Sammy Burnett
As a kid growing up I was never the tallest, the fastest, or the most athletic, to be quite honest I was your average kid, but with one key factor, I was overweight. Despite this fact I always enjoyed playing sports and wanted to follow in the footsteps of my older brother and do the things he did. He has always been a role model to me and someone I greatly admired and if it wasn’t for him I probably never would’ve tried out Crossfit Retaliation. I remember him coming over one day after he had been to a 5:30am class and telling me about how awesome his workout was and how great the people were that went there and that I should try it sometime. I’ll be honest my first thought was “yeah right, like you’ll ever find me working out that early”, but he never stopped asking me to come and eventually I gave in and said sure why not, what’s the worst that could happen?
In about 2 more months I will have been a member of the Crossfit Retaliation family for a year and that is something I will never regret.
From eating whole Digiorno pizzas for lunch and downing Dr. Pepper and chomping on some peach rings while sitting playing video games to now helping my family understand better nutrition techniques and programming workouts. I can truly say that Crossfit has changed my life as well as the lives around me for the better. Now my family extends outside of my immediate relations and to the friends and people I see every day and for that I am forever thankful.
My story started with someone caring enough to invite me, what will be your story?
In about 2 more months I will have been a member of the Crossfit Retaliation family for a year and that is something I will never regret.
From eating whole Digiorno pizzas for lunch and downing Dr. Pepper and chomping on some peach rings while sitting playing video games to now helping my family understand better nutrition techniques and programming workouts. I can truly say that Crossfit has changed my life as well as the lives around me for the better. Now my family extends outside of my immediate relations and to the friends and people I see every day and for that I am forever thankful.
My story started with someone caring enough to invite me, what will be your story?
Jason & Taryn Hirsch
"My husband Jason and I had never stuck with any sort of workout longer than a month, before we started CrossFit. It was years of saying, THIS is the year we get in shape... And then we'd stop going. CrossFit put the fun back into workouts with it's variety, healthy competition for motivation, and constant correction and encouragement. In the 8 months that I've been doing Crossfit, I've gained an incredible amount of strength, and accomplished lifts I never thought possible. For someone who always said, "I have zero upper body strength", I'm suddenly doing handstands, pull-ups, and weights over 70 pounds. My mentality about fitness has changed from being purely concerned about how I look, to how much strength I've built and what I've achieved in today's workout. Everyone there believes in me when I think I can't do more, and that has given me so much confidence. Jason has been doing Crossfit for almost 2 years, lost about 20 pounds, and has muscle definition in places he's never had before. His fitness is more well rounded, and he has built up previously lacking core strength. Aches and pains like sore knees and lower back are mostly gone, due to improvements in strength, weight loss, and the incredible emphasis on good form. Workouts that once seemed daunting and unattainable, he now sees as a fun challenge, no longer telling himself, "I can't."
As a couple, CrossFit is something that we love to do together. While not on the same level, we still love to compete with and push each other. Instead of coming home from a hard day and taking it out on each other, we take it to CrossFit Retaliation and leave forgetting what made us angry. We might come in not speaking, but we invariably leave giving each other a high five for what we accomplished. Crossfit has become a lifestyle we pursue together, something we look forward to, and keeps us coming back for more. "
As a couple, CrossFit is something that we love to do together. While not on the same level, we still love to compete with and push each other. Instead of coming home from a hard day and taking it out on each other, we take it to CrossFit Retaliation and leave forgetting what made us angry. We might come in not speaking, but we invariably leave giving each other a high five for what we accomplished. Crossfit has become a lifestyle we pursue together, something we look forward to, and keeps us coming back for more. "
Barb Spratley
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"Lets just say this, CROSSFIT SAVED MY LIFE! Before coming to CrossFit Retaliation, I was fighting depression for 32 years...unsuccessfully. I had cocooned myself in a Fat Suit that I had constructed for myself. The fat suit did exactly what it was designed to do...insulate me from people who may hurt me. It took many decades for me to realize that I was punishing myself by treating my body this way. That's where CrossFit Retaliation comes into the picture. 9 months ago, my best friend Tina O'Dell convinced me to go to the box and give CrossFit a try. I met Audra McNear and Jase Robinson. They helped me change everything! I'm doing exercises that I never thought I could do on a good day, even at 48 years old! I will joke with my husband Bob "THEY ARE TRYING TO KILL ME!" He will jokingly reply "They're only getting rid of Bad Barb, you'll be ok." I have so much admiration for all my coaches and everyone I workout with. They give me motivation, most of all kindness and love. I hope my CrossFit Retaliation family knows how much each and everyone of them has helped SAVE MY LIFE!"
