Michael Simmonds

A vice that is healthy and addicting- that’s what I think about when people ask me, ‘why CrossFit as a go to fitness regimen?’

For me, it’s simple: I am a believer in staying fit. I have played competitive sports all my life and I like to try the next exercise wave, to stay updated, and connected to the exercise world. After giving my daughter part of my liver last year, I realized that I had taken great care of my body for a moment like that. Not only did it save my daughter’s life, but it served me well too. My healing process was remarkable. Naturally, I was anxious to start working out again, but was still cautioned to do so very slowly. I was looking for an exercise to match my intense desire for working out. I couldn’t lift heavy weights, so I needed something with modifications that was still challenging enough to give me that “high” that comes with the increase of endorphins during high-intensity exercise. That’s CrossFit.

I have also been an avid runner now for ten years. While running on a beautiful Thanksgiving morning, 8 years ago, I experienced my first runner’s “high”. I was never the same after that. I was hooked on running from that day on and at the age of 44, I’m still running.

I began kettle bell training 9 years ago and most recently at the YMCA. I have also taught several TRX classes. My running history has taken me all over the tri-state area and even to Washington DC, Baltimore, and Virginia. My addiction to running is so intense that my running sneakers are the first things that I pack when I am traveling (for business, or leisure).

A co-worker and CrossFit coach told me that I would become a “crossfitter” once I tried the first class. I started watching the Games on YouTube and thought he was crazy! Yet, I wanted to see the BOX for myself. Coach was right, I am a “crossfitter”.

With my passion for running and staying in shape, CrossFit has helped me tremendously. The coaches there have helped me to return to my pre-surgery running distance, speed, endurance, and stamina. This was done through their tailored, expert exercise modifications for me. They carefully modified my sit-ups, lunges, and other exercises through personalized techniques, so as not to cause me any further injuries to my healing body. Their endless encouragement and patience helped me to get where I am today!

Please do not look at CrossFit and think you can’t do it! Please look at it as a lifestyle challenge and a way for you to stay healthy and in shape for life! CrossFit is a key tool in providing athletes and other exercise enthusiasts with motivation to get fit and stay fit.

Come visit and you too will love the Riv.

Think energy. Think stamina. Think increasing health and self-confidence, one workout at a time.

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