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Hello, Well,where do I start? I joined Crossfit Houston mostly for health reasons. Back in December of 2015 I went and got a check up at the doctor and did not like the test results. Turns out I was as the Doctor put it “borderline hypertension”.
She (doctor) also mentioned that my cholesterol levels were higher than what she would like. My glucose levels were also high and she wanted me to return for diabetes screening.
I was in disbelief and unhappy with the test results. The Doctor recommended that I ” increase intake of vegetables, fruits, eat lean meat, fish, poultry and to exercise at least three times a day” She was very clear that should I not follow her recommendations I was well on my way to develop high blood pressure and become diabetic.
And would have to take medications.
I decided I would make an effort towards getting healthier but I was having difficulty finding an exercise program that really motivated me. In the past I had tried the gym.. but I only went on the day I enrolled ..and for 3 yrs I just paid membership (automatic debit) and never went. I then tried swimming… I went out and bought a bike and would bike to the local ymca and would swim for an hour or so…then bike back home..that only lasted about a month. I went out and purchased a professional weight lifting set.. it had it all.. it just rusted out in my patio..never used it. I tried jogging at the park.. that only lasted a few weeks. So having tried so many options in the past I figured what the heck I’ll try crossfit. Best decision I ever made. I have been at it for 6 1/2 months . Something about it just has me coming back for more unlike all the other things I tried. And last month I went back to the doctor for a check up and guess what… I am no longer border line hypertension my cholesterol and glucose levels are normal and have managed to drop 10 lbs in the process. I have finally found a place that has me coming back for more and more.
Heriberto Aparicio (Beto)
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One year ago to the day (it was a Monday) I walked into
Crossfit Houston not knowing what I was gonna get into….After trying out a class I was on the floor laid out totally exhausted…. Lisa Rico Ibarra asked me “So what did you think?” I responded “See you Wednesday”… I’ve been going faithfully ever since and even managed to go four days a week!… Folks let me tell you something. … Carlos Ibarra Lisa Rico Ibarra the people at Crossfit Houston are The Real Deal..They are trainers and people that really care. They make sure to instruct, motivate, and answer any questions you may have…They want to make sure you are getting your money’s worth. They want to bring out your best! I promise, if you stick to it you will see results. Is it easy? HELL NO!!! but it’s soooo worth it …I’m not where i want to be but I’m coming so watch out!..I’m proud to say that I CROSSFIT HOUSTON want more info visit them at www.crossfithouston.com
Come workout with me I DARE YOU!
Good morning everyone… I just wanted to share a little bit of my journey. Pictures with me on the left were taken around the same time, I was at my heaviest which was around 327-330lbs picture on the right was taken Friday 1-15-2016.I made a decision and started with small changes…I was able to lose 35lbs and felt a little more adjile…I jumped into crossfit feet first not knowing anything about it..I instantly fell in love with crossfit and have been going strong for the past 8 months. I lost a total of 85lbs but gained 25lbs of muscle. I say that because my waist has stayed the same. First, I want to thank God for loving and forgiving a sinner like me, I want to thank my brother in law Jesse Aguilar for joining me, motivating me, and keeping me focused, but most of all I would like to thank Lisa Rico Ibarra Carlos Ibarra Joe Drescher and everyone at Crossfit Houston. Thank you for pushing me and straight up whooping my ass. You guys helped save my life! I’m not where I want to be but I’m very happy I’m not where I used to be. It’s very hard work but without Discipline and Consistency I honestly don’t believe I would have made it this far. I’m by no means close to my goals but I’m on my way….Thanks for reading, have a blessed day.
Robert Esparza
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Since I joined y’alls’ program I have never been more excited about waking up at 4:30 am. I am so pleased with the training and the rigor of CrossFit. I have been feeling mildly sore 🙂
I have been fighting (for as long as I can remember) with obesity. I come from an extensive history of diabetes that plagues my family and I see many of my students suffer from obesity and malnutrition. I am hopeful and very optimistic of this training under your instruction and guidance.
I want to breakthrough my plateau and see a drastic transformation in my wellness and physique. I want to be healthy and fit so I can enjoy a long and bountiful life. When I was a competitive cheerleader I was in better shape than I am now. My years in college reversed all the gains I made. Once again, I am ready to be a testament to the program and keep on growing and pushing it with y’all at CrossFit Houston. I am willing to do all that is sanely possible to see a transformation while working hard and maintaining a healthy lifestyle!
