different every day. I am not the strongest or fastest person and sometimes I can be down on myself about that. CrossFit allows me to modify, but still be able to push myself. By the time I finished the 6 week challenge, I had lost 16 inches total and 10 pounds. I made sure to commit to the three days a week, but I also did (and still do) Pure Barre once a week and try to go on walks or hikes as well. My goal after that was to at least maintain or keep losing, which I have been able to do. I consistently come 3 days a week, even being in grad school, being a teacher, and coaching swimming. Some days I don’t get home till 8:00pm, but I have been able to find at least one class time that fits with my crazy schedule. I have become stronger and feel better about myself. I never thought I would be able to lift weight like I do now!

I still have a lot of work to do especially since there are some things that I still just don’t understand how to do, like double unders. It took me a little while to realize that it’s okay if I don’t get something, I just need to keep practicing and ask for help. Everyone has been so welcoming and I have learned so much from the coaches. I can’t wait to see what the next 6 months have in store!

We recently had the oppportunity to interview the illusive and ever so humble Mike Hanzich. This is what we managed to get out of him.

How long have you been doing CrossFit?

A year and a half.  (Only at CFR7!)

Why did you decide to start CrossFit?

A couple guys from work were joking around at work one day and said “Do you want to try CrossFit?” and I’m not really one to back down so I said “Yeah!”

What’s your favorite thing about CrossFit?

The Olympic Lifting aspect.  It’s different than brute strength.  It is a technique you have to master to get better at it.  It’s not just brute strength and “Can I pick this up off the ground?”  And that interests me.

What have you learned since starting CrossFit?

I’ve learned I have a lot more drive than I thought I had.  When my body is telling me you should probably quit, my mind is able to break past that and I’m able to keep going even if after the workout I’m pretty much dead on the floor.

Who is your favorite CrossFitter?

N/A

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the fact that I never thought I would be able to pick up Olympic Lifts.  I never knew I had that in me.  I never thought I had that kind of mobility or coordination.

What piece of advice would you give to new members or people considering CrossFit?

Stick with it.  It is a great atmosphere here.  Don’t let anything intimidate you cause if you keep going at it you’ll get it and when you do get it, you will feel really great about yourself!

Here are some of Mike‘s favorite accomplishments and new goals he has set for himself to achieve by this June!

Strength Gains (#’s when he first started at CFR7/Current #’s/New Goal)

Deadlift: 245/425/440

Snatch: 95/160/170

Clean: 150/220/230

Physical Transformation
80lb Weight Loss

Six weeks after the birth of my second child, my doctor gave me a clean bill of health and I was ready to get back into shape. I had gained 47 pounds to be exact and had lost major muscle mass and was in poor cardiovascular health due to a pregnancy related medical condition that prevented me from regular exercise. I felt weak, sluggish and overwhelmed at the prospect of going back to the gym but I knew it was necessary if I wanted to feel better again and maintain daily stress.

As I was about to join my regular gym, my husband recommended CrossFit based on his experiences powerlifting which incorporates many CrossFit movements. Why not join CrossFit with its daily structured programming and supportive community? I agreed but not without some hesitation. I was nervous and did not know if CrossFit was for me. That first day I visited Route 7, I was excited but also scared. Would I be able to overcome my fear and do whatever it took to get my health back? And indeed, the first month was HARD. Not to mention, I had absolutely nothing to wear to work let alone to the gym and starting from ground zero was an uphill battle.

Those first few months, I was delighted to learn that the CrossFit exercises that I thought were impossible to ever do myself all had many modifications and were all “scaled” to individual ability level and comfort. This scaling makes it possible for all us to work at our own pace and achieve our personal goals. The coaches at Route 7 were all knowledgeable of the different modifications for any given workout and encouraged and motivated us to our best no matter our limitations.
The Route 7 community of coaches and athletes have been nothing but supportive and encouraging of each other and of those of us brand new to CrossFit.

Six months in, I think back to how I felt when I first started and I have come a long way. I have gained a lot of strength and my cardiovascular health has greatly improved. I noticed these changes just within my first month of WODs! And, I am more or less at my pre-pregnancy weight. I have many CrossFit goals, some of which include a strict pull ups and rope climbs. With that said, I am excited to continue my journey with the Route 7 community as we endeavor to CrossFit together!

I am SO thankful for Coach BJ and the incredibly supportive community of coaches and athletes at Route 7! With you, I see myself achieving levels of fitness I had never thought I would be capable of. Thank you for your dedication and your hard work – your Route7 programming is first rate and your community of athletes like no other.

The hits keep coming. Success Update after 1 year with CFR7: When you came you had a goal of doing 1 strict pull up and to no longer use a band or ring rows. Now you have multiple strict pull ups and yesterday you did all the pull up in Fran (45 reps) and just 10# under RX. Great job girl. Keep up the great work!

I never did any weight training prior to starting CrossFit in January 2014. I always thought “CrossFit is for strong women, who are tough and not afraid of anything”and convinced myself I couldn’t do it. For years I watched my husband’s love for the sport grow and his hard work pay off in and out of the gym. I eventually grew tired of being afraid and tired of being, well…tired.

At first I was intimidated and hesitant, but told myself I’d stick it out for 3 months. During those first few months I couldn’t even lift the training bar overhead for more than a few reps. Doing a single push-up on my knees was almost impossible  and just hanging from the rig was a struggle. I quickly realized how weak I’d let myself become and “cardio” wasn’t going to help me be as strong as I wanted to be. Watching and learning from the other women in the gym was such an inspiration to me; I was blown away by their strength and confidence. This helped me commit and dedicate myself to creating a mentally and physically stronger me.

Support from the CrossFit community has also kept me going. The coaches and other athletes made me feel welcome and have been supportive since day one. I’ve completed many tough workouts that wouldn’t have been possible without the cheering from my fellow classmates and coaches. They believed in me and I eventually started believing in myself. Now, after a little over 2 years, I can get #95 over my head, do strict and kipping pull-ups, rope climbs and more easily do knee push-ups with a few strict ones mixed in. I just recently learned how to kick up into a handstand and can even do modified handstand push-ups. I’ve also gained 17 pounds and never felt better and more confident!

I’ve significantly improved my overall fitness with help from the Route 7 coaches,  members and programming. The coaches prioritize form before intensity and  provide a fun and safe training environment. I’m incredibly thankful to have started CrossFit and it makes me so happy to feel like one of the strong women!