Jason did an awesome Job as he tested for his Black Belt Friday night. Having an audience of more than 17 visiting black belts and around 100 spectators. Jason's 7 plus years of hard work showed throughout his test. Congratulations Jason!

I have been working out at Brand X off and on for over ten years. The majority of that time, I focused on Krav Maga, but would add in some CrossFit every so often. In 2006, I ramped up my CrossFit regimen and along with a modified Zone diet, I had lost almost 60 pounds, leaving me at a weight of 215 pounds. However, I took a break, and in January of 2009 I came back to CrossFit after almost a year off having gained quite a bit of the 60 pounds I had lost – I weighed in at 253 pounds.

When I started in January, I got back on a modified Zone diet and started doing CrossFit 5 days a week, plus supplemental running 2 days a week. I usually worked out with the 6:30 am class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with Dan, who has been a great motivator and helped with my consistency. I also worked out with the Tuesday night and Saturday morning classes. After the first couple months, I started cutting back on the running and adding in 20 minutes of heavy lifting before or after the CrossFit workout. I had set the goal of weighing 210 pounds by July, 2009 and was able to accomplish that goal. The people at Brand X create a great atmosphere in which to work out and stay motivated. During these initial few months, not only did my overall fitness improve, but I was also able to increase my deadlift, squat, clean, jerk, snatch, and bench all the while losing 43 pounds.

In June, 2009, Jeff Martin suggested that I participate in 2010 CrossFit Games. In December, after talking to Connor and Jeff Martin about it again, I decided that I would give it a try. I started working out twice a day. Connor really helped me with some of the more difficult CrossFit movements and was a huge inspiration to stay motivated. By the time of the San Diego/Arizona sectionals in early March, I weighed 190 pounds, felt better than I can ever remember, and had as much energy as when I was in my 20s.

Competing in the CrossFit Sectionals was some of the most fun I’ve had in a long time. What a great experience competing with the Brand X CrossFit crew. The rush of adrenaline from competing with all of the other guys was great and something to which I look forward to doing again.

My goals for this upcoming year are to continue to improve on my lifts and CrossFit workouts, specifically, add 100 pounds to my deadlift and squat (for 3X body weight) and 30 pounds to my bench (for 2X body weight). For next year’s CrossFit Games, my goal is to be in the top 5 at the Sectionals. I’d also like to gain 10 pounds, bringing me up to an even 200 pounds. Thanks to everyone at Brand X for the motivation and support.

BEFORE CROSSFIT



John representing Brand X at the Sectionals! You inspire and motivate many. You made us all proud representing Brand X at the Sectionals. Congratulations on your success! We are proud of you!

Schedule for April, 8,9 and 10


Thursday April 8th

8 am CF
630 pm CF ( PS, Kids and Teens also at 630)
No 9 am CF, 430 pm Weightlifting, 530 pm Teen, 530 pm CFK, 600 pm PreSchool- see above

Friday April 9th

630 am CF
8 am CF
6 pm CF
No 9 am CF, 430 pm Jr Kenpo, 530 pm CFK, 630 pm Kenpo

Sat April 10th

8 am CF
9 am KM (in the Creekbed)
No 1015 am CF

Due to the CrossFit Kids Cert this weekend the Saturday schedule has changed.

8 AM CrossFit

9 AM Krav at corner of 13th and Maple.

No kids or teens unless asked.

Brand X is having a Park day this Saturday, March 13th.
All Classes will be held at Collier Park with the regular time schedule.

PLEASE NOTE: If it rains ALL classes will be cancelled.

Krav Maga 9 am
CrossFit 10:15 am
CrossFit Kids 11 am
CFK Preschool 11:30 am
CF Teen 11:30 am

Todd Rakos and Dan Strametz will be having another Women's Self Defense class March 27th! Sign up now! Bring your daughters, mothers and friends.....don't be a victim. Contact Debbie for sign ups.

When did you start Crossfit?
I started last March.

Why did you sign up for the Fitness Challenge?
I signed up for the 99 days Fitness Challenge in the hopes of losing some weight and to help me start living a healthier lifestyle. Also, I was sick of always being tired and I was struggling to keep up with my four year old daughter's endless energy. Additionally, my health was not that great. I have Type II Diabetes and Hypertension. I was having a hard time manging my blood pressure due to stress and diet. And my hemoglobin A1C and blood sugars were not where I or my doctor wanted them to be. So, my ultimate goal for this program was to see what I could do to greatly improve my health. This program helped me jump start to living healthy and with the hope of being fit someday.


What did you gain from this program?
The program taught me better diet choices and helped me improved my Crossfit techniques and performance. It was as close to having your own personal trainer (without the fee) and they gave you individual attention and encouragement. I can still hear Jeff telling me, “What's 3 more...Anybody can do 3 more.” Three is the magic number! Dan helped me improve my techniques. Debbie & Andrea kept an eye on me and pushed me (I think my squats were low enough:). Mikki, is so supportive. She presented a nutritional class that gave me the knowledge on how to eat healthier and to make better choices for me and what I gave my family. I guess this was the hardest part for me and I still struggle with it but I am and my family are in a much better place than before I started the challenge.


Did you think you could win?
NO! Winning the performance section of the Fitness Challenge was a surprise to me. Ultimately, I did achieve what I wanted in the challenge. My blood pressure prior to the challenge was 120-130/80-90 at rest and my hemoglobin A1C was 7.0. Towards the end of the fitness challenge my Blood pressure ranged from 110-120/65-80 and my hemoglobin A1C = 6.4. I lost 11 pounds during the challenge and 2 dress sizes. So, I'm pretty happy with that.

Congrats Christine! We are so proud of you!