Testimonials

Katie Raymer

My brother started to tell me about crossfit maybe 6 months ago and every time he talked about it I started to glaze over and said, uh huh and oh yeah? But then another friend of mine told me about it in mid July, not sure why I listened to her and not my brother, and she told me how to find the affiliate nearest me. So I emailed Jason on a Sunday and he got back to me inviting me to come that Monday, I was like, uh..that doesn't give me much time to prepare myself. I came in and while watching the class before me, met John M., Ben and Ernie. I was so intimidated watching the 4:30 class and they reassured me that they were scared once too. I trained with Niki that first night, my legs were pretty much broken for the next 2 weeks, but I kept going in a few times a week. I absolutely love the Crossfit program, I love the Albany Crossfit community (people here are so supportive) but most of all I love our trainers!! I would never go anywhere else!!! ACF is by far the best workout program I have done. Where else can you sweat buckets in 10 minutes and feel great about it?? I have done things that I never thought I could and the best thing is, I can't wait for more.

Lenora Pfeffer

I am grateful to Jay, Albany Crossfit and it's members for providing a sanctuary away from the stresses of life. This is functional mental and emotional fitness. No matter what happened outside the doors to ACF, I drop it all and enter another world. This is the world where I can do what I thought was impossible. I can go from one achievement to another, and surprise myself at the power of determination. Challenging myself physically frees me mentally, and creates a metaphor for a way to life my life. There is no failure. There is only a set of steps to a personal record. All the steps serve the purpose of creating my own reality. Everyone here is a winner, and respects and encourages everyone else and their personal goals achievements.

Andrea Devlin

I started at Albany Crossfit with an athletic background, expecting this hour long class to be like every other exercise class. Boy, was I surprised. The workouts at Albany Crossfit are unlike any other workouts I have experienced. In just two months, I have had incredible results. I have seen a dramatic increase in my strength, an increase in my speed, and overall body transformation. Best of all, I have experienced an overall sense of community at ACF. The trainers really care about your progress and will do just about anything to help you meet your goals. Everyone at ACF will help you, challenge you, and change you....for the better.

Sandra Goldmeer

One of the things that is really remarkable about Crossfit, to me, is the comradarie... It is what makes these workouts possible. I cannot IMAGINE, even with all the same equipment at my disposal, doing these level and intensity of workouts at my normal Gym. I just wouldn't push myself the same way. I feel very fortunate to have found Crossfit...

Jess Dunn

Starting CrossFit Training a year and a half ago was one of the most grueling and physically enduring training I have ever done. But ever since that first "Cindy," I have been going strong! After doing the whole "globo gym" thing for years and hitting platueas, CrossFit training has been my physical testament of the most effective and efficient way to be in the best shape of my life. A year ago, I was scared to deadlift 155 pounds and just recently, I hit a deadlift pr of 265 pounds! It just goes to show you that CrossFit training works. Not only have I done WOD's that I never thought I would be able to do, but have seen members at Albany CrossFit do the same and hit PR after PR. Its so rewarding to see other people have perseverance to do Rx'd WOD's or work till they get that Rx'd WOD and be believers that CrossFit really is the most efficient way to get into world class shape!

George Gecewicz

Javy Martinez

"Game means your going to the death. What I live for is being game. I feel like if a guy ain't game, he don't want any of it. I want to raise kids up and teach them that this is what it means to be game. You don’t quit -- there is no quit in you -- and there is no quit in me.” Roy Jones Jr.-8 time Boxing world champion

I read this quote and I instantly think of Albany Crossfit. I, like so many other people, have been to a ton of different gyms where the majority of people just go through the motions of getting in shape, but never push themselves to their limit, or anywhere past it. I look at the different athletes (everyone that participates in albany crossfit is an athlete) around me while i work out and they are all sweating, screaming, and hauling butt. Every person at AlbanyCrossfit is "game", they push themselves to different heights every day, and I couldn't be happier to be apart of such an amazing gym.

Michael McCulloch

My name is Michael McCulloch, and I am a 36 year old Physical Education teacher and former Division 1 lacrosse player. I joined Albany Crossfit (ACF) in June 2008, after a friend and fellow lacrosse player spent three months raving to me about Crossfit. I have been involved with training and athletics (particularly lacrosse) my whole life and have never come across a fitness program of this caliber or magnitude.

