I have been involved with Chad Hall and CrossFit Cambridge for the last 6 years. Prior to joining, I was someone in their 40’s who did just intermittent workouts in the past doing the usual boring things like some weights, treadmill, elliptical trainers etc. and due to my busy schedule, even that was not regularly. I was a bit concerned about how I could possibly do this program after seeing what his program is modelled after, the CrossFit program which I viewed on CrossFit.com. I also had concerns about injuries because I had not done any real weight training in the past using Olympic style weights.
Chad is a very mature, knowledgeable, highly motivated and energetic individual who allayed all my fears and concerns by spending the time to explain in detail all the basic components of this program. He spent a great deal of time viewing and reviewing the exercises and analyzing my technique to ensure that not only the exercises were done properly in order to gain maximal benefit, but that they were done to avoid any injury.
I have been amazed as to what I have achieved so far. It has been beyond my own expectations. My endurance and strength have increased and I have been able to lose weight such that I get comments like, “wow you look great” and “you really look like you are working out” and the best one, “Hey you’re really looking strong and skinny these days”.
I am a family physician and with the positive feedback I have had from my own patients about my appearance, I have been recommending this to not only my friends but my patients too. It takes the boredom out of the routine programs that we all do as the workouts vary daily as does the duration of the workouts. If you are old or young, fit or sedentary, ideal body weight or overweight, you will benefit from this program as I have and as I have seen other participants do also.
Chad’s energy, pleasant nature and positive force really motivates anyone who comes into contact with him. He will push you but respect your limitations too. Although the actual program components are the “fitness” part, I really feel Chad Hall has been the true success behind my own achievements. I could not see myself doing this program anywhere else than CrossFit Cambridge, a nice, clean, well kept, small gym in beautiful downtown Hespeler, and with anyone else other than Chad Hall!!
Check it out and give it a try. You won’t regret it.
Dr Upe Mehan, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Hello Friends,
For those of you who haven’t already heard, this will be my last weekend as an official CrossFit Cambridge member. I’ve been traveling back and forth between Cambridge and Toronto for awhile now and have made the choice to cut out my long commutes and move to the concrete jungle. Plan is to live it out in Toronto for the next 3-5 years and hopefully come back to Cambridge and settle down. But for now, this is where the next chapter of life is taking me and I’m excited to move forward.
Close to a year ago I met Chad when looking for an alternative place to workout while CrossFit Kitchener (my first gym) was moving locations. I walked in on a Saturday morning with a friend and Chad welcomed us with open arms and created a partner workout for the class. Sled-Pulls, Pull-ups, Burpees, HSPU, KB Swings and Tire Flips. I still remember this workout. It was all heavy, really heavy. When the terrible torture was complete I remember coming out feeling a great sense of accomplishment, and that stuck with me, along with Chad’s openness and great attitude. When I got my job in Toronto, I didn’t hesitate in choosing my next CrossFit location, and it turned out to be a good choice.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for making the last 6 months of CrossFit a truly enjoyable experience. The CrossFit Cambridge community is an amazing group of motivated and energetic people, full of spirit and life. Night in and night out it was great seeing the same faces (and new ones), whether they be in agonizing pain or in glorious victory.
I’d like to thank the coaches; Chad, Carrie, Kendra, Jenn, Dee, Travis and TJ. You all made the workouts worth while and I appreciate the constant critique and overall support and encouragement. In the last 6 months I’ve seen major increases in strength from 165lb squat snatch (75lb PR),175lb OH Squat (60lb PR) 178lb Atlas Stone lift (63lb PR) and a number of other lifts that would take too long to write up in this post.
As exciting as it is to see these improvements, in the grand scheme of things the lifts and the fast times don’t really matter. To me it’s the relationships developed through this sport that make it so special. I’m not sure what it is about exerting strenuous physical Work with other people that creates a stronger bond between them, but I’m grateful that I’ve come to understand and experience this gift.
You’re all considered family and I hope that anytime you’re in my area you don’t hesitate to call or message.
Best of luck to all of you on your future endeavors and Extra best of luck to the CrossFit Cambridge team this coming year.
Peace, Love and Awesomeness,
Mikey B