Thank you for helping me reach my goals!!
David Salazar
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I started Bootcamp at CrossFit Houston in Jan. 2010 to get healthy, I will never forget my first class; Carlos was the coach, and I had to squat and do burpees. Let me tell you, I was shaking so much I had to sit in my car for 30 minutes after the class so that I could drive myself home. I thought, “I am not coming Back.” But I was 256 pounds, size 24-26. I needded to do something. With Lorenzo’s encouragement I decide to stay on. That year I slimmed down to size 18. Bootcamp helped me get strong for what was to come. 2011 was not a good year: my husband passed away and I didn’t go to CrossFit for the next 8 months. Life was hard and I felt that I had no purpose. Lisa Ibarra gave me a call and talked me into coming back. The workouts were so hard that there were days I didn’t feel like continuing, but I did. In those first months after coming back, I didn’t know if I was crying or sweating. Bootcamp got me through the thoughest time; every morning I thought, “If I can get through this workout, I can get through my day.” I cannot express how much the people and coaches have helped at some point in this journey. I still miss my Lorenzo, but I also know that he would be so proud that I am finally the women he saw in me. I love that Sofia is so proud of me when she tells people, “My mom does CrossFit.” To Carlos, Lisa and Audrey, THANK YOU for the support, the kick in the butt to move faster, and the cheering. Lisa, thank you so much for that call; Sofia and I will forever be grateful. Here I am about to turn 42, I down to size 14 and hoping to loose 40 more pounds. My birthday wish is to jump on a taller box, lift heavier weights, be stronger and braver, and feel better about my self and life. In Crossfit I found somenting I hate while doing it and love when I done. Carlos and Lisa thank you for allowing me to be part of the CrossFit Houston Family.!!!
Rosa
From early 2010 to the end of 2011, I had a lot of things tragic things happen in my life. I was morbidly obese and suffering from depression. Starting with 2012 I wanted to make widespread changes. I started by eating better and walking. These got me part of the way. I have a friend Amy that I started noticing looking very good. I saw on her Facebook page she was doing something called Crossfit. I have never heard of nor seen anything about Crossfit. I was stuck at 210 pounds and nowhere near my goal and I was starting to lose hope of ever reaching it and considered giving up. I decided as a last hope that I would give Crossfit Houston a try. I usually hate going to gyms and hate lifting weights so I was expecting on quitting right away. I will not lie. The first couple of classes I wanted to get sick, sore and tired. The weird thing about it is that the exercises are fun to do, challenging, always change and you never realize how much you are doing. Lisa Ibarra is an amazing motivator and trainer. They show you the proper way to do the exercises and never make you feel uncomfortable or out of place. The other students there want you to succeed and will help you. Numerous time other students help push me to the end of many workouts. I have done it for about 2 ½ months and I am not only at 170 pounds now I am also building muscles I never knew I had. People ask me how I ever went from 255 pounds to 170, a waist from size 42 to a 30, and from wearing XL shirts to tight medium shirts. The answer is simple –a good balanced diet and Crossfit Houston. I hope to be a member at Crossfit Houston through my 40’s. I have never felt so good and happy about myself and it shows. I hope to see you there one day. It will change your life.
Trey Morris
Wasn’t sure where to begin but I will start with one of the most important steps I took to becoming healthier. I quit smoking in November 2011, cold turkey as they say. Before I quit smoking I attempted to get back in shape after 2 years of pure laziness and found myself defeated. I couldn’t run a quarter of a mile and at that moment I decided it was time to get serious about getting back in shape. There was no way I could reach my potential if I continued to smoke, I decided on a date and have not smoked ever since.
In January of this year I registered to do the Spartan Sprint in Burnet, TX on May 19. I joined a gym, after about a month of the gym and watching some of the videos of the race…well let’s just say I knew there was no way I would be ready to take on this race. I needed something challenging and that’s when I remembered Crossfit Houston. I remember passing by and seeing several members outside of the gym working out with kettle bells or sand bags. I thought, I couldn’t possibly do that type of workout but I didn’t want to fail at this race. I came in one day to get some information while a class was going on, it was a bit intimidating, but I was more curious than intimidated. Immediately went home, looked at the website and made my decision. Signed up, came in on a Thursday and found myself anxiously waiting for Tuesday to come around. I was addicted! Never felt this challenged and Audrey is amazing! It never gets boring in class, she’s always introducing us to new workouts and I always feel challenged.
