The Phoenix Award
One of the most important things to us here at CFCM has been the transformation of the minds of our members; that switch that gets flicked from the “I Can’t” mentality, to that of “I Can”. When people start to take hold of their own lives and health, when they realize they have far more potential and ability than they ever thought possible and everything starts to change for them. We live for that moment.
This t-shirt began as a way for us to honor that change. We wanted to be able to give someone a physical representation to honor their new commitment to themselves. There happens to be one symbol of rebirth we have always loved: The Phoenix, the firebird that dies to itself only to be reborn from the flames and ashes of its old body to become new. We find that symbolism so meaningful for what we do here at CFCM. Through the pain, the tears, the blood, and the sweat, we become new. Now, we will have a way to recognize those among us willing to make that sacrifice.
Hence, the introduction of the Phoenix T-shirt. Now this is not to be confused with our “Fire Breather” T-shirt that is earned through high levels of performance, the Phoenix t-shirt is earned through effort and commitment. The recipients may not have a sub 3 minute Fran yet, but their effort, their will power, and the change we see evident in the quality of their life qualifies them for this honor.
Cooper Briscoe
When did you start CrossFit?
I started CFCM at the end of April 2012 after sampling a couple other local boxes.
Describe your transformation through CrossFit?
In a word, dramatic. I’ve always been the skinny kid that could run but have never been strong. I remember being in grade school trying to do legit pull-ups and maybe being able to do 1 or 2. This was no different when I started here at CFCM. I grew up playing sports in high school and college and then played some casual sports (does Men’s softball count?) for a number of years after finishing my degree. I’ve dealt with back pain on and off since I was 14 and this ultimately made me quit my biggest passion, soccer 5-6 years back. I even had to quit softball for the same reason because I don’t really know how to play for “fun” and not dive into a fence with a 15 run lead. Needless to say, I had a huge hole in my life due to this and took up cycling and did a few triathlons. Although I enjoyed them (the actual event), it was very boring and I trained alone. It was always the same training. I needed more.
Starting CrossFit first humbled me, then motivated me to do more and get better at anything I could. I felt for the first time since college soccer that I belonged to a team, even though I was competing with myself. I love the “people helping people” mantra and live by it. Why do some people suck and complain all the time? Enjoy life. As I started to get some of the more difficult movements, I only became more motivated. I have never been as stoked as when I got that first muscle-up (Chris forced me to do it in front of the entire class and took video). I know where my weaknesses are and am not afraid of them. I have a long way to go but love that in my 30s, I’ve found something athletic that I am so passionate about. After countless back procedures, injections, nerve root blocks, chiros, surgeons, etc, I am happy to say that I no longer live in pain at all times during my day. CrossFit, not pills, not a Chiropractor, not a steroid injection, is what I have to thank for that. I did my first competition last month and it is just the beginning. Oh yeah, my wife says I don’t look too bad with my shirt off either. Nice to hear when you previously lived in fear of being that skinny fat guy with the pot belly. You know what I’m talking about.
What would you tell others about this place?
That you get out of it what you put in. That if you aren’t just as excited to watch someone else PR as you are when you do it, that it’s not the right place for you. I love the people, the coaches, the atmosphere, and the entire way the place is organized and run. I love that I smile just thinking about going in for the day’s WOD. I instantly forget about how bad my day has sucked at work when I walk through the doors and I have grown to love so many of the people that I consistently see. Go Nooners. If you have an ounce of competitive spirit, or the desire to improve the way you look and feel, you’re in the right place at CFCM. It’s true what everyone says about their CrossFit Journey and weird at the same time. Who would have ever thought that I would change my eating habits, focus more on my career, plan for my next one, and want to be a better husband and father just because I started doing CrossFit? You just can’t describe in words where your journey will take you until you start it for yourself.
What’s your favorite workout and lift?
This is a tough one because there are some that I love because I know I need to get better at them and some that I like because they play to my strengths. Fight Gone Bad has to be close to the top just for the absolute pain it puts you through. I think it is one of the workouts that most typifies the CrossFit experience. I absolutely was not lying when I said that it was the toughest workout I had even done after finishing it the first time. I would say that my second favorite would have to be Diane (21-15-9 / Deadlift @225 and HSPUs). I only list this because it was one of these famous benchmark WODs that I never thought I’d be able to do. I remember about 4-5 months ago doing a chipper and having to ask to sub down the weight (to Max nonetheless) because I couldn’t do 10 @ 225. Fast forward a little and I did Diane Rx. Sure it was 12:16, but I did it Rx. Something I just couldn’t fathom when I started or even a couple months earlier. These are the things that will always keep me coming back for more.