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Judi Smith
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“I have never been an athletic type: no serious sports in high school, no summer sports leagues. I did do some horseback riding, but that was about it. Then I was challenged by my son to run the Indianapolis Mini Marathon, ok, time to maybe train a little, but I got bored. Running is great exercise, but not that exciting, so I decided to join a gym. I attended classes but wanted something more challenging, so when the gym added CrossFit to the schedule, that was what I needed. Classes were challenging, and I loved the workouts.
Then Retaliation opened, PERFECT, sign me up. The changes have been amazing to say the least. Before I really started working out seriously at the box, I was given an opportunity to participate in an event that was basically a 12 hour workout. After, I swore I would never do that again, that was horrible. I realized that I had very little upper body strength. I started going to the WODs more regularly and pushing the weight more on the upper body workouts. Natrually, I had to sign up for another 12 hour event, just to see how I would do. It was awesome! The difference was outstanding, I felt good the entire time, and could pull my own weight and sometimes some additional weight as well, no problems! Not only has Retaliation been perfect for increasing my fitness, this place is like a second home. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and the WODs tend to showcase those sometimes, but there is always someone there to cheer me on when I’m struggling. I’ll never forget one day we did “Karen,” a workout of 150 wallball shots, (I am not good at wall ball shots, but I’m getting better). I was really struggling, I believe everyone else was done. I could hear Audra behind me, “C’mon Judi, you’ve done tougher s**t than this before!”. That’s what I needed to hear, that still rings in my head when I am struggling in any WOD, or race for that matter. All I can add, is that if it weren’t for CrossFit Retaliation, Jase and Audra, and all the other coaches, I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing. I would have never realized that I was even capable of these things and would have just moved on. I would have missed out on so much! I love getting muddy on obstacle courses, and I have had a lot of people ask me what happens if they just skip an obstacle. I tell them probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned from CrossFit, try everything…you’ll surprise yourself.” 
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Tyler Stilwell
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"I joined crossfit [Retaliation] in December, 2014 after I was invited by co-worker to try it out. I had previously read different articles about the pros and cons of crossfit, and was a little skeptical at first. However, after the first week, I knew this was the perfect solution for what I was looking to do. As a multi-sport athlete, injury prevention and strength training are two key components to success, and I found that crossfit has helped me with both. Not only have I noticed my physical appearance improving, but I have also noticed performance improvements as well. So far this year I have ran 4 half marathons, 2 10K’s, and an Olympic distance triathlon with almost all resulting in a PR which includes a first place overall in a local 10K event. I am currently training to do Ironman Louisville in October of this year [2015], and cannot wait to see the benefits of crossfit during that race! "
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Angie Acra
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"Exercise has been a part of my life for several years. I was at a point in my fitness journey where I was very bored with doing the same treadmill routine day after day. I wanted to achieve a higher level of fitness. The coaches at Crossfit Retaliation are willing to do what it takes to help you reach your fitness goals without injury. They are there to ensure proper technique is used with every workout. Crossfit challenges you within your own fitness level. I know I am stronger physically because of Crossfit, but to me that isn’t the most important part. I am much more confident in myself. Crossfit has given me a new mind set. The coaches at Crossfit Retaliation have encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. I try things while doing Crossfit that I would never think of trying on my own. It is an awesome feeling to accomplish things you never thought possible. Crossfit Retaliation is a family of athletes all on their own journey to become better individuals. We support, encourage and celebrate one another’s achievements. This is a benefit you cannot obtain at any other kind of gym. I walk out of Crossfit Retaliation each time stronger than when I went in and feeling as though I can conquer the world. Crossfit has become a way of life for me and I feel like something emotionally, mentally, and physically is missing from my day when I am not able to attend. Crossfit is so much more than physical appearance (that is just an added benefit). I am a much better person because of my Crossfit journey."
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Stuart Davey
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"I've always tried to be "active" rather than sedentary having played rugby and sailed competitively. As I got closer to middle age I was refereeing rugby both in the UK and here in the U.S. But was slowing down and the sport was beginning to lose its appeal after so many years.