Coming from an athletic background, I figured that I would join ACF for a month, and then just incorporate it into my own training program. After that first month, I found that I was in the best shape of my life. I also found that yes I could incorporate the exercises and WOD's (workouts of the day) but I would not be able to match the ACF life. I could not duplicate the positive atmosphere, the intense energy, the great people and most of all, all of the great coaches and coaching at ACF.

ACF has many terrific coaches and with my daily schedule I worked with Jason and Brett. While working with Jason and Brett, it was easy to see why people, myself included, leave their regular gyms or fad exercise programs like Boot Camp. Not only are the coaches extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Crossfit, their gym, and nutritional program, but they are also equally passionate of their clients (AKA family). Like any great business or program the coaches at ACF are never content or satisfied with their program. They are continually attending seminars and certifications to better themselves, their program and their clients.

When you walk in at Albany Crossfit all of the coaches not only know your name, but care that you are there and are ready and willing to do everything they can to help you improve your physical fitness. I joined ACF with the full intention of only being a member for a month and then incorporating their program into my normal routine. However, I have now been a member for over one and a half years and couldn't imagine training without Albany Crossfit.

The Jones Family

I really want you to know how great the summer has been for the entire family. When I looked into CrossFit at the beginning of summer, I was simply looking for something that would provide at least a minimal level of physical activity for the kids. In the past, I’ve brought them to the Colonie track meets, the YMCA, and road races and they would participate with varying degrees of enthusiasm. My wife, Tammie, was concerned that she was going to have difficulties getting them to attend Crossfit for the entire summer.

It has genuinely been one of the most pleasant surprises that the kids not only attend CrossFit willingly, but have been nothing short of eager to get there. At our house, computers are checked every couple of minutes as 7:30PM approaches to see what tomorrow’s WOD will be. Donald was up at 5AM today for Morning Mayhem and stuck around afterwards to work on handstand push-ups. Robert worked on muscle-ups in the backyard for days in anticipation of the August Challenge. Sarah’s cross country coach is astounded by her performance at early-season practices. And, lest I forget, Tammie speaks proudly of her progress pull-ups, HSPU’s, and has seen more results in three months at Crossfit than in 7 years at the YMCA.

My thanks to you, Kevin, Brett, and the other trainers. It’s been a great summer and we are all looking forward to the Fall.

Bob Jones

Roland Plain

There is this new addiction I have, it's called Crossfit. It all started when a couple of wild ass trainers stumbled into my store. They convinced me to come down and give Albany Crossfit a try. My first workout, a scaled one from 30 muscle ups; 100 ring dips, 100 pull ups, for time. Upon entering it sounded pretty easy. IT CRUSHED ME AT 60 EACH!

Now...let's get something straight here, I'm not the type of guy to give up after being beat. So naturally I came running back for more. Determined to own the WOD. There's just something about Albany Crossfit... The atmosphere, the people, the encouragement, the blood, the sweat, that constant push to bring yourself to a new level. These guys took me in as their own. And keep in mind, when I say "these guys", I mean everyone. Not just Jay, Austin, Caleb, or Kevin, but every single member. People I didn't know, FLOWING with encouragement. Because these are the exact same people that just hit the WOD right next to me. They themselves understand what its like to be 6 sets in the hole of tabata burpees, or push presses. To seriously feel like if you hit one more rep, your body will fail you and you will drop to the ground and die. They know with sacrifice of such beautiful pain, progress will be made. Progress like turning that 10:18 WOD time into a sub 8:00 one, STILL crushed at the end, but the result was you made it. ALL BECAUSE of these wonderful people surrounding you in cult like fashion cheering you on. what its like to have so many people surrounding you that you may not even know wanting you, and urging you to push on, implanting that single hope that it'll be all over after a few more reps, or a few more minutes, and you will achieve that next level you've been battering and breaking your body for, is something I hope you can all experience at some point in your lives. and the amazing part is, they actually believe in you and truly want you to set your PR, or even beat theirs, because they know you'll drive them with the same passion when they're down in that very same hole.

I want to thank everyone at Albany Crossfit for taking me in and helping me on my way to being the animal I know I can become. Thank you for all your help, and for pouring all your never lacking support Albany Crossfit!

Sarah Horaczek

Just about 3 months ago I joined you guys having no idea what I was getting into... thought I'd share what an impact you guys really have on us all! Sorry it's so long-winded. Not only do I talk all the time, but I apparently type a lot too!

