April 2022
Tom Cooker
AGE: 38 HOMETOWN: Brigantine OCCUPATION: FirefighterWHEN DID YOU START AT
: 2015I have worked out most of my life but nothing compares to the feeling after a good beating that most WODs dish out. Mentally getting up early and starting your day with a good workout sets the tone for the day.
March 2022
Hayley Brooks
AGE: 32 HOMETOWN: Saddle Brook NJ OCCUPATION: Preschool TeacherWHEN DID YOU START AT
: September 2018My arms have always been the weakest part of my body and there is definitely a huge difference since coming to CrossFit. I am very happy with what CrossFit has done for me.
December 2021
Jeff Wilson
AGE: Turning 60 New Years Eve HOMETOWN: Atlantic City, NJ OCCUPATION: Administrative Law JudgeWHEN DID YOU START AT
: I DID FAT BURN NOVEMBER 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2020. I STARTED CROSSFIT IN JUNE 2020THE CHANGES IN MY BODY ARE WEIGHT LOSS, STRENGTH, BODY DEFINITION, FLEXIBILITY, STAMINA
November 2021
Allison Best
AGE: 64 HOMETOWN: Bridgetown, Barbados OCCUPATION: Hskp. Services Purchasing and Wardrobe ManagementWHEN DID YOU START AT
: October 2020The obvious changes such as increased muscle, increased strength and endurance and fat reduction.. Also, in ways that are noticeable only to me, such as how I move in general and how secure I feel, core strength... improvement in old 'sports injuries' (that is a 6:30 inside joke... lol Kia). And I can go on, and on...
September 2021
Bob Hopkins
AGE: 60 HOMETOWN: Galloway OCCUPATION: Landscape contractorWHEN DID YOU START AT
: January 11, 2019The most significant change has been an increase in my stamina and overall strength. The changes have kept me out of the chiropractors and orthopedic doctors office, eliminating the need for injections and other therapeutics.
July 2021
Darlyne de Haan
AGE: 61 years young HOMETOWN: New Milford, New Jersey OCCUPATION: Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Math, Science and STEMWHEN DID YOU START AT
: 3 years this NovemberWell, my endurance has definitely improved and I feel firmer. With my thyroid issue, losing weight is hard, but it's amazing how the weight training has improved how I fit my clothes now. As for health, I was told
a few months ago that my bone density scan (you get this sh*t when you a** is old) had made dramatic improvements from the years prior. They asked what I did and I told them, "Crossfit".
I really enjoy Crossfit and I am so glad that I returned to it. It is a part of my life now. I truly appreciate the great atmosphere at the gym. It is a pleasure to come there even knowing the WODs will kick my tail, but I complete them and that is satisfying to me.
March 2021
Remy Walsh
AGE: 31 HOMETOWN: Little Egg Harbor OCCUPATION: AnalystWHEN DID YOU START AT
: 2017Thanks to CrossFit I am lighter, stronger and faster than I have ever been in my entire life. I came into CrossFit a little overweight and not even close to any level of fitness.
Now I am a different person- way more fit and definitely harder to kill.
January 2020
Megan Devitt
AGE: 26 HOMETOWN: Rahway, NJ OCCUPATION: Surgical Physician AssistantWHEN DID YOU START AT
: January 2019Besides the calluses? I've definitely noticed more muscle tone and definition. Since starting CrossFit I'm more physically fit, significantly stronger, and I'm a better runner than ever before.
December 2019
Caitlin Salerno
AGE: 31 HOMETOWN: North Brunswick, NJ OCCUPATION: Speech Language Pathologist at BacharachWHEN DID YOU START AT
: Almost 1 year ago!Physically, I have completely changed my body composition by gaining muscle and losing fat. I learned to trust how you look in clothes (or naked) not what the scale tells you. CrossFit has allowed me to remain in good health through various health issues I personally have been diagnosed with with being consistent in my nutrition and exercise routine. Mentally, I have learned to be resilient, relentless, and to be the best version of myself with whatever conditions given to me on that day.
November 2019
Craig Smith
AGE: 55 HOMETOWN: Absecon but Brigantiner at heart. OCCUPATION: UPS/ Title ResearcherWHEN DID YOU START AT
: January 2019The obvious one is my weight, I have lost over 65 lbs since starting. I have more energy, and everyday tasks that had become a struggle before are so much easier now.