I did my first sprint triathlon at 39, really just as a bucket list activity, it hurt and I was slow, despite doing basic training without a coach or a training plan. Then in the run up to my 40th my world got turned on its head, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After undergoing treatment I signed up and completed my second sprint tri 8 weeks after completing my chemo cycle. Not the most sensible decision I have ever made....... I then joined Jase at CrossFit Retaliation with the aim of joining the Endurance program and completing a half marathon, again aim met, what to do next? A half Ironman seemed like a good idea and July last year I raced at Racine WI and didn't embarrass myself, I followed that with the local sprint tri and won the Clydesdale division. This was followed my the Monumental marathon. This year my CrossFit journey has accelerated, 2 half marathons completed this year so far, both with PR's. My A race this year will be Ironman Louisville in October. What has CrossFit Retaliation done for me? It's helped me lose 70+lbs, lose 10" from my waistline and go from 26% body fat to 9%. I've made some awesome friends who support me through the highs and lows of training for endurance events. I feel part of the Retaliation family. It's been a journey and it's not over yet!" |
Mikey Bonnell
"After moving back to the Columbus area, I was looking to lose weight and get into better shape. On the recommendation of my good friend Clayton Nolting, I decided to give CrossFit Retaliation a shot. I can remember the first day I walked into the box like it was yesterday. I remember thinking to myself , "these guys are insane if they think I am going to do that", but I pushed my way through the WOD (workout of the day) very slowly. From that day forward I was hooked, despite the constant soreness and being thoroughly beaten by everyone I was working out with each morning.
The transformation for me really started this past January when Jase and the rest of the coaches started a nutrition program for anyone at the gym who was interested. For me, this was exactly what I needed. I had been trying to eat better but my diet wasn’t as good as it should be. I was seeing some results, but not what I was expecting. By sending pictures of anything that passed my lips to one of the coaches, I was starting to see drastic changes in my body composition. It was strange sending a picture of anything I ate to a coach; however the progress really started to show rapidly. This resulted in the pounds/inches to start dropping at a much quicker rate. I started noticing my times were dropping and my mile runs were getting much faster. I felt so much better as well.
The transformation for me really started this past January when Jase and the rest of the coaches started a nutrition program for anyone at the gym who was interested. For me, this was exactly what I needed. I had been trying to eat better but my diet wasn’t as good as it should be. I was seeing some results, but not what I was expecting. By sending pictures of anything that passed my lips to one of the coaches, I was starting to see drastic changes in my body composition. It was strange sending a picture of anything I ate to a coach; however the progress really started to show rapidly. This resulted in the pounds/inches to start dropping at a much quicker rate. I started noticing my times were dropping and my mile runs were getting much faster. I felt so much better as well.
What has CrossFit done for me? As of today I have lost over 40 lbs since January and my overall fitness has improved tremendously as compared to when I started last November. Although, I must say, the best part of CrossFit Retaliation is the people the workout there. It really is like a family, they are there to support you through each workout and to pick you up off the floor when a workout inevitably kicks your butt. When I say to pick you up off the floor, I literally mean to help you off of the floor! I just want to thank the coaching staff at CrossFit Retaliation for their time and knowledge. CrossFit Retaliation would not be what it is today with all the effort everyone puts into it each and every day."
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Tina O'Dell
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"I started my Crossfit journey in Feb 2014 having just moved to Columbus from my home of 23 years, Virginia. My son and I moved not knowing a single soul and leaned on each other by moving into a one bedroom apartment. I was overweight, stressed out, and depressed. Looking at pictures from my going away party, I realized I had to do something and that something was following Jase Robinson straight to Crossfit Retaliation. Being a Marine and former coach of my son’s football team, I wasn’t afraid of the workouts, I was more afraid of being completely out of shape, overweight, and embarrassed. But none of that mattered, what mattered was I listened, followed, stepped out of my own way and the results have been amazing. Having lost 35 pounds and over thirty inches from my body, I have gained tremendous strength/agility, and a supportive family of Crossfitters. There is nothing more rewarding than to have sweat pouring down your back, a hand up when you are lying on the floor after a workout, or a hardy hello and hug when you walk through the door. But most importantly, I have found me and a comradery that brings renewal through Crossfit. Crossfit saved my life in more ways than one, I am eternally grateful for Jase and the Crossfit family I now have."
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