May 19th rolled around, we are at the starting line for the Spartan Sprint and I found myself surprisingly calm. If it wasn’t for Audrey and crossfit there was no way I would’ve finished this race.
It was an amazing experience, it felt great to cross that finish line. I plan on doing it again next year.
Crossfit has changed the way I think about working out, I want to continue doing this for as long as I can. I’ve only scratched the surface, this will be my 4th month in, I feel stronger mentally and physically. From February of this year up until now I have lost 30lbs.! I’ve lost inches on my arms, bust, waist, thighs, and calves. What I’m really proud of is I can run 2 miles non stop, this class has definitely helped me increase my cardio endurance. I am very grateful for all the hard work everyone at the gym puts in. Big thank you to Audrey for being an awesome trainer!
Last but not least, my drive and biggest reason I do this is my son. This year I am doing five races, they will be benchmarks for me, I will do all of them again next year and I want him to be at all of them. He is a very active 9 year old, I want him to continue that route, to push himself to reach his potential and I want to be a great example for him.
We all go to class for different reasons, we struggle, we dig deep, and we push through. I’m glad I didn’t hesitate to join because this has been one of the best experiences I’ve had.
Jenn
Audrey, where do I begin to say “thank you” for all the encouragement and dedication you and everyone at CFH give to all of us.
I took a little trip to the Grand Canyon several weeks ago. While a group of my friends were going to run R2R2R, another friend and I “ran” (actually more fast walking & hiking) the South Rim by taking the South Kaibab trail down to the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch and then the Bright Angel Trail back out. I found out after we arrived that the South Kaibab trail is a 20% incline going down and the Bright Angel Trail is a 16% incline coming back up. Also factor in close to 4,000 feet of elevation gained and loss along the way. For a flat lander coming from Houston Texas, it was definitely going to be a challenge – both physically and mentally.
If it would have not been for all of the workouts at CFH I would HAVE NEVER made it in and out of the Grand Canyon. Every squat, lunge, box jump, kettle bell swing, push press, sit up, push up etc etc came in to play that day. At no time did my quads, hamstrings, glutes or core give out that day. And why you ask? Because of the fitness, both physically and mentally, I have gained from doing CrossFit and working with you. Don’t get me wrong, I was hot and tired by the time I got out of the canyon but at no time did my mind or body give in to the challenge.
Keep those workouts coming and never stop challenging us to push beyond what we perceive to be our limits and go a little bit further or a little faster. Here’s to the next grand adventure!
Becky
To my Crossfit Family:
I just wanted to say thank you again for everything. For almost a year now, you have helped me become stronger physically and kept me strong mentally. I have been through a lot in my personal life in recent years and crossfit has helped me focus on something that I lost a long time ago, and that’s me. Joe, thank you so much for being such a great trainer and worrying about me and getting at me about my asthma (lol). I have made lifelong friends and I will cherish the hard times we’ve toughed out together. Lisa and Carlos, thank you so much for opening Crossfithouston…because of the fun/friendly and hardworking environment you provide, it helps so much, even if you don’t get to know every individual that comes and goes…you make a difference in people’s lives.
You will be missed!
Kayanne //^_^\
Joe, Lisa/Carlos,
Attached is a photo that was taken of me a few months before I started CFH. I want to thank you guys for all your help over the last 11 weeks. I know I still have a long way to go, but I feel I have hit a milestone here: about 30lbs lost and almost 2 shirt sizes down.
Thank you guys again!
Nick Rios
As I was watching yesterday’s Crossfit 7:00 p.m. while waiting for my FMA class, I could not help but notice with admiration, Rose’s progress since her first trial on June 24th. As she was performing her exercise routine while Carlos was officiating, I was most impressed as she came out the gate first among the group after performing her first set of stomach exercises. Besides her academic achievements, I never felt so proud of her. She has come a long way and fails to remind herself she’s almost ??. I know women can be sensitive about their age so please don’t tell her I said that. She may use some of the techniques on me she has observed from Robert and Josh during the FMA and BJJ classes.
