Give CFL 3 months and you will be a changed person. This is not your typical gym. Each and every work out will push you to your max and you begin seeing the changes almost immediately. With ever changing work out routines and an amazing support network you cannot help but to succeed. You just have to choose to walk through the door and give 100% effort.
I can honestly say that prior to walking into CFL I did not have a high opinion of CrossFit, being the typical gym guy that I had been in the past. But at the beginning of the year I had to do something, anything to get control of myself, my weakened state and weight gain. I was fat, unhealthy (high cholesterol, shortness of breath, etc) and just didn’t want to look at myself in the mirror.
My lovely wife, Connie found out about CFL and said we NEED to do this, as she had done more CrossFit type exercises than I had and was already drinking at least some of the Kool-Aid. Looking back at what amounts to a fast ride I am stunned at how far I have come with the help of my wife, the CFL family, and the great Coaches. My knowledge of fitness is at a new level and my abilities in most cases far exceed any accomplishments I had made prior. And even better than that is I am not a fat and unhealthy (cholesterol severed by more than half) retiree anymore, I am someone who can walk and exercise with a renewed confidence in myself and my abilities, someone that my wife, daughter and hopefully the Box can be proud of. And while I know the ride is just beginning and I have a long way to go, I can now for the first time in 43 years call myself an Athlete.
As a member of a cookie cutter gym for over 10 years, I can say that most days I dreaded going to the gym -same thing day after day with little results. I even tried to mix it up a little and did Body for Life and P90X. BORING!!! Before I got married in March 2009, I found CrossFit and did it on my own for 4 months at my cookie cutter gym. I saw results and liked the style of CrossFit, but I lost interest because I could not do all the exercises or have the right equipment. I did not have a coach to guide, train, and support me. Skip forward 2 years and 20 lbs heavier, I found CrossFit Liberation. Nothing compares to the feeling I get when I go to CFL. I am excited to go to the box everyday! There are times when I look at the WOD in the morning and want to rush through work just so I can get to the box sooner. I actually want to work out because I like the challenge of the WODs and the family environment we share at CFL. During the last 6 months, my transformation has been amazing! I’m stronger, healthier and feel better than ever. I will not go back to doing any other workout program again. Why would I?….CrossFit works!
When I entered CrossFit Liberation I was nervous and not sure if it was going to be something that I could do. I participated in the free class and ended up dry heaving in the trash can…it was that moment that I realized something in my life needed to change and CrossFit was going to be it for me. It wasn’t that I was so out of shape that I couldn’t finish the free class, it was that Coach Atom was there next to me not judging me and telling me it was ok. I’ve been a member at CrossFit Liberation for 8 months now and I can honestly say that Coach Atom and the entire CFL family have changed my life. I will forever be indebted to the CrossFit lifestyle and CrossFit Liberation.
I started my CrossFit Liberation journey a few months ago. A friend and I attended a free class together on a Sunday. Part of the class was going through warm-up and proper form and safety, and then we had to do a “Workout of the Day” (WOD), which I barely was able to complete – due to my lack of a healthy lifestyle. The next day I was totally exhausted and walking like a penguin. I didn’t know anything about CrossFit up until that free class. In fact the only reason I took the free class was because I had shoulder surgery that did not end up well. For over a year I had been suffering and going to physical therapy three times a week. When my doctor told me that he recommended another surgery – my therapist gave me his honest opinion and said not to. He said the recovery for my shoulder is going to be long and difficult without surgery; however my shoulder will be more flexible and stronger. What he told me I had to do was beat the hell out of it in a safe manner. He told me about these crazy guys that run past his office from time to time carrying weights (CrossFit Liberation Warrior Program) and thought that I should get into a very physical program like that to help me overall but specifically for my shoulder so I can avoid a second surgery.
A quick internet search and there was CrossFit Liberation. The pictures and videos reminded me of a program that I did with a former USMC, he called boot camp, that I did for six months and I was in the best shape of my life. Unfortunately, I moved and could no longer attend. Eight years later, through the demise of my shoulder, I found CrossFit Liberation!
After the free class, I immediately signed up for the foundation class. This class was carefully constructed to teach safety and proper form before being allowed to join them as a regular member. For me, it is very addictive not just because you come in and give it your all; but more importantly Coaches Atom, Carrie and the rest of the wonderful Coaches encourage you, they teach you, they scale to your current maximum potential, and they make sure that you are a welcomed member of the CrossFit Liberation family! Equally as important is that you have like minded individuals from the super athletes to the unfit (like me) – however each and everyone one of us support each other. There are lots of activities inside and outside of the box. Socially, it’s a great family to be a part of.