October 2019
Sandy Manos
AGE: 62 HOMETOWN: Absecon OCCUPATION: School Counselor (retiring in January)WHEN DID YOU START AT
: Ocotober 2018My body has changed dramatically since I started CrossFit. I was a flabby,weak, “old lady” and now I actually have muscles and I am so much stronger. I have to make modifications in some of the workouts, but I t has truly helped my arthritis since I now have muscle to support my joints. Everyday tasks are so much easier. I am a caregiver for my husband and I am able to do things to help him that I could not do before.
September 2019
Benjamin Cain
AGE: 27 HOMETOWN: Absecon OCCUPATION: Atlantic City Life GuardWHEN DID YOU START AT
: April 2018When I started at CrossFit Absecon, I was the heaviest I had ever been in my life. I ended up losing close to 40lbs and getting into the greatest shape of my life. From then to now I’ve continue to maintain my fitness and create new goals to hit.
August 2019
Maxine Tauber
AGE: 26 HOMETOWN: Little Egg Harbor OCCUPATION: HighSchool TeacherWHEN DID YOU START AT
: 2 Years AgoI never would have considered myself athletic before training at CFA. I’m shocked at what this programming has done for me in such a short period of time. 4 years of the gym in college and I could never do a pull-up- and now I can do weighted strict ones. I love the competitiveness and encouragement you get out of Wodify and during the classes- it really pushes you to do your best.
July 2019
Edward Murphy
AGE: 48 HOMETOWN: Galloway, NJ OCCUPATION: AnesthetistWHEN DID YOU START AT
: January 2017I'll forego the normal weight loss and inches lost. My overall strength is significantly better, but that also isn't the most important. After receiving an "earth-shaking" medical diagnosis in the fall of 2017, the health advantages I gained through Crossfit had an incredible impact on my lack of deterioration prior to surgery and overall easier recovery.
June 2019
Meghan Dawson
AGE: 29 forever HOMETOWN: Coatesville PA OCCUPATION: ICU RNWHEN DID YOU START AT
: March 2017Before crossfit, I was our of shape, lacking confidence and did not feel like myself. With crossfit, I am loving the strength I have gained, the way my body looks and the way it has made me more confident in myself. I feel the strongest I've ever been and I love it. I am stronger, I have more endurance and even my running has improved.
May 2019
Dustin Garnett
AGE: 31 HOMETOWN: Houston, Texas OCCUPATION: Boatswainsmate 2nd classWHEN DID YOU START AT
: I started CrossFit about 2 years ago after Carol Foss convinced my wife and I to give it a try.Since starting at cross-fit Absecon I’ve seen dramatic changes in my body from strength and physical changes.
April 2019
Karishma Patel
AGE: 29 HOMETOWN: Absecon OCCUPATION: Doctor of ChiropracticWHEN DID YOU START AT
: 3 Years AgoI’m stronger and fitter than I ever have been. CrossFit not just changed my body but it changed my mental toughness. My friends ask how it’s so easy for me to continue my fitness journey and the answer is simple - I never want to feel weak or physically vulnerable again, I want to continue learning and achieving new fitness goals. I lost 12 lbs of fat within the first 4 months of starting CrossFit and weighed as much as I did when I graduated high school! I was never able to do 1 pull up and now I can do 10. It makes me want to be a bigger badass!
February 2019
Micah Sederholm
AGE: 35 HOMETOWN: Smithville OCCUPATION: SalesmanWHEN DID YOU START AT
: February 2017The most noticeable change in my fitness has to be my strength. I am the strongest I have ever been since joining CFA. I challenge anyone that thinks Crossfitters are weak to come lift with us!
January 2019
Jen Brownhill
AGE: 41 HOMETOWN: Galloway OCCUPATION: VeterinarianWHEN DID YOU START AT
: June 2017I am definitely stronger since joining CrossFit Absecon…I would have never thought that I’d be doing weighted pull-ups over age 40. My speed and endurance have also improved…I was recently able to hit a goal of a sub two hour half marathon by achieving a 15 minute PR! I’ve become more conscious of my diet choices with a better understanding of what fuel my body needs to perform at its best, and I’m better able to manage both the physical and mental stress that comes with my job. What I love most about the physical aspect of CrossFit is that there is no endpoint…every day is another opportunity for “relentless forward progress”.
December 2018
Paul Avilia
AGE: 40 HOMETOWN: Pleasantville OCCUPATION: Software EngineerWHEN DID YOU START AT
: Ocotber 2016Since started CrossFit I have lost weight and gained muscle. I have become stronger and slowly but surely, I am able to perform more exercises that I was not able to do before, such as Strict Pull ups, Strict Hand Stand Push Ups, Rope Climbs, Double Unders; and I have hit Personal records on my Bench Press, Squats, and Deadlifts. The nutritional programs offered help greatly to understand my body, how it behaves based on the food it intakes and how I can lose weight.
