I’ll never forget one of my first days at Orange Coast CrossFit. I was just barely jogging around the block, exhausted from the squats and kettlebell swings I had just endured. Another member had already completed the workout of the day, but he got up from his pile of sweat on the floor to run along side me, urging me to finish that lap stronger than I started it. I wanted to cry when I was done — not because it hurt (it did) — but because I was so proud for having made it through and so grateful that someone believed I could do it. That experience is what CrossFit is all about. I’ve come a long way since then with the help of Justin and the other amazing coaches. They’ve given me the tools to improve my eating, to feel confident lifting heavy weight, to push myself faster and harder than I ever thought possible. I’ve dropped two dress sizes and 12 pounds AND I can do real pull ups. I am physically and mentally stronger than I have ever been in my life, and I get to share those accomplishments with a group of the most positive, hardworking people I’ve ever met. OCCF is the best.
Left: July 27th 2009 Right: Oct 3rd 2009
I’ve dropped two dress sizes, 12 pounds AND I can do real pull ups.
When I think of all I want to say about CrossFit and specifically Orange Coast CrossFit and Justin Flynn my thoughts get all jumbled up and compete with each other to see which one best expresses what CrossFit is for me. Every adjective comes to mind, amazing, awesome, incredible, challenging, empowering, ect… It is hard for me to condense what I want to say into something concise. There is nothing that even compares to CrossFit.
For 3 years I had been spending $115.00 a month on a membership to Equinox where I would go 2-3 times per month and do a similar workout to what I had been doing since I was 14 years old. The results I got were mediocre at best and discouraging at worst. I would remember the weights I used to be able to lift when I was 27 and 28 and, being nowhere near that anymore, I went to the gym and went through the motions of working out. To combat my apathy at the gym, where I was paying $115 per month, I would hire personal trainers for $45 to $75 an hour and train with them 2-3 times per week. Their workouts posed no new challenges and were equally un-motivating but at least I went. You would to if you were paying that much. This cycle of minimal workouts and then hiring personal trainers had been going on for me for over 3 years.
Then everything changed. In May of 2009 I joined Orange Coast CrossFit. I knew immediately that this was something different. The people were alive. There was energy and excitement. There was a sense of purpose. There was passion and commitment. There was intensity. This was special and unique.
As I mentioned earlier, I have had numerous personal trainers and none of them compare to Justin Flynn. He is passionate about what he does. At his core he believes in the methods of CrossFit. He has a natural ability to both motivate and to explain the proper form and technique in the most simplistic terms I have ever encountered.
I have been working out on and off since I was 14 years old. For the first time I am lifting correctly because of Justin’s corrections. It pisses me off that not one trainer nor coach in all my years of weightlifting corrected my form. For the first time in years I have not injured myself from a workout. An injured back, probably the result of overdeveloped quads and underdeveloped hamstrings a weak core and bad form no longer hurts.
After 120 days of training Orange Coast CrossFit I am in the best shape ever. I am injury free. I am stronger than I have ever been in some aspects and catching up to how strong I was when I was much younger. Most importantly, I am challenged every day I workout. I am motivated because each workout is new and different and pushes me. The people who workout with me push themselves and push me. I get to be excited about exercise. It is once again a joy and fun!!!
Josh Lemos| Sr. Loan Officer| Emery Financial|
Chip’s Story
Chip Jewitt 56 years young. On the left: March 14th 2009 one week in. On the right: June 24th 2009.
They say the measure of a great gym has little to do with equipment, it’s all about the coach. While Orange Coast Crossfit has the equipment and the platform you would want to train with, 7 months of being coached by Justin Flynn has made all the difference for me. He and the members he has drawn have given me skills I never had, developed the motivation and passion for training I always wanted to find and brought out my athletic potential, which I thought was long past. I simply could not ask for more. Today, I am not just in the best shape of my life, I can now say, I am an athlete.
The blend of athletes from elite to those tired of ellipticals equipped with televisions and magazines, has built an environment where the energy is full power and everyone strives to reach as far as they can every time they walk in the door. The culture and vibe are different here. When someone new walks in, people don’t look at their feet and hide – they stick out their hands, tell them who they are and let them know they are about to have some real fun.
Justin, your skill and passion for training [not "working out"] are confidence inspiring, have built a culture I love to be around and are the key to why the “box” has grown from a single dozen [men and women] to more than 70 in 7 short months. Good on ya. See you tonight……. of course!
Chip Jewitt
Ron’s Story
Justin,
You rule! The last two workouts have been sick! Almost to the point of throwing up! Thank you for including me in your crossfit training, I′m really stoked to be a pat of it!
Here’s a good shot that reminds me how much I appreciate you Justin. This was taken the morning before I did my first WOD with you, on January 23rd. Matty and I were starting a fitness challenge for 3 months to lose body fat. He suggested that I try something new that night called CrossFit. And shitdamn, here I am 8 months later and feeling like a Superstar! Thanks to you and CrossFit, my view on fitness and nutrition will always be different. It’s a lifestyle! See attached picture of what the “Pre CrossFit” Ron looked like. Typical Daddy the business man. Very little strength, and lot’s of body fat! Thanks Justin, you’ve made a difference in my life!Ron
Justin,
