June 10, 2009WEDNESDAY 090610
Jason David, one of the co-owners of Motor City CrossFit, before CrossFit and now. Some stories just need to be told. Here's Jason's: "I often wonder when everything clicked. Was it after I received my Level 1 certification? Was it when I agreed to open a CrossFit affiliate? Or was it when I signed on to the CrossFit message board for the first time? I'm really not sure actually. There are many moments in the past year, in addition to the ones I've mentioned, that have contributed to my commitment of living the CrossFit lifestyle . . . " In August of 2007, I was very unhealthy, weighing in at 247 pounds at only 5'7" tall. I did not exercise nor did I do anything that could be considered remotely healthy. I drank too much, ate bad every day, and never slept well either. I even smoked for most of my adult life. In July of 2007, I had a bit of a wake-up call. I had to go to the emergency room with GI pain, and ended up having ulcerative colitis. This was a turning point. I mentally made a commitment to start leading a healthier lifestyle. I'm not sure if that was when it "clicked" but it pushed me to make a change for sure. I recruited a buddy that would go to the gym with me 3 or 4 days a week. He was going to be my partner and we were going to get "fit." We were going to work out, down protein shakes for dinner, and follow a low-fat diet. You know, because that's how you do it! (Or so we thought.) I put together a spreadsheet and my friend and I got started. We both weighed in and planned to log our progress (weight loss) every month. We followed a split routine and added cardio to every workout. We would usually get to the gym around 7:00 PM and would be there for about 2 to 3 hours every night. I started to see results on the scale, and even though my partner started missing our sessions, I stuck with it. Although happy with the results, something was bothering me. I never looked forward to going to the gym, ever. And spending so much time at the gym every night started interfering with my way of life. There's something to be said about dreading doing something and using that dread as motivation. It doesn't matter if it's your occupation or your workout program. Every day for almost two years, I drove to my corporate day job but did not want to be there. I would look for anything to do to keep busy, and often times I would look on the Internet for information to use as motivation to keep going to the gym. I was constantly sick to my stomach (due to constant worry about losing my job), and hated the thought of going to the gym after sitting at a desk all day bored out of my mind. Something needed to change. I worked in a building downtown that was connected to five other buildings, and a hotel. This meant that there was a lot of room to walk when I was taking a break. One of my favorite ways to break up the day was to walk over to the CVS drug store and look at the fitness magazines. I would occasionally buy one to give me something to do during the down time. Then, one glorious April day, I purchased the Muscle and Fitness issue featuring Andy Petranek and his legendary fire-breathers. Was this when the click happened? Could this have been the turning point? I had absolutely NO idea how much this article was going to change my life . . . After reading the article I did some research and found Motor City CrossFit online. I called the owner and set up my assessment. My first appointment was for Saturday morning, the weather was nice and I was a bit nervous. In my mind I envisioned what the place would look like based on what I had discovered on the Internet. I was very excited to try something new. As I turned from the main road (where I expected this gym to be located) I drove down a residential street thinking I must have had the directions wrong. The address matched up to a house with an attached garage. I remember thinking to myself: "This is odd!" I parked, and walked up to the side door. There stood a fairly normal looking guy (I expected Andy Petranek and/or Josh Everett or something, instead I got Matt DeMinico) putting someone through a workout. I remember the smell, the dingy look of the garage, the old car axle, kids' toys laying around and thinking: "Where in the heck is the bathroom?" This was definitely not the globo-gym I was used to. Matt put me through the fundamentals and assessment which was a 1/2 Cindy. I was still well over 200 lbs and had to do jumping pull-ups. I couldn't remember the last time I did real pull-up anyway. I managed 10 rounds, which I felt was pretty good for my first time. The workout was the hardest thing I had done physically since high school wrestling. Fast forward one year. I am now part-owner of Motor City CrossFit, and have a Level 1 certification that I obtained in July 2008. We've moved out of Matt's lovely garage, and