These are some of the stories our members have shared over the years — pain relief, weight loss, renewed energy, and getting off medications through coach-led functional fitness. Want to write the next one?
“It's like nothing I've experienced before”
What makes training here different comes down to a few things. Accountability: there's no 'penalty' for missing a workout elsewhere, but with CrossFit, if I don't go then I'm missing something — instruction, progress — and not giving my best effort actually means not finishing. Trackability: no matter where you are on the spectrum, you can see your progress with each WOD, and there are so many benchmarks available to you. Camaraderie: the energy and encouragement in the box can't be found in classes elsewhere or with videos at home. The athletes really push each other further than they'd think possible. When you accomplish something as difficult as some of these WODs together, you really form a bond — it's like nothing I've experienced before, like you've climbed a mountain together.
— K.H., 2016
“It impacts me on a daily basis”
There is absolutely nothing that encourages me more than a marked improvement against myself from four months ago. The Box truly impacts me on a daily basis in exactly the way I'd hoped. I'm much more energetic in my daily duties as a wife and mother, even in the smallest things. It's huge to NOT have an excuse for laziness! Also, my back has been feeling better, which is wonderful, because for me it's completely debilitating when it goes out. It's hard sometimes, but I appreciate it enough that I only miss if I'm out of town or sick.
— A.V., 2015
“I never got a headache”
For 10 years or more, I had headaches almost daily — a constant dull ache in the back of the head and neck, worse with any jumping or running. So I just did not run, and avoided jumping at all cost. About four months after starting CrossFit, my son challenged me to a race across the yard. I'm never one to turn down a challenge, so off we went. As I beat him to the front door I thought, 'oh crap, I'm going to have a whopper of a headache now.' It wasn't until dinner that I realized — I never got a headache from running. Several days later, after a WOD of jump ropes, I realized jumping and running no longer make my head ache, and I no longer have daily neck pain either, thanks to CrossFit.
— A.C., 2015
“Here's what I love”
Here's what I love, in no particular order: the amount of equipment — plenty of bars, weights, kettlebells, and rowers to go around. The organization of the instruction — one coach talks, one demonstrates, then they switch. This is professional and takes a lot of work to pull off seamlessly, kind of like theatre. The coaches are prepared, and that shows. The focus on performing the movements correctly. And the camaraderie and competition — sweating and suffering with a good group of guys.
— I.M., 2015
“The greatest benefit about CrossFit”
After high school, several old injuries began to catch up with me, and my structural health deteriorated for years. I was very weak, had very little flexibility, was in constant pain, and began to feel depressed about my circumstances. I felt very old even though I was in my early twenties. I tried chiropractors and years of physical therapy with only slight progress, and if I went any period without therapy I would immediately regress. Now, after four months of CrossFit and a paleo diet, I feel drastically better. I have very minimal back and neck pain, my flexibility is so much better, and I have a lot more energy and drive at work. The greatest benefit, though, is that I've been able to dedicate more quality time to family with a positive attitude.
— J.K., 2015
“I am very pleased with the results”
I was very out of shape when I started this past winter — sometimes out of breath after climbing the stairs, even in my mid-thirties, and 40 lbs overweight. It's now July and after five months of CrossFit I've lost 25 lbs and I feel great. I almost feel my age again. I played softball the other day and felt twenty years younger than last summer — when my legs gave out the first time I went after a fly ball, leaving me sore for a week. This time I felt like I'd barely done the warm-up portion of a WOD. I am very pleased with the results.
— B.M., 2015
“Pain free”
I grew up playing a lot of baseball as a pitcher, and it wore down my throwing shoulder to the point that I needed physical therapy and was told I'd need to see a specialist about the damage. This last summer I played in a softball tourney in town, and my dad asked, 'How's the shoulder feeling?' I said, 'You know, it feels pretty dang good — almost feels like it did in high school.' My job is strenuous on my shoulders, so I'd expect it to get worse over time. He asked if I owed it to CrossFit, and I said that's the only explanation, since I don't do any other working out. It sure feels good to play my favorite sports again — not only pain free, but at a competitive level.
