Day: July 24, 2014

Join us in welcoming new Coach Brandon King to our family of CFM coaches! Brandon has been a member of CrossFit Montgomery since the summer of 2011. Coming from a sports background, he was looking for something more than what the typical gym experience could offer. After seeing some videos and reading a few articles, he googled “CrossFit in Montgomery,” which led him to The Boneyard. He and his wife Jenna attended their first foundations class a week later and have been hooked ever since. “I really enjoyed the group-based classes. It really led to a feeling of community and encouragement which is hard to find in a lot of places. The movements and workouts we did were what I was used to from playing sports in high school and a little bit in college. Plus, I had fallen into a routine that lacked any kind of physical activity so it felt good to be doing something physical again. Whether that was picking up and putting down heavy things, body weight movements, running and rowing, or any combination of any of those things, I liked it all.”

Brandon recently became a CF Level-1 Trainer, and while the class was challenging, he felt prepared thanks to the fantastic coaching he had received from all the coaches at CFM. He wholeheartedly believes that everyone can do CrossFit, and encourages anyone who asks to come and try it out. Looking forward, he hopes to obtain more certifications in order to improve his knowledge and abilities as a coach.

“Why did I become a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer? Simple, I love CrossFit! I love what CrossFit has done for me, especially for my wellness, and I want to share what I have learned with as many people on the planet that I can. Some people say I’ve drank the Kool-Aid. Okay!” -Coach Tom Clark

In November 2009, Tom went to the doctor for a physical. He left his doctor’s office dazed and confused. His blood pressure was high, as were his triglycerides, blood sugar, cholesterol, resting heart rate (86), and weight (a petite 255 pounds). In addition, he had chronic acid reflux, indigestion, a chronic cough, sinus drainage, allergies, and red and watery eyes. His wrists were stiff and achy from an old snow skiing accident. He walked with a slight limp (both ankles were fractured when he was eleven). He took Adderall for ADHD. His lower back ached primarily due to posture issues and a lack of essential core strength. He had recently been fitted for a CPAP machine because he snored horribly. His doctor told him there was nothing he could do about the physical issues, explaining that old age (he was 54 at the time) and arthritis had set in. The doctor told him to come back in six months and if things had not improved dramatically he would have to prescribe “some pretty serious medications.”

The very next week Tom walked into a CrossFit gym. The trainers laid a challenge before him. They were very emphatic: if he would commit to eating Paleo and attend classes three times per week, he would resolve most, if not all, of the aforementioned issues. One trainer said, “Oh, and if you’re serious about this, cancel the CPAP.” Tom accepted their challenge and is so glad he did!

“My experience is not a miracle – it’s just CrossFit! Today, I’m stronger, faster, and healthier. CrossFit is the keynote activity in my daily plan. All of my medical issues were resolved long ago and I feel amazingly healthy now. And I’ve had fun getting here! I love my CrossFit community! It’s an awesome lifestyle.”

Join us in welcoming Coach Tom to our amazing group of coaches!