CrossFit Liberation supports our Great Americans that sacrifice everything, including, in many unfortunate cases, their lives, through events and fund raisers to benefit these Great Americans and their Families.
Lastly, I like it so much that I asked my 12-year old son to come for a free class and he too got addicted! He thinks that Coach Atom and Carrie are just awesome and this is something that he wants to do, not because I want him to do it!
What else can I say, great family atmosphere, people from all walks of life ready to support you in and out of the box, oh and you get to start that wonderful journey to a completely healthy lifestyle!
Joining CFL has profoundly changed my life for the positive. I joined a little over 6 months ago. At that time, I would have described myself as your typical middle-aged mom (I’m in my late 40s). I was tired, over-weight, and had various health problems that just seemed to be worsening. I had high blood pressure and was pre-diabetic. I had overwhelming joint and general body pain that doctors said was just part of getting old – that and arthritis and they would offer me some type of prescription. Climbing the stairs, cleaning the house and walking the dogs was exhausting. I was so tired all the time that I couldn’t sleep! My knee pain was almost crippling at times. I felt old before my time. I don’t know what made me have the courage to walk in the door at CFL but I did and I am so glad that I did. CFL has changed my life for the better. The workouts are tremendously effective. The coaches are wonderful – they all have their own styles and genuinely care about helping you improve each time you are there.
Today I am a different person than I was when I joined. Today, I am almost 30 pounds lighter. Today, I know I will lose the rest of the weight that I want to lose as opposed to giving up as I have in the past. Today, my joint pain has disappeared, my high blood pressure is substantially reduced and in general my health is 100 % better than when I started – I know because my body tells me so and so has my doctor. Today, I look forward to workouts that involve weights, flipping tires and more – they are fun! Today, I know I can lift more and I feel better each and every time I come in for a workout. Today, I enjoy going to workout because many of my friends have joined and I have become friends with existing members. Today, I know I am a good role model of healthy eating, exercising and life style for my children. So much so that my daughter and several of her friends have joined. Today, I enjoy working out and I feel great afterwards!
I am a happier and healthier person now and actually feel and look younger than when I joined. For someone who never considered herself to be athletic – I now can’t imagine skipping a workout. Give it a try – I think you will feel the same and be amazed at the positive results!
I joined Crossfit Liberation on 4th of July weekend in 2011. After extensive research, I believed that if anyone would have an open mind to a double-leg amputee participating in Crossfit – it would be a former Special Forces Operator. Five minutes after walking into the Box at CFL, I was on a 400 meter run with the owner Atom; followed by an eye-opening workout which was all the motivation I needed to make Crossfit an integral part of my life. NOTHING had gotten me going since my injury more than this gym!
The Coaches and OUTSTANDING community family at CFL helped me take my fitness goals to task! Since my injury and retirement from the Army, I had gained 50 pounds and lost the level of fitness that I once took for granted. In just 5 months, CFL helped me shed those 50 pounds and get to a fitness level which allowed me to compete in a Crossfit competition and finish the 12 mile Tough Mudder on two prosthetic legs. Thanks to this unique and incredible box and the family there, I am again competing with my former peers in the military community in physical, tactical, and professional activities. I am forever grateful for everyone at Crossfit Liberation for “watching my 6″ and being such a motivational member community and coaching staff!
I have been coming to Crossfit Liberation since April, 2011. Prior to joining CFL, I was mostly sedentary due to a foot injury in 2007 that left me with chronic pain and inflammation. I could not do most weight-bearing activity, even walking, for long periods of time. Spending the bulk of my twenties in pain and feeling like I would never be able to truly exercise took its toll physically and emotionally. Then I came across the website for CFL. Their philosophy that fitness is a lifelong journey and each person has their own path struck a cord with me. Though apprehensive at first, I called Atom and explained my health issue. He immediately put me at ease by saying that the workouts will be scaled to what I can and cannot do. It was only a few months before I was doing things I never dreamed possible.
I haven’t been a member for very long, just about a month now I think, but I already feel like I’m a part of the CFL family – even though I haven’t met even a fraction of the amazing members. Everyone is so kind, supportive, and motivating, no matter what your level (or theirs). Getting up bright and early in the morning isn’t an easy thing to do, but knowing that I’m a few minutes away from heading to the box makes it so much easier. I look forward to pushing hard in the WOD and improving myself every morning I can get to the box. It has always been hard to put myself in any situation I’m not comfortable in, one where I don’t know what I’m doing or who I’m doing it with, but it doesn’t apply to going to Liberation.