What do you love about CFCM?
I think if you haven’t gotten it from the above, you weren’t reading. In short, it is the people’s willingness to help each other and their genuine desire to want to see people improve. It’s the community and team aspect that makes everyone tight. The fact that I can call or email anyone about anything at any given time and get a reply by or before the next day. Thursday Throwdowns because why wouldn’t you push yourself through some silly static hold as long as possible just because? And… if you beat one of the coaches, how much cooler do you feel? Small Goals, so that you can stay varied but focused all at the same time. The website is the best around by far and Lindsay’s blog always moves me. I’ve said it before but who else has the guts to put herself out there like that? Just awesome. The space we have is great, the coaching and staff is fantastic, and the resources and knowledge at our disposal is just ridiculous. How cool is it that I can pick the brain of an Olympic level athlete in Max and get advice for no extra charge? I’m hooked. I am so happy I chose CFCM. I’ll let you get back to your day. Sorry for the length. This stuff gets me going.
Chelsie Morter
When did you start CrossFit?
I started Crossfit in January of 2012.
What was your 1st WOD and what were you thinking/feeling before and after it?
The first workout that I remember was “Fight Gone Bad” the last workout of Onboarding. I remember thinking that a minute is much longer than it seems and I can’t breath, but above all I knew that I found what I needed, a good ass kickin’.
Describe your transformation through CrossFit?
I started CrossFit all I wanted to do was get in shape, and feel better about myself. The first few months I came only in and out of gym, not having much to do with it. I soon realized that there was something different about this place, something that I wanted to explore. As I became more involved with the gym, my love and commitment grew towards it, so much that I began creating new life goals. I love the impact that CrossFit has on peoples lives, both physically and mentally, empowering them to become better people inside and outside of the gym. I truly want nothing more than to be apart of that transformation in people’s lives. I am very excited to see where my journey in CrossFit takes me on both a training and career level.
What would you tell others about this place?
I always tell people how amazing CFCM is. The coaches and staff are phenomenal and always there to help you meet your goals, whatever they may be. CFCM is much more than a gym, it’s a community and these people are your family. Above all I would tell people to put themselves out there, work hard and make the most of it.
What’s your favorite workout and lift?
I like any workout that requires a great deal of mental fortitude. When I am able to finish a workout and be proud because I was able to overcome something that wasn’t only physically hard but mentally, I take much more pride and satisfaction in what I am doing. Recently Amanda (9-7-5 Snatch (95lb), Muscle-up) was one of those workouts for me. I went in that morning planning on only doing 85 for my snatch, because 95 was too close to my 1 rep max, and in face was my 1 Rep max that I had met far too many times. I told myself I just needed to work on my technique, and learn to better manage 85, but because of coaches who know better then me and friends that see more in me, I did it at 95lbs. That day I had a huge breakthrough with my snatch and it was one of those moments when it just clicks. Since then I have had 3 PR’s in my snatch. I’m chasing that elusive bodyweight snatch and should be there soon! ☺
What do you love about CFCM?
I love everything about CrossFit Costa Mesa, and I am so thankful that out of all the gyms in Orange County I stumbled upon CFCM!
Jon Byars
When did you start CrossFit?
I started CrossFit late in October of 2011.
What was your 1st WOD and what were you thinking/feeling before and after it?
After onboarding my first WOD was 3 rounds for time of 8 heavy back squats (165# RX, I did 105#), 400m run with 2 minutes of rest between rounds. Before, I was intimidated. I was not very experienced with back squats. After, surprisingly, I felt like I crushed it. It was awesome.
Describe your transformation through CrossFit?
The first three months were rough. I’m pretty sure I came in dead last in every WOD. I was constantly sore in strange places and got every flu and cold that came around. My body was so broken down. I think the turning point was getting kipping pull-ups. After that everything was gravy. I’ve made huge gains physically in every conceivable way but that’s not the most important aspect of the ‘transformation’. Mentally, fitness has become integrated into my personal philosophy. Before CrossFit my priorities in life mostly revolved around my career (and maybe beer). I realize now that my life was seriously lacking balance. That realization is the most important aspect.
