This holiday season, I’ve found myself reflecting on our blessings—on this incredible community, on the commitment each of you makes to your own health and wellness, and on the privilege Nick and I have of walking alongside you. But the truth is, what happens inside our gym extends far beyond barbells and workouts. It reaches into families, confidence, healing, friendships, and lives being changed in ways we never could’ve imagined.

So I asked some of our members to share their hearts. Why they joined CrossFit. Why they stayed. What they’ve gained—not just physically, but personally.

Reading these… I cried. Not tears of sadness, but the kind that catch in your throat because you’re overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. Because this—you—is why Nick and I do what we do. This is the heartbeat of our gym.

Below are their stories. I hope they inspire you the way they’ve inspired me.

“I joined CFC because I needed something to pull me out of the rut I’d been living in — mentally drained, confidence gone, and feeling like I was stuck in the same loop every day. I wanted a challenge, a lifeline, a spark. I figured maybe a workout would help, but I ended up finding so much more.

I found people who push me, laugh with me, cheer for me, and remind me I’m capable even when I doubt it mid-workout. CrossFit gave me strength, clarity, and a confidence I didn’t realize I’d misplaced.

I joined to feel better.

I stayed because I got myself back.” – Marlee G. 

“I joined CFC for a change in my regular lifting routine, and because I was tired of working out by myself. I was expecting a usual gym with people who knew you in passing, but what I didn’t expect was community that was not only welcoming and helpful, but also warm and inspirational. What truly makes CFC unique is the sense of belonging from every single member. I have been challenged, I have been humbled, and I have seen a change in not only the strength that I’ve gained, but my attitude as well. I love it here and I am so glad that I joined. 🖤” – Kelsey D. “Dudz”

“I started CrossFit because I was tired of feeling stuck in my fitness routine. The gym felt monotonous, and I lacked motivation. I also never really knew what to do when I walked into any gym so I love how CrossFit I can just walk in and the workouts on the board – I don’t have to think – which is really good at the 5:30am class. 

What I gained was yes, a little more muscle tone and better endurance but I found coaches & people who push me daily—and learned to embrace the tough workouts – especially anything on the bike. Most importantly, I’ve become a little more confident in different areas of my life.” – Sarah B.

“As an athlete most of my life, I hadn’t worked out in several years because of so many injuries from gymnastics growing up. After having both of my knees replaced a couple of years ago, my surgeon cleared me to “live my best life” and get strong again. I chose CFC for the professional coaching and knowing that CrossFit is known for community, but honestly I never thought I would ever be able to keep up.  

But then Nick and Whitney helped me not only to learn how to keep moving smartly around my old injuries, they showed me how to find confidence in myself again; something I had lost over the years. They believed in me first and showed me it was safe for me to do the same. Now I am finding so much joy in getting strong, reaching goals, and making the greatest of friends.  I am so grateful for the coaches and the athletes at CFC.” – Kelly G.

“Joining CrossFit was an obvious decision for me, particularly since my wife was already a member. It was only a matter of time before I would embark on this fitness journey alongside her. Initially, I had my reservations and a distorted perception of what CrossFit truly involved. However, I soon realized that it was much more than I had anticipated. The workouts are genuinely rewarding, the community is amazing, and I’ve formed numerous new friendships. The coaches are not just experts; they’ve become mentors in my fitness journey.

Did I mention my wife’s involvement was a key factor in my decision? Naturally, as her husband, I wanted to support her goals. This meant I had to dive in, embrace the challenge, and learn to push my limits. In essence, I had to accept the discomfort of sweating. What did that even mean? Sweating was an unfamiliar concept for me. Then one day, I began to glisten. It was followed by a single bead of sweat slowly forming on my forehead, and then, as if in slow motion while performing countless burpees, it happened. The drop rolled off my head and splashed right in front of me. While this may seem like a trivial milestone, for me, it signified that my body was ready to get in shape. My perspective has since evolved: “I do this with her, but ultimately for myself.” I feel better, look better, and my confidence has skyrocketed. CrossFit has the potential to transform your life, but it’s up to you to grab that opportunity. I started for my wife, but now I do it for me.” – Isaac G.

“I started CrossFit during a very challenging period in my life, feeling lost and uncertain. Over the last seven months, I’ve developed hope, confidence, and a sense of community. Nick’s advice to “pick a thing” encouraged me to concentrate on small steps instead of feeling overwhelmed. CrossFit has not only increased my strength but also helped me find purpose, build connections, and take pride in my ongoing journey.” – Daisy R.

“I was always a pretty active person but I used to mostly just run. Barely knew anything about lifting. I wanted to do more than running, I wanted better upper body strength. After moving, it just so happened CFC was a gym that was really close. I knew nothing about crossfit but decided to pay CFC a visit. Little did I know, my prayers were about to be answered. I was welcomed. I did foundations and was humbled. Such challenging but great workouts. I started and didn’t stop because more than great workouts, I gained a family, a community I never knew existed, with so much love and support, often saving me from myself. The cherry on top, I’m stronger and more in shape than I’ve ever been. I do things now I never imagined I’d be capable of. I can’t imagine a life without it now. It has been a blessing in so many ways and I will forever be grateful.” – Joyce R.

“I started CrossFit because I needed a change up from working out by myself at home. I needed more motivation and accountability. CrossFit is the last place I saw myself landing, but a friend asked if I’d join her for a trial class so I did.  

My very first class involved a move (wall walks) that I would never have imagined myself being able to do. Just doing the modified version of them lit a fire in me and I joined CrossFit Chesapeake immediately.  I loved being able to do things I would have never even tried before CrossFit.  

I’ve gained much more than muscle mass joining CrossFit. I’ve gained friends that have been there for me through life’s hardest moments. I’ve gained the ability to push myself to my actual max. I’ve gained confidence, consistency, drive, and a different outlook on what I want to gain from my workouts.” – Mo H. 

“I started CrossFit because 1-my husband would go and he always came home smiling and complaining about how hard it was, LOL and 2-I missed working out and I needed direction, so I didn’t have to make the decisions on what to do in the gym, once I got there. As a wife, mom, and manager at work, I have decision fatigue and wanted to know that my workouts were effective and what I needed to be healthy. When I joined CFC, I got more than a great workout, I got a new family that we can do life with. It wasn’t in your face or pushy, it was the accountability and genuine care of the members and coaches, and it snuck up on me. It may be cliche to say that CrossFit is about the community, but it is for me.” – Kadi M.

As we head deeper into the holiday season, I just want to say thank you. Thank you to every single person who shows up, who trusts us, who brings their full selves into this space. Your stories remind us that CrossFit isn’t just a workout—it’s a place where people grow, heal, learn, and belong.

Nick and I are humbled to be part of your journey, and we don’t take a single moment for granted. This community is a gift—one we pray we steward well, one we hope continues to strengthen families, build confidence, and spark hope in every season.

Here’s to the year behind us, the progress we’ve made, and all the amazing things still ahead. We’re grateful for you, we believe in you, and we’re cheering you on—inside and outside the gym.

Have an amazing week! And we’ll see you in the gym! 

Whitney & Nick