Sarah, B.C. (Before Crossfit)

I was what you'd call "skinny fat." I had all the habits of a fat person but happened to have a decent metabolism. Now, I know a lot of people are already rolling their eyes but it does go to prove that skinny isn't healthy. I was actually getting to a point where I was telling my 35 pound, 3 year old that she was too big for me to pick up. I had sciatica, knee pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. I got headaches, sick all of the time, and could sleep for days. I ate fast food almost every day and drank 60 oz. of coffee. And no, that is not an exaggeration. 3 times a day I drove to Dunkin Donuts and bought an extra-large (20 oz.) coffee. That's a $10 a day investment. By the way, I'm 29.

It was time for a change. I was "fat" according to the "old" me. So I did the "Couch to 5K" program and ran a 5K and almost immediately developed IT band problems. And then my husband mentioned how his friends did Crossfit in NYC. So I called that day and came in for a WOD that same week. It sucked. I think I almost threw up. I don't even remember what the WOD was. But I did realize how out of shape I really was. And it was sad. I think up to that point I had convinced myself that I'm a size 10 so I have to be in "okay" shape. But for the next 3 days I was so sore I needed help standing up. I had to do a pathetic "roll" off of the bed to get up. I was coughing like I had "black lung" or something.

And so I went back. Again and again. And at first, I used to think of reasons to stay in bed. And I would be too sore to go. Or too tired. Or had a lot of work to do. Or I didn't have enough time to eat before I went. I definitely "miscounted" a WOD or two so I wouldn't be last. It wasn't "love at first WOD" like a lot of people seem to have. I tried Paleo for 2 whole days and instantly went back to my old ways. Decided there's no way I could do it. You have to have a bagel in the morning, right? What kind of wacko doesn't eat beans or dairy?

And then there were some results. Small, but noticeable. I could button my pants for the first time in a year. I forgot to drink coffee one day and didn't notice. And people at work noticed a change in me- couldn't put their finger on it but were asking what I was doing differently. And then the biggest change, albeit gradual- I wanted to get up and go to Crossfit. And I hated when I couldn't go. I found myself sitting at the computer at 8pm waiting to find out what the WOD for tomorrow is (even if I wasn't going). I talked about it far too much. Work had an intervention for me. My goals changed too. I didn't want to weigh some arbitrary 125 pound goal that I made up for myself. I wanted to "lift some heavy a$$ weight." I wanted to be RX. I gained weight and said, "Finally! Muscle!" I had to buy bigger jeans to accommodate my squat muscles and that was okay!

Sarah A.C. (After Crossfit... okay, well not after since I am still doing it... but it makes sense given the BC part earlier. Maybe it can mean "Addicted to Crossfit" or something, but I digress...)

Now I go 5 days a week. I get to Morning Mayhem early to fit in Starting Strength cause the only way to lift heavy weight is to... lift heavy weight. I went Paleo first and Zone later. And now that's just how I eat. No thinking about it (other than weighing and measuring). No wanting other stuff (95% of the time). Just a lifestyle change. I went to my first personal training session today because I want to be more efficient so I can keep improving. I signed up for a competition. I play with my students on the playground. I'm the "cool teacher" who will run the Turkey Trot, not once but 8 times in a row so I could run with every kid. I lift up my 35 pound daughter without even thinking about it. 35 pounds? That's just a kettlebell. I couldn't squat the 45 pound bar 3 months ago- actually that was my 3RM. Last week my working set was 85 lbs. I look at a WOD and know I can do it. Room for improvement? Lots, of course, but that's part of the fun! It's a long road to RX and I travel down it every time I walk through the doors.

I have a way more positive outlook on everything now. Looks aside, I am a different person mentally and emotionally. I'm not afraid to do things. I'm also not afraid to be the worst at something or (God forbid) FAIL (which is huge for me). I'm taking bigger risks at work, at home, and in life because now "I am that unstoppable force" and that's pretty awesome.

Take a look at the picture I attached- if it isn't too big of a file. That was me 3 months ago. Aside from the 25 pounds that are now gone, did I look happy in that picture? Healthy? I thought I was both at the time.

By the way: Sciatica? Gone. Knee pain? Gone. IT band problem? Gone. Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Gone.

If this is 3 months of Crossfit, I can't wait to see what I'm like down the road...

Thanks again for inspiring everyone everyday! You really do change lives...

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