November 2018
Symbree Minniear
AGE: 28 HOMETOWN: Sandy, Utah OCCUPATION: PA Student aka professional studierWHEN DID YOU START AT
: July 2017CrossFit has really changed my life in many different ways. I’ve gotten significantly stronger, faster, and have bulked up (finding shirts has become difficult). I have made many dietary changes that have altered the way I fuel my body. If you eat crap it makes working out that much harder. I’m more aware of the effects that food has on my body and my performance in the gym. One aspect that is often overlooked is the internal changes. I’ve noticed a huge increase in my mental toughness over my CrossFit journey.
October 2018
Tim Janicki
AGE: 36 HOMETOWN: Galloway OCCUPATION: Marketing Consultant, Branding & DevelopmentWHEN DID YOU START AT
: 2015Before doing CrossFit, I would go to the gym and bench/curl and leave. I hated cardio. I thought I was in shape. Now I'm doing lifts I would have never done on my own and running for miles. Im probably in the best shape I've ever been in my life.
September 2018
Jessica Johnson
AGE: 23 HOMETOWN: Mayslanding OCCUPATION: StudentWHEN DID YOU START AT
: October 2017Ever since I started CrossFit I have become so much stronger. I am able to lift weights I never thought I could, like doing a 300 lb deadlift and my very first strict pull-up. It's so exciting to see the progress in my performance and in my appearance. Since I stopped playing sports, I struggled with getting my workouts at the level my body was used to especially in a regular gym setting. But with CrossFit I can push my limits and keep my competitive drive just like I had playing lacrosse.
August 2018
Kevin Burns
AGE: 44 HOMETOWN: Absecon OCCUPATION: School PrincipalWHEN DID YOU START AT
: May 2017When I started crossfit I was about 195lbs. I am now about 178lbs and am stronger and faster than I ever was. I can’t quite explain the change other than to say that I just feel tighter and more in shape. As far as fitness, I am way fitter. Before doing crossfit, I did a handful of 5K runs of the course of my entire life. Since last May, I’ve run several 5K’s, 8K’s, 10K’s, 5mile runs, 10mile runs, and a half marathon. I could have never done that before. Also, My doctor was very impressed with my resting heart rate because it was very low, which apparently is a good thing so I guess crossfit is improving that too. If the lighting is just right, I think I even see a few abs peeking out too.
July 2018
Kia McCants
AGE: 45 HOMETOWN: Galloway OCCUPATION: Social WorkerWHEN DID YOU START AT
: February 2015Since CrossFit I have gained a lot of muscle mass and my endurance has increased. I was never a runner but now I can run more now than I ever imagined. I feel that I am the most fit that I have ever been!
May 2018
Sam Legrand
AGE: 26 HOMETOWN: Denver, Colorado OCCUPATION: Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue SwimmerWHEN DID YOU START AT
: March 2017When I began CrossFit a year ago I weighed about 185 pounds. In the first month of CrossFit I put on about 15 pounds of muscle in mostly my lower body. A few months after graduating AST “a” school my classmates and I got back together to do an EMT training course in California and they were shocked to see how much more muscle I had in just a few months since they had last seen me. My endurance has remained about the same but my strength has seen vast improvements, I now weigh 210 pounds and have the same amount of body fat as when I began.
February 2018
Karl Senseman
AGE: 48 HOMETOWN: Margate City OCCUPATION: Real Estate Developer and Home BuilderWHEN DID YOU START AT
: September 2016I have lost about 20 lbs since I started CrossFit and continue to improve my overall fitness every year.
Please Share with us any CrossFIt / CrossFit Absecon moments.
My Favorite times at CFA have been our Saturday morning partner WODS, (I promise, some day I will stop taking them so seriously), Also, going head to head with coach Frank for Friday Night Lights during the CrossFit Open(I want a rematch this year! and this year you have to keep your shirt on) and I'll never forget bringing in my prized Potato Vodka with it's special shot glass necklace and presenting it to Coach Ryan to celebrate making Masters Regionals(I probably should have waited until Regionals were over, that night set my training back a bit)
January 2018
Lindley Thacker
AGE: 29 HOMETOWN: Hamburg, NJ OCCUPATION: Pastry ChefWHEN DID YOU START AT
: November 2013I have learned a lot about food choices from doing the Whole30, the Lurong Challenge and most recently following Intermittent Fasting. I have lost some weight, but more importantly I have gained strength, endurance and a lot of body awareness.