have a pretty nice 1500 square foot box. And I have just competed in the CrossFit Games regional qualifier. I ended up in 66th and completed all 3 WOD's RX'd. My original goal was just to compete. After the WOD's were announced I just wanted to finish. Next year I plan to make it to Day 2! When did everything click? For me it has been a gradual process. The 'click' happens when you become part of a community. It's not just about doing the workouts, or ripping your hands or getting a three minute Fran. It's about being a part of the something bigger, something that makes you accountable without somebody nagging you. CrossFitting is more than working out, it's way of life, a way of being healthy. I no longer have a cushy corporate job. I train at the box six days per week, and love it. I am now 165 lbs, with ~12% body fat. People I have known my entire adult life no longer recognize me. I am a different person mentally, and physically. I give 100% credit to CrossFit and the CrossFit community. I've lost a few pounds here and there at different stages in my life but this time it's permanent. When did it click? Who knows? The important thing was that it did. Thanks to everybody who helped me along the way! --Jason David, Motor City CrossFit Posted by Lisbeth at June 10, 2009 12:05 AMComments
Thanks for writing this Jason! Your story is incredible. I think reading this article could be when it "clicks" for someone. Comment #1 - Posted by: Jenna at June 9, 2009 8:27 PMDamn! Comment #2 - Posted by: Jason Ackerman - Albany CrossFit at June 9, 2009 8:39 PMGreat story! Thanks for sharing. Comment #3 - Posted by: carney at June 9, 2009 8:46 PMThanks Jenna! Comment #4 - Posted by: Jason David at June 9, 2009 8:46 PMThanks! Comment #5 - Posted by: Rob Hunt at June 9, 2009 9:15 PMGreat story, but... RED WINGS SUCK! had to say it... but again great story and congrats! Comment #6 - Posted by: matt at June 9, 2009 9:24 PMJason, what an inspiration! Congratulations on a fit, healthy, new you. Comment #7 - Posted by: Andrea at June 9, 2009 9:30 PMOutstanding story! Comment #8 - Posted by: Tom at June 9, 2009 10:39 PMInspiring! Congrats on your success Jason! Comment #9 - Posted by: Brian--CrossFit Ramstein at June 9, 2009 11:36 PMExcellent Story, thank you! Comment #10 - Posted by: Colm at June 9, 2009 11:52 PMGreat stuff Jason! Comment #11 - Posted by: Keith at June 10, 2009 4:33 AMThat is a great and inspiring story. CrossFit does change lives and not just from the fitness side. It truly motivates people in every aspect. Thanks for taking the time to write about your life changing event with CrossFit. Steve O Comment #12 - Posted by: steve at June 10, 2009 4:57 AMGreat Story Jason! You illustrate one of the most amazing things about CrossFit: It's easy for a newcomer to look at a CrossFit gym and see all the "fit" individuals and assume they were always that way. Your inspirational story reminds us that it is a road that anyone can travel. Thank you for sharing! Congrats! Comment #13 - Posted by: Johanna at June 10, 2009 5:10 AMGreat story, great inspiration - I look forward to these types of life stories - and I always tell my friends to read them and that it's possible to change their lives around too. Comment #14 - Posted by: steve at June 10, 2009 5:19 AMLove it! Crossfit changes us all and appreciate you sharing your personal tale. Way to go, be proud! And, most of all it inspires us all to keep setting goals and working hard. Have to ask, your age? Comment #15 - Posted by: Kay at June 10, 2009 5:29 AMI'll be 34 on August 25th. Comment #16 - Posted by: Jason David at June 10, 2009 6:08 AMWhat an awesome transformation! Pretty much what everyone else said. I would have guessed that your after pictures were mid thirties. Apparently 1 year of CrossFit equals 10 years younger. I think I just came up with a new mathmatical equation for age. I should try to get that published somewhere. Comment #18 - Posted by: Mike- CrossFit Warren at June 10, 2009 7:38 AMI was JD's judge in the first event at the qualifiers. Afterwards when he told me he was 247 less than two years ago I could barely believe it! That is some strong work, JD. I wish I had your dedication! Comment #19 - Posted by: Eric Lester at June 10, 2009 8:31 AMThis dude has amazed me with what he's done, the article can speak to that. Seeing it up close almost every day, you don't get to sit back and realize exactly what he's done. It's pretty cool to see on a regular basis though. Comment #20 - Posted by: Matt DeMinico at June 10, 2009 9:02 AMThanks again everybody! Matt - I owe you a big thanks. You got me started doing this and for that, I'm grateful. Jason: I give 100% credit to YOU!!! Absolutely stunning transformation. Congrats! Comment #22 - Posted by: Cynthia at June 10, 2009 10:48 AMJD, Your story is outstanding. I still can't believe it when