SUGAR IS THE ENEMY!!

The lights have finally come on. It’s taken almost 24 months of frustration and denial to “suddenly” wake up to the fact that SUGAR IS THE NO 1 ENEMY. But what a relief to be able to finally pinpoint the handbrake affecting my progress to be a fit, healthy and leaner person.

I have been with Chris at bootcamp and crossfit now for almost 2 years, and though I’ve become a much fitter and stronger person, my body shape hasn’t changed as much as I was hoping for.

Chris introduced us to the Zone and often warned us of the need to minimise our sugar intake. When we were weighing our food out it would go okay but as soon as we stopped the weighing, the portions got bigger and before we knew it, we were eating far too much. All through doing this I never gave up my diet cokes (5 – 6 tins a day) and coffee (3 cups a day – black with 1 sugar).

Here I was, training 3-4 times a week for the last 2 years, eating “pretty” healthily (as far as I was concerned) and very little was happening to my body shape. You start blaming everything from……everyone in my family weighs over 110kg…to… I’m 41 had 3 kids and that’s life!

4 weeks ago Sue gave a few of us a challenge to shape up for summer, and since I’m going back home to Zim for my sister in laws wedding I thought this is a good time to once again try and lose some weight…but this time Sue made some demands…strict zone and NO SUGAR or  DIET COKE!!!

That first week is what hell must be like…I cut all coffee and diet coke and went onto herbal tea and water and my word…the headaches…the pharmaceutical companies shares went up that week, popping Advil all day long…finally Friday morning I woke up and had no headache and haven’t had one since!

After the first week I lost 1.6kg, the craving for the diet coke has gone and I am drinking more water in one day than what I would normally drink in a whole week. After 2 weeks my clothes started falling off me and people actually started to notice my change in shape…after only 2 weeks! Amazing!

It has now been just over 3 weeks, I have gone down almost 2 dress sizes, have lost almost 4 kg and I still don’t crave a diet coke. I started drinking coffee again in week 3 but now it’s black no sugar, and only a few a week.

I finally understand what Chris has been saying for months now…the zone works…just cut out the sugar!

For anyone reading this who says” but I just love my food” well that is me! You can still have great food and lots of it, just choose the right food. And when you crave that Carrot cake, go and eat it and train an extra day that week! Throw out the sugar and soft drinks – they are POISON – (yes I know that now) and have fun shopping for some new clothes!

Maren Barnard

I just wanted to “formally” pay tribute to Coastal CrossFit, the WODs, the trainers and all the other CrossFitters that continue to turn up to the box and push themselves, day after day.

Having spent the greater part of my adulthood on the couch, participating in unhealthy activities and unhealthy eating, I never would of believed that I would become so hooked on any form of physical exertion. But, surprise, surprise, that’s exactly what has happened!

It’s hard to put into words the appreciation I have for Chris, Drummond and Marie, all the encouragement, support and genuine interest in my progress, the shared excitement in my successes, the unending optimism during my failures, and the “family” atmosphere and camaraderie that is CrossFit.

I’m just over two months in to my CrossFit journey, with results that astound me every day, and I can’t wait to see where this goes!

See you at the box.

Lance

Despite playing a relatively high level of Australian Rules Football and being a repeat Fitness First Member, I have always held myself back from achieving a high level of fitness. I have always used my asthma as an excuse and I have only ever pushed myself as hard as the other members of my team or the people around me at the gym.

CrossFit has changed my life in so many ways and I am finally starting to feel what real fitness is. For the first time in my life, I find myself pushing myself to new levels of achievement rather than settling for mediocrity. I have moved from seeking out workouts that suited me and making excuses for those that didn’t, to seeking out a challenge regardless of whether it is classified as one of my strengths or one of my weaknesses.

CrossFit is the most varied, functional and intense workout program that I have ever experienced. Every workout is different and therefore improves my overall fitness in a different way every day. Every workout contains movements that I use in everyday life and therefore translates into increased ability to perform day to day tasks. Most importantly, the intensity of the workouts has enabled me to finally feel what hard work really is and become more accountable than I have ever been, not only in fitness but with life in general. CrossFit has broken me down, exposed me and rebuilt me as a better person.

