Bigger is Better! That was the motto I lived by throughout my college years and well beyond. Lift heavy weights, eat as much food as humanly possible and do WHATEVER necessary to be the biggest guy at the gym. Great theory; horrible philosophy. The ridiculous weights and unnatural lifts trashed my body and served no purpose when it came to anything outside of the gym. As a 20-something-year-old kid, simple daily tasks such as walking up hills on Queen Anne were daunting to say the least. Moving a body with such great mass and no endurance proved to be a chore in itself. The good old body building days weren't so good after all.
Six years out of the gym, fast-forward to EDT (Escalating Density Training) and round two of the body building phase: much healthier eating, much better training principles, same goal - get as big as possible. Fortunately, EDT focused on a more metabolic and cardio combination, which assisted in keeping body weight closer to my ultimate goal. I was able to engage in far more activities outside the gym, however, I was still plagued with the injuries and damage done by heavy lifting. Joints and tendons were not made to do what I was asking them to do. Thus, the end of phase two of the bodybuilding scenario.
Another four-year break, a horrible diet and 233 pounds of glory on the scale (15 pounds heavier than the "before" picture), I became completely frustrated and desperately needed a change. Not wanting to return to the typical gym routine, a friend suggested a "new" workout he had just found; CrossFit. I new nothing about it and the little bit I read described the most sadistic and painful experience I could ever imagine. On day one, I proved everything I had read to be true. Pain, soreness, toxicity and being grotesquely out of shape were all confronted in a WOD, which would have served as a warm up for most CrossFitters. Each of the trainers at Greenlake cast lots I would not return for day two. Fortunately, I did.
Three months into CrossFit, I am finding myself getting in the best shape of my life. The constant change in workouts and intensity put forth for such a short time is a breath of fresh air and absolutely addicting! Striving for the goal of Rx WOD's and seeing the results in the mirror has become a daily motivator for me. The ability to RUN Camelback Mountain while on vacation showed me how beneficial CrossFit is outside of the four walls. It has truly improved my life in so many different ways, health and fitness being just two of them.
The adaptation of the Zone diet from day one (huge change from eating whatever, whenever just prior) made a world of improvement in the way I felt and looked. Cutting out the processed carbs and foods in a box gave a whole new meaning to eating right. Increasing the good fats and protein made my body fat begin to fall off. Making a second change to the Paleo diet three weeks ago has started yet a new phase of health and looks to be the ticket in completing the new me! I feel better than I ever have before and know I am building a stronger body in every way. My kids are thankful for an active dad. My wife is thankful for the "eye candy" (her words, not mine) and I see myself being the best shape of my life by age 40. CrossFit is a godsend and a lifestyle workout routine. I am hooked for the next 40 years and see no stopping in sight - merely faster WOD times!
- Micheal Miller
Northwest CrossFit Members Before and After Photos