I see you. You're an inspiration to anyone at any fitness level. Thanks for sharing. Comment #23 - Posted by: Tom-MCCF at June 10, 2009 12:21 PMCongrats! I also think the Red Wings suck. Sorry, but I am happy for you though. Comment #24 - Posted by: Jeremy McKenzie at June 10, 2009 1:07 PMJD, Your wife and beautiful baby girl are lucky to have you happy and healthy for a long life together! I'm proud to call you my friend,(and MY pain in the a** at the gym!!) Comment #25 - Posted by: Joanna-MCCF at June 10, 2009 5:15 PMYour story was an awesome read! I know it will inspire many others too, Good job on your progress and here's to never looking back! JD is one of the coolest crossfiter keep doing work JD because I will be chasing you down when I get this cast off GO MOTOR CITY CROSSFIT Comment #27 - Posted by: Tommy at June 10, 2009 6:56 PMVery motivating JD! Keep on keepin' on! I heard the story but never saw the photos, what a transformation. Comment #28 - Posted by: Kary at June 10, 2009 7:20 PMJD - Yours is an awesome transformation story. Since I have only known the "new" Jason, I never would have recognized that the before picture was actually you. What most of the readers do not even realize is the story is far from over. You are still making significant gains everyday (for example, look at the difference in your muscle-up capabilities from the time I met you in December 2008 until now). I can hardly wait to see the before and after pictures (and more importantly, the before and after training log) from June 2009 to June 2010. Based on your current rate of progression, I'm thinking a trip to Aromas is in your future. On top of all that, you are a great trainer and a really nice guy. Good luck on your continued adventure. Comment #29 - Posted by: Jim at June 10, 2009 8:14 PMJD Tom, Joanna, Ryanne, Jim, Vinny Thanks to all of you! You're all too kind. I enjoy training with all of you and hope to keep improving that skill in the future! Everybody keep up the good work and I'll see you next week! Kary, Tommy, Amazing story JD, truly inspirational! Anytime anyone asks me about CrossFit, I tell your story because I think its just so worth sharing - what a great reminder that you can do anything once you just decide to go out and do it. And thank you for your constant motivation and support - I'm so glad I joined the MCCF family!! Comment #32 - Posted by: Cara - MCCF at June 11, 2009 5:45 PMJD, My life literally changed in Feb. 2008 while visiting my great friend Forrest Walden (CrossFit Homewood and future owner of Iron Tribe CrossFit. He was a "body builder" with me and new all to well the boredom and dread of lifting and training for nothing. He saw what shape I was in and heard about all the dread. His eyes lit up when he started talking to me about CrossFit. He was passionate and persistent. I finally took a sip in March of 2008 and my first WOD was "Lynne". I thought this CrossFit stuff was completely insane and the ultimate ego check. I was hooked! I've changed my diet, life style, pretty much did a life 180. Completely surpassed my ceiling of being in wrestling shape and now consistenly PR on almost all of my WODS. Won a local CF games event and placed 26th in the dirty south regionals.....which has served as gasoline on the fire! I know I can do better and now I'm motivated as ever! CrossFit has literally saved me as cheesy as it sounds. Thank you for posting your story. It hits very close to home! Kevin Lowe It's my favorite CrossFit "Poster Child!" Great stuff, Jason! Comment #34 - Posted by: Christin Street at June 13, 2009 4:06 AMHi Kevin, And thanks to you as well Street! Comment #35 - Posted by: Jason David at June 15, 2009 10:32 AMamazing story - truly inspirational!! Comment #36 - Posted by: mick at November 17, 2009 7:34 AMJ.D., Hey Dave!! Thanks! We need some more SHFD at the new place... We're moving tomorrow! Comment #38 - Posted by: Jason David at January 22, 2010 8:03 AMJust wanted to write and say that you are an absolute inspiration, J.D. I was giggling reading your story, since I was mostly at the gym along side ya every night..getting the same meek results as you were. Glad I had the opportunity to witness your transformation and I look forward to my free assessment. You are unbelievable :) Good things... Lindsay Comment #39 - Posted by: Lindsay at June 12, 2010 12:09 PMWell it is pretty incredible to read all of this since i did meet you at powerhouse when you first started! You guys made gym time alot more fun! lol I just wish i would have stuck to things like you did. Lindsay said she ran into you and gave me the link. I am sooo happy for you and everything you have accomplished! Comment #40 - Posted by: Stephanie at June 16, 2010 4:10 PMThanks Guys! I hope to see the both of you soon! Comment #41 - Posted by: Jason David at June 18, 2010 8:10 AMPost a comment |
