Gary’s Story

Thursday, October 11 of 2007 was a good dayThursday, October 11 of 2007 was a good day. At 6′ 4″, 235# I was the big boy in the gym, nick named “f@#kin huge”, dominating our group workouts of chest, biceps/triceps, shoulders and lats. I was big, I was strong and I was cocky. Friday’s workout was coming and I couldn’t wait. It came…….and with it 3 herniated discs. My C6/C7 disc blew out 6mm and compressed the nerve running to my arm. I had 80% paralysis in my right arm, an incredible amount of pain and the very scary reality that my life might never be the same. After 10 months and 2 minor surgeries I found myself a very soft and lethargic 260#. I was able to be active again but I was terrified to go to the gym and lift. The surgeon had been very clear that it was my over developed chest, shoulders and lats that had been a major player in my injury. I returned to the gym with much trepidation and a sense of bewilderment.

I’d see all the same people doing all the same routines but I didn′t know what to do so I did some light cardio and wandered around trying different machines. In September 2008 I saw something different. This guy Justin Flynn, was doing all this weird crazy shit I’d never seen. If it was not for his god-like physique and intensity I would have dismissed him as a kook. We started talking, I told him about my predicament and he invited me to join him. I put him off for a couple weeks, mostly out of fear of being re-injured and intimidation of his workouts. But I kept watching. I don′t remember the first WOD (Workout of the Day) I did, but I do remember it took over 48 minutes. I trained with him sporadically for 2 months. As we trained I started inviting others to join and soon we had a group of 6 that was growing every other workout. In late December 2008 there were 12+ of us and we all committed to a 12 week training program. Here it is February 2009 and I′m 225#. My body is seeing a complete and total transformation. To say I look better does not do Justin or CrossFit justice. I do look better, but it′s how I feel that amazes me. It′s not that I just feel good, but I feel like a cat or something. I feel athletic, powerful and agile. I feel balanced. I feel gnarly. Proportionately I am far superior to my old physique. I have obvious power and strength in every muscle. When Justin asked me to write this testimonial I was not sure who to praise more, Justin or CrossFit. I owe both a tremendous amount of gratitude. Also the others in our group. They have all pushed and encouraged themselves and each other. I think that is one of the things I appreciate most. Justin’s positive energy, encouragement and camaraderie have spread among us. We support each other, we encourage each other and we sometimes mentally carry each other. I′m 10# away from my goal weight of 215# and fast rising toward the top of scores. Every repeated WOD has seen drastic improvement. There is so much more I could say but I just want to end with this. I′ve invited many others to join and hear the same thing over and over. They say “it′s too intense”, “I have an old injury that keeps me from doing training like that”, or “those kinds of lifts are dangerous” and yet they continue to do the same thing that got them or will get them injured. Reread the above because if anyone can call bulls#!t it′s me. Justin and CrossFit rebuild the body to power, agility, and athleticism.

I′m living proof…’nuff said!

See you there,

Gary Hogue

Boat Aid, LLC