— D.P., 2015
“That is priceless”
I am so grateful for my back recovery. I lived with back trouble most of my life, and it got progressively worse after each pregnancy — for the last three years I was in constant pain. Doctors, a physical therapist, and chiropractors only gave a small amount of relief for a large amount of money. I was a 30-year-old walking around in an arthritic 80-year-old body. Going into my first boot camp class I was limping, but I pushed through. I started in late September, and by November I was no longer in pain. I've built up stamina and strength that have led to a pain-free life — and that is priceless.
— A.M., 2016
“Immense benefit”
I wasn't even as consistent with my classes as I'd have liked, yet I still saw immense benefit before and during my pregnancy. Normally during pregnancy I need the chiropractor once or twice a month, then several times a week at the end. This time I went in for an adjustment once — right before my due date. I also saw a decrease in heartburn, directly linked to working out. I know all those tough WODs gave me the stamina to get through a long hour of pushing with a posterior baby. Recovery has been a thumbs-up too: I'm back in my pre-pregnancy clothes at four weeks postpartum. I'm so grateful I could experience a fit pregnancy and feel safe doing so.
— A.P., 2016
“A real investment in your health, both mental and physical”
Being 54 years old, I found myself relying too much on the strength of my sons to accomplish daily tasks. I needed to be able to do these things myself. I thought if I could lift 10 lbs without pain I'd be content. After three months of CrossFit, scaled to the extreme for all my issues, I no longer suffer from neck or lower back pain — and I can deadlift 105 lbs! I look forward to each class. The wonderful coaches and fellow classmates help me believe I can do this. My family loves that I have more energy and am happier. I'd strongly encourage anyone with a need for more strength, or with back or neck pain, to give CrossFit a try. It is a real investment in your health, both mental and physical.
— B.K., 2016
“Mental toughness”
Labor was different this time. Specifically, the 'mental toughness' that CrossFit brings was such a big help. When I first came to observe a WOD, I thought those women looked like they were in the beginning of labor — and that turned out to be good practice! I felt more limber during the pregnancy, because normally I don't do any exercise the last three months. It helped emotionally too, because staying with CrossFit gave me a chance to get out and be with a fun group. On the days I had CrossFit, I ate better and was in a better mood, for sure.
— K.H., 2016
“I have noticed many improvements already”
I've battled being overweight most of my adult life. At over 400 lbs, I had high blood pressure and had become diabetic, both on medication, and I was planning to be disabled in retirement — I even built our new home with 36-inch doors for a wheelchair. Stairs scared me. After a CrossFit Christmas dinner got me thinking, and after watching the changes in my wife, I finally emailed and asked to join. I started slow, changed my diet to paleo, and kept showing up. I've now lost 80 lbs and am completely off the medications for high blood pressure and diabetes. My life is better, my wife is happier, and my kids say I'm not grumpy all the time anymore. Just being able to get up off the floor with dignity is a big thing for me. All I have to do is show up and do what I'm told, and things change for the better.
— G.C., 2016
“I am having awesome benefits”
I started at 205 lbs and this morning I'm at 183 — that feels great, and my clothes fit better. Before CrossFit, running my boat's mud motor really wore on my shoulder and back; in the last 30 days I've had it out five or six times with zero pain, which is amazing. One goal realized! I also didn't eat healthy at all before, sometimes going more than 24 hours without eating. Now I eat consistently three to five times a day and have cut out most sugars and grains. The inflammation in my joints doesn't bother me nearly as much, and I definitely have more energy. I have a long way to go, but I'm enjoying the process.
— D.R., 2016
“The best and most rewarding fitness program I've been a part of”
I've only been doing CrossFit for 2.5 months and I can honestly say it has been the best and most rewarding fitness program I've ever been a part of. Like many, I've struggled to keep myself motivated, and my fitness goals always seemed to start and end quickly. Not anymore. With CrossFit Benedictus I've found an awesome group of guys and coaches that not only inspire me but motivate me to keep coming back. No matter your age or weight, CrossFit can help you achieve your fitness goals. In just a few short months, along with a healthier diet, I've noticed significant changes in my mobility, strength, and overall health.
— D.F., 2017
“Thanks for caring so much”
I just want to thank all of the coaches for the attention to detail and for caring so much. This is one of the main reasons that keeps me coming back. I know I will get better, because the coaches will make sure of it. I definitely got more than I expected when I signed up. Thanks for making the Box so easy to come back to. This is not just my opinion, but also that of the other members I talk to.
— L.J., 2017