What would you tell others about this place?
It’s worth it. Your health is worth it. The people are cool and supportive. Try it for at least three months. Be intimidated, but don’t let it beat you.
What’s your favorite WOD and lift?
We did a WOD a few months back with 50 double-unders, 40 sit-ups, 30 med ball cleans, 20 pull-ups, and 10 hand-stand push- ups, 3 RFT. I killed it.
My favorite lift is the clean. I’ve made huge gains, easily doubling my max in the last year.
What do you love about CFCM?
People, coaches, and it’s baller.
Nathan Contreras
When did you start CrossFit?
I started Crossfit in January of 2011.
What was your 1st WOD and what were you thinking/feeling before and after it?
My first workout was Jackie. I did the workout with 25# dumbbells and used a band for pull-ups. I didn’t think this workout would be very bad and I totally went after the row. Needless to say anyone who has done Jackie can tell you that’s a huge mistake. The workout totally crushed me! After the workout despite being completely out of it I knew I had made the right decision starting Crossfit because it was way better then being at the gym for an hour doing chest and cardio.
Describe your transformation through CrossFit?
My transformation through Crossfit has been a big one. I have had a lot of physical changes such as lost weight and body fat. I think the biggest transformation has been what I have learned a lot about myself as a person and an athlete. When I started Crossfit I was in average shape meaning I could do most things in workouts and was pretty strong but was by no means crushing workouts right out of onboarding. I was curious about competing when I started but didn’t really think I would reach that level of fitness to even want to try. The OC Throwdown took place during my first month of Crossfit and needless to say I was in awe of the workouts and didn’t really see myself doing them. I participated in the open two months later just to try the competition side of Crossfit. After it was all said and done I finished somewhere in the high 400’s I think in the region. Fast-forward to a year later and I placed 9th in the intermediate division of the OC Throwdown and finished 130th in the Region during the Open. My finish in the open gave me the chance to participate in Regionals on the CFCM team, which was a great opportunity. This year I have set my sights on bigger goals and look forward to what’s to come.
What would you tell others about this place?
I always tell people it is the best facility in Orange County and it keeps getting better. I also tell people that our staff is great and they shouldn’t feel intimidated walking into the gym because I know whoever is at the desk will welcome them in and make them feel at home in our gym.
What’s your favorite WOD and lift?
My new favorite workout is King Kong. It was one of my “I’ll never be able to do that” type workouts. Doing it RX’d was a big accomplishment for me and showed me the progress I have made.
Favorite lift hands down is the Snatch. Hitting a snatch PR is one of the best feelings and I don’t think any other lift compares.
What do you love about CFCM?
Everything. I love that members seem to always be willing to help each other out. I think that this extends beyond the walls of the gym as well. Clearly, our coaches are great and I would not be where I am now as a member of this gym without the great coaching. I also would not have taken the quick interest in participating in the competition side of Crossfit without a little nudge from G (Thank you G!).
I am happy to say that I was a part of the gym at the Placentia location because I can say without a doubt the gym has the same vibe it always has. It’s always about the members, and above all else its about having fun. Thanks CFCM!
Alicia Crawley
When did you start CrossFit?
I started CrossFit at CFCM September 2010, almost two years! Wow.
What was your 1st WOD and what were you thinking/feeling before and after it?
My first real group workout was:
In 15 minutes, accumulate as many points as possible on the two following implements: Concept 2 Erg and Dumbbell Push Press (20/10 lbs.)
1 Point = 1 Calorie on the rower
1 Point = 1 Push Press, both dumbbells locked out overhead
Link: http://crossfitcostamesa.com/fitfoods/september-20th-2010/
I think I was most nervous about getting out there amongst all the veterans rather than the workout itself. Shocking I know. I’m sure afterwards I felt like death but I was proud of myself for actually getting it done and excited because it was unlike anything else I’ve tried.
Describe your transformation through CrossFit?
