The Benefits of CrossFit

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ByCrossFitMarch 16, 2020
Found in:At Home

Six members of the morning classes at CrossFit Headquarters in Scotts Valley, California, discuss their experiences taking the leap and starting CrossFit.

John, 75, has had quadruple bypass surgery and two strokes. Though he long wished to improve his health, he always had a bad experience when he tried to go to the gym: “For some reason, when you go into a gym, there’s no one really talking to you, and here, people talk to you,” he explains.

John describes some of the changes he has experienced since joining the morning classes: “I can actually walk straighter. I have canes that I could use as support, but I refuse to use a cane. I want to walk. I was born to walk, and I want to continue to walk.”

Bob, 78, has been active his whole life, undertaking the heavy rigors of a life in construction and enjoying extracurricular sports such as hockey. Nevertheless, he explains, “I realized I was really losing [my physical fitness] after awhile, after I turned 70. I just couldn’t do the things . … I was having a hard time just getting down and tying my shoes.”

Since starting CrossFit, Bob has reversed a process he thought was an inevitable part of aging. He has started checking activities off his bucket list that he feared he wouldn’t be able to do, such as completing the Inca trail in Peru. He’s happy to be able to keep up with his grandchildren now as well.

Emma, 45, joined CrossFit in an attempt to find an alternative to gastric bypass surgery. At first, she feared she wouldn’t be able to stand for the full hour-long class, let alone work out. Now, after training for a year, she has lost over 100 lb. and is hopeful about losing 150 lb. more. She admits she had a difficult time coming to class at first but says the support of the coaches and the community keeps her coming back. 

Tim, 63, has been diabetic for 40 years. He had never been to a gym before starting CrossFit classes, but he’s noticed significant changes in his health markers since beginning training and altering his nutrition. Not only has he lost 17 lb. in the last year, but during his last doctor’s appointment, he had the best HbA1c he has ever had.

Tim says, “I [have] … better diabetic control than I’ve ever had by following kind of what they say at CrossFit, kind of on a self-inflicted low-carb diet, so that means less insulin. Doctor was thrilled. I’m thrilled. My life’s better now.”

Several members of the group — at least one of whom calls himself a reformed couch potato — recognize it can be challenging to get off the carbs and off the couch. They offer words of advice to anyone who wants to but fears they can’t.

Bob says many people have misconceptions about CrossFit and think they can’t do it. To them he says you don’t have to come in and lift a 50-lb. weight. Maybe you start with 4 lb. and just don’t let yourself backslide. He says, “If I can do it, and I’m an old man, and I feel great, why can’t you do it?”

Emma says, “You owe it to yourself to try CrossFit and see if that is something that will work for you, because I’d put money on it that it would.” 

Comments on The Benefits of CrossFit

19 Comments

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Jose Zumoza
April 2nd, 2020 at 8:55 pm
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

This is the most inspiring thing at this moment. I needed this, good job to this athletes and their coaches!

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Emily Kaplan
March 20th, 2020 at 6:57 pm
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

In light of COVID-19, data from all reported countries indicates 99.1 percent of those that died had a chronic illness. And I would argue the 0.1 percent likely had an underlying co-morbidity that was undiagnosed. This is harsh in many ways, but it is factual. New reports indicate those with type 2 diabetes may also be at the higher risk of contracting the virus.


"Experts interviewed by Medscape Medical News noted that diabetes is associated with double or triple the risk for infection from COVID-19, independent of CVD or other medical comorbidities."


That's risk for infection, not death. If this virus thrives off high glucose, which this statement from the same article suggestions:

"Although the mechanism of this increased susceptibility remains unclear, research suggests that high blood glucose levels may lead to reduced functioning of the immune system.” I wish all those at risk would seriously consider at keto diet to help off set their risks.


The athletes in this video are profoundly changing their lives. They are practicing the very best preventive medicine, in the short term and in the longer term. It is extremely hard and scary to start a new regime and these athletes have earned my respect for their work. They've showed up and started, which is the hardest part. I only wish everyone could watch this and feel so inspired.