If there is a one period this year I would embrace to go back to, is the day we both started our “Road to Better Health” program with Crossfit Houston and FAA. The results so far has far exceeded our expectations. To date, Rose has lost 10 lbs and I, 12 lbs. Not bad for one month. Give us another 6 months and we’ll be in the best shape in our lives. In addition, the discipline of the training has developed into improved eating habits. We have been pushing away some of those bad choices we had been accustomed to during our “fat years”. So the training doesn’t stop when we leave 716 Telephone Road. The discipline lasts through-out much of our day. It’s much to easy to add that excess weight than to work it off, especially at our age when the metabolism seems not want to kick start. Rose and Joe’s metabolism – meet Crossfit Houston and FAA – Wake up old friend, clear the cobwebs, you’re in for a major reconditioning!
Last Friday after weeks of anticipation and preparedness, Rose anxiously attended to her long awaited “Austin High Fundraiser Reunion”. She carefully picked out the perfect outfit for the event, something she had not been able to fit in for some time. She primped and posed more than before. I better get used to it. Kinda like that Brad Paisley country song titled “Waitin’ on a woman”. A good number of her friends complimented on her appearance and each time, Rose embarked on the Crossfit training, aka credit where deserved. Even a few commented on my less mass torso and FAA was credited for my efforts. Beaming with pride of belonging to our training choices, you could say we were ambassadors for Crossfit Houston and FAA, respectfully.
You have no idea how much we appreciate our induction to your organizations as members. The patience of coaching, teaching, commitment, dedication to see your students achieve their goals, I’m sure has it’s rewards as you approach your first years in business. We are looking forward to any festivities planned in celebrating years to come. Until our next training session, be safe!
Sincerely,
Rose and Joe Cordaway
I recently started CrossFit Houston. In less than a month, my blood pressure has gone down, and I’ve dropped several medications. This is great news because I’m 64 years old.
Best of all, I have so much more energy, and I have stopped thinking I need an afternoon nap.
I love the small-group atmosphere and the way everyone supports each other. Lisa makes sure I stay focused and motivated.
Ordinary daily tasks have become CrossFit routines. Whether, it’s squatting to pick up a package from the UPS man, to walking with a much more determined step when I am headed out the door.
A couple of months ago my son started talking about CrossFit and how much it has improved his life. Now, I understand exactly what he means.
Fay
Carlos and Lisa,
Just wanted to stop by and thank you guys for everything. You guys are awesome! You have helped a lot. You two have a great box and awesome group of athletes. I have set my standards to meet yours and run a quality facility and program like you guys do. Hope that this was not the only and last time we get to meet and I hope you guys come down one day to visit.
May God bless you guys, your new facility, members, and your family.
Hope to see you in March.
Miguel and Polly
www.ranger-crossfit.com
Pharr, Texas and McAllen area
“Rangers Lead The Way”
Well as some of you may know I am a Police Officer on a local agency here in Houston, TX; some of you also know that I am also on our SWAT team.
I have been coming to CFH for a little over a year now and man what a difference it has made for me! I have more endurance, stamina, strength, etc… All of this has really come to the forefront in just the past couple of months. I just completed my third SWAT school in April and it was a 70 hour course in 6 days so needless to say we had some long physical days. In May, I attended two more schools (Sniper school and Tactical Team Leaders Course). The sniper school was a bi*#$!!! All three of these courses tested mental and physical endurance and more on the physical side.
If I had not been working out at CFH, I can”t even imagine what I would have felt like or how I would have dealt with the physical challenges that all three courses dished out.
In short, I kicked tail in all three courses and never once did I get tired nor were any of the physical demands of the courses a factor. I felt great and could have gone harder and longer if the courses called for it.
I wish that I had found CrossFit a lot sooner… I can only imagine what more I could have been able to do?
I do know one thing – CROSSFIT SHOULD BE MANDATORY FOR ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT!
I want to thank Carlos for the encouragement and guidance this year and I appreciate his continued support and friendship… You’re one bad dude! Also to Lisa, Tal and Rico for all of their continued support and guidance. I hope that more of my team will come and join the CFH family so they can have first hand experience on how CrossFit can change every aspect of tactical performance. I know it has for me.
I truly believe that winning 4 out of 6 top gun challenges and winning the overall comprehensive competition in the sniper school was a direct benefit from training at CFH. I felt awesome and it felt good putting an a$$ kicking on younger officers during the course.
I can’t wait for more…….
Joe D.
