HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CROSSFIT TYLER!

It's hard to believe it but it's been 7 years since CrossFit Tyler first opened its doors. In this four-part special anniversary edition of AOM, we talk to Brad and Amy about their journey as athletes, coaches, business owners, and a family.

Today in part one, we look at how they got started in CrossFit.

How were you first introduced to CrossFit? What were your lives like before that?

Amy: Brad and I lived busy lives with our careers. He was a Real Estate Appraiser and I was a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep. We enjoyed our weekends and spent a great deal of time on the lake. 

Before I was introduced to CrossFit (2009), I had recently had my youngest son and decided to stay home with him.

​We cut out cable and internet and made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so I could stay home and still afford a gym membership. We were fortunate enough to own two rental properties and that helped supplement my income. 

Brad and I were working out in a Globo gym at the time. Brad was working out by himself. I was working with a trainer and taking group fitness classes with my in-laws. The owner of the gym said he was bringing in CrossFit and encouraged me and my in-laws to try it out. 

​I thought it was another group fitness class, so I was game. Brad wanted nothing to do with anything that was group related, but encouraged me to try.  

Brad: Amy actually introduced me to CrossFit. I was not looking for anything new. I was really happy putting my headphones in and doing my old school body building programs. I told her repeatedly that I am happy with my program and to leave me alone. (I actually told her I would never do CrossFit!) It was group fitness, not for me.

Fast forward a couple of months and she decided to become a coach. Being the loving husband I was, I totally supported her, and we made a weekend trip out of her certification. First day of the certification, I showed up with a Subway sandwich for us to share so we sat and ate. While we were sitting eating I watched a girl set a 135lb bar and start doing cleans and handstand push-ups. 

I literally sat with a mouth full of food, looked at Amy and said, "is that CrossFit?" She laughed and said, "yes!" I was sold right then!

Life before CrossFit was active. We wakeboarded and snowboarded and every once in a while rode mountain bikes. I would go through cycles of in the gym and out of the gym.  Nothing would keep me interested long.

What was your first WOD and/or your first impression of CrossFit?

Amy: I truly did not know what I was getting myself into. I just assumed it was another instructor led group fitness class with some weights. I soon found out that the intensity and movements were a lot more challenging and I loved the rush.

​The owner was still new to the program, and the original group was very small so we learned together the concept and the programming of CrossFit.

My first WOD involved running, kettlebell swings and push ups. It was for time and the rep scheme was high. I think it took me 20 minutes to finish and I thought I would not be able to.

The feeling after the WOD was exhilarating and the sense of accomplishment left me wanting more. I immediately went home and did not stop talking about it to Brad.

​I started watching videos and attending every day. Brad was very supportive and glad that I found something I enjoyed.

​He was very stuck in his routine of lifting and working out by himself and informed me that he did not want to try CrossFit. In so many words, “I am glad for you, but it is not for me.”

Not soon after, I received my Level 1 to start teaching a couple of classes a week. Brad took me to the 2 day certification. He brought me lunch and visited me while I was on a break.

It just so happens that the coaches that led the certification worked out during lunch. Brad was able to watch. He was blown away at the strength and the condition they were in. He was intrigued with the work out and the different movements they were doing.

For instance one lady was doing deficit hand stand pushups and I swear she had a 12 pack for abs! I did not realize this, but Brad went back to the hotel and started studying CrossFit and from that point on he believed that there was something to this program. When we returned to Tyler, he asked me to put him through a work out.

​I was pleasantly surprised. I decided “Cindy” was the right one for him. “Cindy” is a 20 minute workout, including 5 pull ups, 10 pushups, and 15 squats, as many rounds as possible. I wanted to start him slow, so I cut the time in half.  He was confident that he could do more, but he trusted me. He only lasted 7 minutes but loved it! He was sold from that moment on.

Brad: My first WOD was Cindy. Amy set it up for me to complete a shorter 10 minute version. Seven minutes in, I had my hands on my knees (CrossFit pose) and in her pity for me she called it. I was crushed at how out of shape I was. I was so naïve on what fitness really was. I was in love with CrossFit.

Coming up in part 2: Brad and Amy talk about the decision to open their own box. Click here to read part 2.