December 2017
Matt Angradi
AGE: 23 HOMETOWN: Marlton OCCUPATION: StudentWHEN DID YOU START AT
: Fall of 2014Since starting CrossFit in 2013, I’ve lost about 50 pounds. I became a much better
athlete and became capable of things that I never thought were possible. I never
thought that I would be able to do more than one pull-up, let alone being able to
walk on my hands or do muscle-ups. Besides the appearance changes, I’ve
noticed that I was not getting sick as often and had much more energy throughout
the day. My nagging back and knee pain went away. My asthma also has not been a problem since 2013 as well. Overall, CrossFit has been extremely beneficial to
my physical health.
November 2017
Amy O’Hala
AGE: 48 HOMETOWN: Egg Harbor Township OCCUPATION: Domestic QueenWHEN DID YOU START AT
: October 2013My body is in great shape when I put the effort and go religiously but when i stop going because, life and laziness . I feel terrible. Bottom line is I shouldn’t stop and this is both with nutrition and physical Fitness.
October 2017
Bart Algozzini
AGE: 30 HOMETOWN: Galloway OCCUPATION: BartenderWHEN DID YOU START AT
: 2012 when it openedBefore CrossFit I was a taller skinny weak guy. Now I am significantly stronger, I have gained body mass, I am faster, mentally tougher, I have better mobility and I have better endurance. So pretty much everything has improved.
September 2017
Ursula Martinez
AGE: 42 HOMETOWN: Atlantic City and New York City OCCUPATION: Probation OfficerWHEN DID YOU START AT
: March 2016Pushing myself to the limit. I have always been the type of person to challenge myself to the end. I CrossFit is not just about picking up heavy weights but more about eating right and maintaining a healthy diet. Since I started CrossFit, I have notice a difference in weight loss, I am toning up to perfection and have even went down in shoe size.
August 2017
Scott Storr
AGE: 54 HOMETOWN: Brigantine, Nj OCCUPATION: Owner/Operator Ginger Inc. Liquor store and JD'sWHEN DID YOU START AT
: June 2015Since beginning at CrossFit, I have able to lose 15 pounds and maintain my weight. My strength
has increased beyond what I ever thought it could be, and my competitive drive has returned.
July 2017
Renee Piana Stone
AGE: 45 HOMETOWN: Atlantic City OCCUPATION: Real Estate Title InsuranceWHEN DID YOU START AT
: October 2015There's nothing like getting something you never did before; my first double under (I never knew they existed), doing murph with a vest; an unassisted pull up- at 45, a bit chubby and old, I should not be doing things like this. I should be knitting and reading. But cleaning and push pressing? So much more rewarding!
It makes me want to stay active and keep going.
Moments- way too many to list. First competition; I can't believe I did it. What was I thinking? PRd it all! And my family supported me and came to watch my craziness! Love our beach WODS - and mostly being together with our CFA family socially, whether out for fun or supporting a fundraiser... I'm so thankful to have found like minded awesome humans to be surrounded by.
June 2017
TJ Moynihan
AGE: 40 HOMETOWN: Atlantic City OCCUPATION: Police officerWHEN DID YOU START AT
: September 2012I’ve seen a lot of positive changes in my body and fitness level since starting CrossFit. I’ve been able to maintain a healthy bodyweight without having to be overly concerned with dieting and carb-watching. My body has adapted to high intensity training and I’ve become comfortable with being uncomfortable. CrossFit has taught me to push myself harder during competitions, events and training. Because of the type of training, I feel like I’m always in shape to enter any kind of events that come up. Before doing CrossFit I would have to dedicate weeks of cardio training before doing any of the endurance events I sometimes compete in.
May 2017
Jackie Nolan
AGE: 24 HOMETOWN: Galloway OCCUPATION: Middle School Health and Physical Education TeacherWHEN DID YOU START AT
: May 2014I've become much stronger and faster since starting CrossFit, but I think the thing that has affected my fitness the most is my diet. Over the past few years I have learned a lot about nutrition by participating in nutrition challenges, great coaching advice, researching, and experimenting what works best for my body. Just recently, my performance has improved so much, and it's definitely because I've been more strict with my diet.