At first CrossFit was a way to get back into shape but it didn’t take very long for me to realize it was much more than that. I started to see all the RX’d movements and wanted to be able to do them all so badly! Especially kipping, I went on a mission to get the hang of that and once I did, I started a new mission for something else. I was always wanting to improve or learn something new. The more time I spent at the gym, it became not only about physical goals but social ones too. People don’t really have to know me to figure out I’m somewhat of a hermit. I set a new goal to step outside of my social boundaries and went to Kristan’s Canada Day party last year and had so much fun. Ever since then I’ve wanted to become more involved in the CFCM family so I’ve forced myself to get out there and that push has helped improve other parts of my life as well. I’m still fairly quiet but without CFCM and all the amazing, welcoming people I would have never stepped out of my shell and to me, that’s a bigger accomplishment than any amount of weight.
What would you tell others about this place?
I get asked about CrossFit and CFCM all the time and the first thing I say is, “it’s definitely not easy”. But quickly reassure them it’s a lot fun, describe to them the best I can what CrossFit is and what our gym does. I always emphasize the community feeling inside and outside of our gym because that truely makes all the difference.
What’s your favorite WOD and lift?
Easy, my favorite workout is Fight Gone Bad (hint hint, Max). I like workouts that keep me moving. It’s hard for me to stay stationed in one place for very long or my mind starts to wander. My favorite lifts are deadlift and back squat. I feel comfortable pushing the limits with these two and always seem to PR and who doesn’t love that?!?
What do you love about CFCM?
I love the people at CFCM the most by far. In these two years I don’t think I’ve met one unfriendly person. Everyone has always been so nice, helpful, supportive, and yelled at me, or anyone else, in times of need (in a good way) whether they were a coach or not. I’m continuously able to grow and improve upon my CrossFit skills and look forward to what else I can achieve. Even the thought of competition was unobtainable and probably wouldn’t have taken that step without the positive persistance of the coaches (especially Lindsay). Additionally, I can say the social events outside of the gym are always fun and entertaining to say the least, and appreciate there are so many of them. CFCM has enabled me to grow as a person which I guess haven’t really noticed until recently. With confidence I can say we have the best gym out there.
Lastly, I want to extend many thanks and gratitude to the coaches and staff. This sort of thing never happens, probably because I’m always in the background. The fact that you’ve chosen me and what this recognition encompasses means more than you’ll ever know and it definitely will provide reassurance when things get tough. I hope I’ll be able to pass along insight and encouragement to other members just as I have received and continue to get more involved with CFCM because it’s where I love to be.
Mike Perez
When did you start CrossFit?
Around July 30, 2011
What was your 1st WOD and what were you thinking/feeling before and after it?
First WOD was Fight Gone Bad on the last day of onboarding. I thought I was going to die during and after. My knee was sore for days after that WOD and I honestly was debating if CrossFit was right for me, but I didn’t give up.
Describe your transformation through CrossFit?
Let me start way before CrossFit. At my heaviest, which was around 2003, I was at 312 pounds. At that point I decided it was time to make a change. I changed my eating habits and worked out consistently and dropped to 190 lbs in roughly 2 years. Then we moved to California from Chicago in 2005 and were surrounded by so much good food. The weight started to creep up and I eventually got to 270 lbs. by 2010. I made a change in my eating habits again and started doing Kickboxing. When I started at CFCM I was around 230 lbs. and since then I’ve dropped 40 pounds, gained more muscle and can do movements that I never thought possible.
CrossFit has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and has allowed me to do things I never thought I could do. Oly lifts, pull-ups, 5K’s, rowing are among things I thought I’d never be doing a year ago. I’ve never been athletic growing up and CrossFit has given me an opportunity to do that and open up possibilities to go beyond what I think I can do.
What would you tell others about this place?
The coaches and members make up a really good CrossFit gym and CFCM has exceptional ones. No matter what level you are CFCM will help you get to where you want to be.
What’s your favorite WOD and lift?
I really love anything dealing with Olympic level lifts so Grace and Isabel are fun, but challenging. Favorite lift would have to be the Clean.
What do you love about CFCM?
The energy of the community at CFCM is what I love most. When you’re doing a WOD and you feel like you have nothing left to give and one of the coaches or members yells “you can do it”, you find that extra push to power through it. The coaches and members at CFCM make it worth coming in everyday and giving it your best.
Can’t forget the love of soreness from heavy squats, ripped up hands from 100 pull-ups, bruises on your collar bone from cleans and the pain of sneezing after doing way too many GHD sit-ups.