Thanks for sharing their stories.

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allen buck
March 18th, 2020 at 1:55 pm
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

I am a 75 yo MD-L1. Since getting motivated by Pat Sherwood's talks at the DDC, I have gradually accumulated 8 such derelicts who submit to my training. After practicing medicine for over 40 years, I know that I am helping people now more than ever before. Although my group seems extremely thankful and gives me much praise, I don't have much confidence that I am the best coach for them. Often I think that a younger Coach would do a better job. Often I think that I am learning more from them then they from me. I wish I lived near Scott's Valley and could come watch these classes and learn more about special exercises and scaling for the elderly. This is a fantastic thing that CrossFit is doing, and it has given much meaning to my life to be a small part.

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Emily Kaplan
March 20th, 2020 at 6:45 pm

Allen! While I appreciate your humility, you do not need to be any younger or different in anyway!!! You are transforming lives on a daily basis. "After practicing medicine for over 40 years, I know that I am helping people now more than ever before." That statement says so much. And, you lead by example, which allows others to relate and execute in profound ways. I'm a huge fan of all you do. Keep it up!!

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Prue Mackenzie
March 18th, 2020 at 3:20 am
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

CrossFit brings joy to our lives - it would just be brilliant to share this joy responsibly with our parents and their friends. This video is magnificent in capturing the CrossFit spirit we experience every time we go to a box. Thank you.

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Katie Hogan
March 17th, 2020 at 11:59 pm
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

Loved seeing this!! So grateful to witness each of your journeys and to work with you each week in the gym. Love our CrossFit Wellness family!

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Tom Cuff
March 17th, 2020 at 10:20 pm
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

So cool to hear how this crew is doing! Great video, can't wait to share this with my family.

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Michael Brady
March 17th, 2020 at 8:04 pm
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

Coaching these incredible people has been some of the most fun and rewarding experience I have had as a trainer.

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Craig Glendenning
March 17th, 2020 at 7:56 pm
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

I am so grateful to all 6 of you. I lost 100 lbs doing CrossFit, and I was very touched to hear all of your stories. Emma, I too pondered my decision in my truck before walking through the doors. It's no joke, the struggle is real! Remember you are what you *do* every day, so keep adding up the good habits!

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Emily Jenkins
March 17th, 2020 at 6:35 am
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

Thank you for this, simply incredible.

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Lawrence Williams
March 17th, 2020 at 4:02 am
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

Thank you for posting! This is just what I need to share with those who are on the fence about starting CrossFit.

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Rosemary Matossian
March 17th, 2020 at 3:33 am
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

Congratulations to each and everyone of the athletes on this panel. Your stories are inspirational. Thank you for sharing. A huge thank you to Coach Glassman for making this program happen, and to coaches Michele, Zach, Katie and Wes. You are all terrific!

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Joni Colle
March 17th, 2020 at 2:18 am
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

Kudos! CrossFit Instinct, Springfield, IL echoes very similar success stories from our Longevity classes. I too never felt comfortable in a gym but CrossFit has changed my life, cured me from pre-diabetes, hyperinsulinemia. I've learned from Coach Mike Suhadolnik you can never outwork a bad diet. Good nutrition is key: no processed foods, no snacking. Keep up the good work everyone!

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Michele Mootz
March 17th, 2020 at 1:18 am
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

Incredible!!!! I love every one of these amazing people!!!

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David Caccamo
March 17th, 2020 at 2:00 am

Way to go, Coach!

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Nuno Costa
March 17th, 2020 at 1:15 pm

You rock Michelle

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Craig Glendenning
March 17th, 2020 at 7:59 pm

Hi Michele! You were the flowmaster at my L1 in CrossFit Monrovia a couple of years ago. You and the crew are the best trainers in the world.

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Michael Marrone
March 17th, 2020 at 10:54 pm

Excellent stuff! I’ve heard only great things!

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Nathan Jenkins
March 17th, 2020 at 12:52 am
Commented on: The Benefits of CrossFit

Needed this today!

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