I started dropping weight on my own and lost about 17 lbs. over nine months.  This was good, this was the rate I knew was "proper" in order to keep off.  But one can only remain patient for so long.  My husband and I joined IST's first beginner class and loved every sweaty, challenging work out.  Brendan didn't let us stop.  He never let us say we couldn't do something.  Everything was possible.  He was right.  Before I knew it, I had joined the beginner powerlifting group that Alex started and things changed even more.  Not only had Brendan encouraged us to aspire to be a part of this CrossFit community but Alex opened the door to a whole new world of strength training I never knew existed.  A 46-year-old woman was finding out that you can love exercise.  You can work hard and look back at each class as a success - a triumph even to complete some of the work outs.  These trainers care.  They are paid, yes.  But you can't pay people to care.   Every day I walk into that gym I'm empowered.  Anything I want to learn - any challenges I have in my eating they listen and help with.  In six months from the start of the beginner class I dropped 37 more pounds and being 54 pounds lighter (46 pounds less for my husband) I'm better, stronger, and faster than the workout before. Approaching my first powerlifting meet - I'm doing things to keep me interested and reaching goals I never thought possible.  I'm now an active participant in life versus watching it go by.  I thank Chris and his staff for all the support and smiles they give each day.   They care.

Brenda