Add to this an amazing group of people and two of the best CrossFit trainers in the world and you’ve got Coastal CrossFit, probably the most addictive and effective fitness program that I have ever encountered.

Glen Erickson

Since retiring from NRL in the year 2000 I have managed to stay reasonably fit through a combination of lighter weights and middle distance running, but all the time struggling for that motivation that comes with full time training in a team environment.

Four months ago I was asked to try a new workout regime called Crossfit and how things have changed. For the first time since my retirement have I regained my drive to be the best athlete I can. Crossfit provides me with challenges by the way of different workouts everyday that will push you to the very edge of your physical ability. It is addictive for the reasons that each week that goes by you can see improvements in your results which keep you coming back for more. Because of the wide range of movements and exercises that confront you in each workout, Crossfit appeals to all people who are interested in improving their fitness levels and therefore their lifestyle.

Through the watchful eyes of fantastic trainers I must say that I look forward to pushing myself that little further each day. So to close, if you are prepared to commit yourself to this program I will guarantee you myself it will bring you physical and mental fitness beyond comprehension.

Wade Fenton
Melbourne Storm 1998 -2000

I have always been interested in sport and fitness and before finding Crossfit used to think that I was of reasonable fitness. I was never fond of gyms, I always found them a bit stuffy & not very friendly. Although I was going to a personal trainer I was still left wanting more. At the Coastal Crossfit box I have found a great bunch of friends who encourage me & inspire me at every workout. The transformation that you receive from this form of workout is almost unbelievable, not only physically but also mentally.

 Our trainers are always upholding a high level of technique standard, helping us achieve fantastic results safely. With their guidance through workouts and nutrition I lost 8kg in 6 weeks, I can run further and lift heavier weights more than ever before. With constant education Chris is always trying to broaden our awareness of all elements of training & general health.

 Crossfit has transformed my life, giving me new friends, a healthier lifestyle, a stronger body and mind……..The best thing is there is no restriction to how far I can go! Thanks heaps guys

 Samantha Wood

After discontinuing a competitive sport in September 2009 due to a fracture and multiple bulged discs in my spine and being instructed by my Orthopaedic surgeon to only walk and swim for the rest of my life I am so thankful that I made the decision to continue with Coastal CrossFit.

With the experienced, approachable and knowledgeable guidance from my trainers and the flexibility in scaling options that CrossFit provides I now have no hesitation or fear when confronted with a heavily weighted WOD or a running, jumping or twisting activity. CrossFit has tested me both mentally and physically but in both areas I am so much stronger for it and this is reflected in my day to day life.

To my relief I have had no pain or discomfort in my back for many months now, I am not limited in movement or ability in any way and have continued to surprise myself with my achievements time and time again.

The camaraderie, sportsmanship and fun at Coastal CrossFit and within the CrossFit community as a whole has been an added bonus and the support and encouragement from my trainers has seen me compete in my first of many friendly CrossFit competitions with surprising results.

I took up the offer of a free trial in July 2009 with the attitude that if I didn’t like it I wouldn’t return and now 10 months on I can admit…I am addicted to Coastal CrossFit. I recommend Coastal CrossFit to anyone looking to keep fit, have fun, work hard and achieve results. See you at the box.

Kylie Lucas

Crossfit is one of those “AHA” moments you experience in life – an exercise program that really works. Having played team sports at a high level and used various training methods over the past 25 years, Crossfit is definitely far superior to anything else I have ever experienced. This is an exercise regime that is intense, challenging and produces fantastic results in a welcoming environment. The workouts are different and varied each day and apart from the physical changes that become so apparent, the positive mental benefits are so beneficial and translate into other areas in your life. Chris and his team, without doubt, are amongst the best trainers in the world. Apart from their knowledge, training methods and nutritional advice they have created “something special” on the Sunshine Coast. I would highly recommend Chris and Crossfit to any individual aged 5 – 105! Thanks Chris.  

Regards,

Stephen Barnard

“My Personal Journey”