I started CrossFit in 2014 while living in Pittsburgh and LOVED the raw nature of the sport with loud music, sweaty friendships/competition and the unique approach to fitness. It was a world of difference to the traditional gym atmosphere and I thrived with the coaching and the comradery of a group setting.

From my very first workout at CFM, I was hooked. The atmosphere was on point, the athletes demonstrated a warm, welcoming environment where everyone was family and everyone knows Jeff brings that energy level up a few notches.  I can honestly tell you that of all the CrossFit gyms I have visited or been a member of, none have come close to the environment at CFM.

CFM has become my family. My entire circle of friends in Morgantown is centered around CFM. Those connections to everyone at the gym are at the core of my love for CFM. From the moment I walk in, I am truly happy.. even when the workouts try to kill me.

From a fitness standpoint, the workouts are a personal proving ground each day. When I get to the gym, whatever stresses or frustrations I have outside of there seem to stay at the door. For that time, all that matters is what’s going on in there and who I get to spend that time with. The workouts are incredible but they wouldn’t be the same without the community that CFM has fostered.

My wife, Tiffany inspires me. She turned a corner in her life in November of 2015 and decided she wanted to get into shape. She opted to workout at home rather than finding childcare for our daughter Scarlett, who was 6 months old at the time. Her involvement with fitness grew into a much bigger role that resulted in her becoming a coach, a role model and a mentor to countless people that need support and guidance to begin improving both their physical and mental health. Flash forward to today, and she is a beacon of positivity in a world that reflects so much negative. She recognizes that mental health is related to physical health and I have to admit, there’ve been times I’ve come home grouchy and get told that I need to go to CrossFit 🙂

Growing up, I was raised with very unhealthy eating habits and minimal physical activity. When my daughter was born I decided to get a physical and pay attention to my health. I learned that I had unusually high cholesterol for my age (likely due to all those eating habits from a young age). Over a couple years in CrossFit I have not only lowered my cholesterol numbers back to within acceptable ranges, it has greatly boosted my self confidence in taking on other challenges in life, not to mention the confidence that I can play with my daughter and help her along with any activities she wishes to do.

There was a time that I lacked the confidence to show up to a 5k. I signed up for 3 and backed out of all 3. In 2016, a group of CFM members invited me to attempt a Spartan Sprint. I had always dreamed of doing one, but was terrified of it. It was my first formal race and although the nerves never changed, the race came along and I crossed the finish line. That was a realization moment that we truly are confined by our own boundaries. I’ve pursued several other challenges since that race and am forever thankful for that group of individuals that convinced me to break out of my shell and give it a try.

I continue to learn each day, how to better put my faith in God. The more I release my life to faith, the more I believe my path in life is revealed. I am truly blessed in countless ways. I am thankful for my family, my life, my environment and CFM factors into all of those aspects.

I would tell them to release their preconceived notions of CrossFit until they have come into the gym and experienced a workout. The sport of CrossFit coupled with the Level Method at CFM has made significant strides to tailor each workout to everyone’s individual capabilities. I’ve seen several people come through the door, unsure about what to expect, then watch them leave afterwards with big smiles making plans to come back.