March 2017
Laina Ziegler
AGE: 31 HOMETOWN: Little Egg Harbor OCCUPATION: Perinatal SonographerWHEN DID YOU START AT
: April 2015I am not a bigger person and I never have been, but at 31 years old I am currently in the best shape I've ever been in and I can confidently say that has everything to do with Crossfit. I have certainly shed a few pounds, gained more muscle and became overall more confident in my physical appearance since starting Crossfit. Aside from the effective workouts, crossfit has opened my eyes to how significant a healthy diet is as well as provide me with an overall better lifestyle. I recently completed the Lurong Resolution Challenege for the first time with other members of Crossfit Absecon, which is something I never would have been exposed to without Crossfit.
February 2017
Dennis Konzelman
AGE: 57 HOMETOWN: Atlantic City but born and raised in Philadelphia OCCUPATION:WHEN DID YOU START AT
: July 2014Before crossfit, I would go to the gym 5-6 days a week and do weight training and/or cardio…Even though I felt good and maintained a good physical appearance, it was boring and took to much time out of my day…With crossfit, I have better results and I am in and out of the box in an hour…Crossfit makes me feel good about myself personally and physically…
January 2017
Christy Cunningham
AGE: 42 HOMETOWN: originally Brigantine, but now Smithville OCCUPATION: Associate Director of the Career Center, Stockton UniversityWHEN DID YOU START AT
: April 2013Today, at 42, I'm in better shape then I ever was in my twenties. I'm stronger and have noticed a big difference when I'm traveling. Hauling my backpack into an overhead compartment or walking for miles with my fully loaded backpack doesn't challenge or wind me the way it used to. I've also become more confident in my physical abilities - when I hear folks say they have to train to do a 5k, I just smile to myself and think, "Pleeez....train for a 5k? I ran that on a Wednesday last week."
December 2016
Murray Rapoport
AGE: 73 HOMETOWN: Brigantine OCCUPATION: Retired residential property investor and kennel operatorWHEN DID YOU START AT
: From the day it openedI can tell you at my heaviest I was 237 now I am around 198. I would say compared to others my age I maintain an active lifestyle.I have lost weight and increased stamina and endurance.I have found that Crossfit clears my head and just makes me feel good about myself.
November 2016
Jamie Naame
AGE: 35 HOMETOWN: Absecon OCCUPATION: Real Estate Broker/Community ManagerWHEN DID YOU START AT
: January 2012I have seen HUGE differences in my body! I am stronger and faster now that I have ever been in my life. I have dropped several sizes and have developed quite a bit of muscle mass. I am MUCH more conscientious of how I treat my body and and what I fuel with it. It has also unleashed a competitive side I did not realize I had!
October 2016
Betsey Ford Ochs
AGE: 33 HOMETOWN: Brigantine OCCUPATION: Contracting Specialist for the FAAWHEN DID YOU START AT
: April 2013Within the first year I noticed I had more muscle but had dropped 2 dress sizes, it was very exciting! After years of doing Crossfit I have noticed a huge increase in my energy and confidence level.
August 2016
Lucas Nascimento
AGE: 35 HOMETOWN: Atlantic City OCCUPATION: AttorneyWHEN DID YOU START AT
: September, 2014I have felt gains in strength, power, speed, endurance, and overall mental toughness as a result of training CrossFit. Participating in the “Bar Fight”, Weightlifting Meet at Crossfit Absecon was also a big accomplishment for me.
July 2016
Barbara Osder
AGE: 72 (did you have to ask?!) HOMETOWN: Brigantine, NJ OCCUPATION: Retired (systems analyst / programmer).WHEN DID YOU START AT
: 2013I’ve lost about 25 lbs and lots of inches, gone down 2 or 3 pant sizes, my balance is much better, and I feel really good most of the time. Thankfully, my health was good before I started Crossfit and it remains good.
February 2016
Vince Alfieri
AGE: 50 HOMETOWN: Northfield OCCUPATION: Director of Casino AdministrationWHEN DID YOU START AT
: April 2014When I first started I saw no weight loss for a few months and then boom 30lbs came off, since then I have added a few pounds back but mostly muscle. I had zero upper body strength, never in my life could I do pull ups until Crossfit and my bench max lifetime was 225 until this week when I benched 230. Forget dead lifts and squats I never even did those before.
November 2015
Alana Mazzoni
AGE: 33 HOMETOWN: Brigantine, NJ OCCUPATION: Nurse PractitionerWHEN DID YOU START AT
: August 2014I definitely have more muscle and am much stronger. I have played sports, lifted weights in a gym, did insanity workouts for many years and I have never felt better about my body and health than I do now doing CrossFit.