CrossFit has quickly become an addiction for me, and the members and coaches at CFL make me want more. With wonderful coaches and a great environment, I don’t know what I’m going to do when I have to leave in a few weeks for school. All I know is that I honestly can’t wait to get back here in December and start up again at CFL, even if it will only be for a month. I can’t see how any other affiliate I associate with in my crossfitting future can measure up to CrossFit Liberation. Thank you so much!
I met Atom in April of 2010. He didn’t have his own CrossFit box yet. However, he and his wife Carrie had a dream. A BIG AWESOME dream that last December opened its doors and began to reach out and build an amazing family.
I was 44 years old, 330 lbs, suffering from depression, a laundry list of other health issues and I lacked motivation. My doctor told me that I had to lose weight or die. I decided to live. At first I was a little intimidated by Atom. He was younger, the picture of physically fitness and even looked a little mean. And what the heck was this CrossFit stuff? I’d never heard of it. So I closed my eyes and jumped in. We began training both physically and mentally. At times even spiritually because I know I heard angels calling me during a few of those early WODS. So many days lying on the floor soaked in sweat and gasping for air lead Atom to eventually and affectionately nickname me “Kung Fu Panda”. A name that I now proudly wear because just like Po I had a destiny. Each time Atom put a challenge before me that I believed in my heart was not possible to achieve, he would guide me, firmly push and most importantly educate me about my body and it’s abilities and limitations with a level of knowledge and maturity that enabled me to grow and not injure myself. I’ve learned through Atom’s wisdom and dedication to the success of, not only myself but so many others that we are never too old to achieve greatness.
Since our first meeting over a year ago I have, to date, lost 80 lbs and I’m competing and completing physical challenges that I never even attempted when I was young man. It’s truly amazing and simple! Atom and I were both committed to a common goal. He pushed and refused to let me give up on myself. I got stronger and better. And much of this happened in the months before CrossFit Liberation officially opened it’s doors.
I’m so proud to have been the first official member to sign on the dotted line at CrossFit Liberation on opening day. I believe whole heartedly in what Atom and Carrie are creating here in Lorton VA. What is even more amazing is the family that has been forged from this box. Webster defines family as “A fundamental social group in society consisting of a man and a women and their offspring”. As well as “A group of like things.” We at CrossFit Liberation may not be related by blood or lineage. But this is a family. In my life this is the first time, outside of my blood relations, that I’ve been associated with a group of like minded individuals that shared a strong “family” bond. We are from all walks of life, all ages, all races, all religions and sexual orientations. And somehow when we enter that box and begin to work on ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually all of those labels just disappear. We are brother and sister warriors helping to make a difference in each others lives and the World.
Thank you Coach Atom Ziniewicz for believing in me when I didn’t. And thank you to all of my family at CrossFit Liberation. You all inspire me in so many ways.
CFL IS THE BEST! I LOVE MY CFL FAMILY!
When I started CrossFit, I had no idea that it would be more than just the gym. It is a sense of family, a sense of community. I have gained so much more than just physical strength. I have gained mental, emotional, and spiritual strength as well. But most importantly I have gained 100 new family members.
Everyone that I have met at CFL is amazing! They are hard working, motivating, brave people. They get me through when I want to stop. They push, yell and inspire me every day. I love them all!
But the heart of this box is Atom, Carrie, and Kerri. I have so much respect, admiration, and love for them. Every day that I walk into CFL one or all of them are there. And I am at home. That is how they make me and everyone else feel and that amazes me each and every time. I love you guys and thank you, thank you for sacrificing so much more then we will ever know for us.
Before beginning my CrossFit Journey back in October of 2010, I was 230 lbs of unmotivated mush. I had always been active in Swimming and Track an Field in High School and College. I never thought that I could ever fall into such an unhealthy rut.
I was introduced to CrossFit through my partner Scott Horton. I still remember my first WOD with Scott and Coach Atom. It consisted of Wall Balls, Push Press and Box Jumps. I thought I was in ok shape…….who was I kidding? I was wiped out for 2 days. I knew right then and there that this was for me.
The Feeling you get with CrossFit dives deep into your soul. It reaches in and pulls from your very being. I have never been part of a family that drives and motivates me to become better in every aspect of my like like the Family at CrossFit Liberation does. Every Coach and member of the Box wants you to succeed.
I am currently at my college weight of 185. I am physically and mentally stronger than ever before. I can honestly say that this 40 year old is having the Time of his Life thanks to CrossFit Liberation.
