I have done CrossFit for quite some time, but before BSC, I had recently had my first baby and was working out in my garage. I wanted to be back in a gym environment and push myself more!

When I started at BSC I had a few different goals: 1. To get out of the house - I work from home primarily. 2. Push myself in my workouts 3. Get back some of the skills I had prior to baby (bar muscle up, HSPU, pull ups, etc). I'd say I've achieved these and have created new goals since!

The programming and the people. BSC is such a welcoming place to be.

My latest ah-ha moment has been working out more for longevity and less intensity. I can scale some things on certain days and still have a great workout. This latest mindset has helped me to get in the gym 5x most weeks without being burnt out mentally or physically.

So many people - Fred and the whole Peterson clan for their consistency, Elly for working out her entire pregnancy, Greg for pushing it on every single workout, and Sasha - she's typically the first one I see bright and early each morning, and I'm always greeted with a smile/ask on how I'm doing.

I've been active all of my life (soccer, running, mountain biking, skiing/snowboarding, etc.) and enjoy the activity more when it can be shared with others. Prior to Covid I had a group fitness schedule at Nike that I really enjoyed. During Covid it was hard to keep my intensity and motivation using Zoom and an iPad. So before joining in the Summer of '21 I was in a slump.

My cardio has always been decent, but I never consistently lifted heavy weights. Zoom workouts felt like a chore and I missed my fitness group. Fiona (my partner) had previous CrossFit experience so it was a common activity we could do together. The most important aspect is enjoying the workout and once that goal is achieved, I can layer in specific objectives. This year is getting muscle ups! Much of my motivation is tied to staying healthy. When I retire I want to be in good enough shape to do all the things!

Mike Ford's Dad jokes, Joey's lunch updates, Derrick's ever worsening finger and the 11:30 peeps! And because I enjoy the classes I get a lot out of them. I'm stronger than I have ever been and learning skills which will allow me to thrive in the Zombie Apocalypse

I love the feeling of learning new skills. At BSC it was a kipping handstand pushup. Mike D saw me practicing prior to a WOD and said to think of sitting in a chair while upside down. That made it click for me. I'm hoping for many more moments just like that!

There is always at least one person I try to pace with during a workout. It helps fuel my competitive side even if they don't know they are 1 burpee ahead of me but I'm closing the gap. The person changes from workout to workout and I can't call anyone out at risk they move faster :)

Before COVID I was really into rock climbing, hiking and mountaineering. Unfortunately, those activities pretty much came to an end due to the nature of being around people and in remote areas. I got fairly out of shape and was looking for something fun and challenging when my friends invited me to BSC. I really didn’t have any idea what the workouts would be like, and I had never lifted weights before, so it was a lot at first, but I really liked it. I am getting better at all of the movements and am able to lift a lot more weight now. I am also more conditioned and flexible than I have ever been in my life.

My general goal when I started BSC was to get in shape so I could get back to climbing rocks and mountains again. My ultimate goal and motivation of everything I have been doing over the last year at BSC and about six months before was to be able to climb strong and fast. I hated always being in the slow group or not being able to join teams because of my pace. I also wanted to do something fun and challenging on a regular basis and not have to rely on another person (like a climbing partner) in order to workout. I did the nutrition coaching program and was finally able to reach my goal weight and maintain a healthy BMI. I have been able to hike significantly faster and more easily, especially in the last few months while training for a climb. In February I climbed Pico de Orizaba (18,500’) and was in the fastest group (fast is relative- 5 miles total, 4500’ elevation in a mere 17 hours) for the first time ever. I consider that a major goal that I achieved.

Every workout feels hard in one way or another, but I feel so empowered as soon as I get done with it. I keep coming back because I see my progress, the workouts are more fun as I improve, and I really like the group atmosphere. I can be kinda quiet and shy, but I really look forward to seeing lots of people in the 5:30, 11:30 and afternoon classes.

Before BSC, I thought that to climb a rope you had to have significant upper body strength, so I just figured it was something I could never do and didn’t ever think about it. Then I came to BSC and saw those ropes. The first time Sasha showed me what to do, I realized that it is pretty much all in the legs and feet. I sent that rope on my very first try and it might be my favorite part of a workout. It is the closest thing to rock climbing that I have found in the gym and I love getting to the top and hitting that beam every single time!

So many people inspire me! There are lots of people I could name, but it would be a long list. The experienced members inspire me because I see their strength and endurance and I know I can be like that someday. The younger members because they seem so strong and brave to come in before or after school and do a challenging workout with a ton of adults. The new members because they are trying something new and willing to be vulnerable, ask for help, be bad at lots of things, and still come back. The trainers because they can see the details in the movements and give helpful feedback, know how to both challenge and support, and make the workout fun and entertaining.

When I joined, I was looking to get stronger to keep doing the other sports I enjoy most, mainly jumping horses and playing tennis.

My goal was to keep my strength, quickness and balance on a horse as I wasn’t riding as often. By going regularly to Beaverton Strength Training and CrossFit I am assured of my confidence and balance on horseback.

I tell myself I am only one workout away from a better attitude! My job is stressful, I equate it to swimming with the sharks, so after I finish a workout, I always walk away with this feeling of accomplishment that I finished, this feeling that I can endure a little more tomorrow.

It is always refreshing to me that if I can show up for an hour that everything else is done for me! The warmup, the workout, the music, the skill sets, the cool down, it’s all thought out by professionals so I don’t have to worry about muscle imbalance, injury, building and getting stronger, it’s all planned out for me. I just need to show up and the rest falls into place.

I have been an athlete all my life and enjoy all sorts of sports. I have also done some modeling, back in the day. I am inspired by all of the strong women who define what it looks like to be a healthy athlete. Sasha was excellent onboarding me. I had not done a morning workout for years, yet I did it for Sasha because I wanted to get started! Mike always keeps it real, new and current. I appreciate that. Joey’s clinics have sharpened my skills and Derick keeps the atmosphere low stress with his island attitude.

Prior to training with BSC I was exercising most days of the week which consisted mostly of weightlifting and a minimal amount of cardio. I have always been active and loved to exercise but I was getting very bored, mostly going through the motions without much inspiration. I didn't have the motivation anymore to push myself to a limit that was necessary to improve. I had considered CrossFit type gyms and regimens multiple times in the past but I felt like it was mostly for younger stronger people. I happened to meet several of my patients who, although much younger than I was, convinced me that there was a place for everyone. That was BSC. Now, I am having a ton of fun even when the workouts are very hard. I am feeling much both physically and mentally then I have in a long time.

My goal was to get inspiration again, have fun and make positive gains again in fitness. BSC has made fitness and hard exercise fun again. It is inspirational and motivational every day. I'm getting stronger but even more important that my overall physical fitness is greatly improved. Even areas that were injury prone in the past are now much more resilient due to more balanced strength and improved flexibility.

The culture of BSC and my results keep me coming back. It is truly a place where every level of athlete can excel together. The mix of trainers helps keep it interesting as well.

My "ah ha" moment was actually the very first week. I thought I was in decent shape for a 46 yo guy but I was getting my butt kicked and realized why my boring exercise routine was not working well. But seeing the performance of such a diverse group of athletes was proof positive.

Honestly all my trainers and fellow members inspire me. If I had to choose a favorite member it would be Kim from the Burn class. She is always extremely positive and motivating for all her classmates. She is an impressive athlete and makes the gym an extremely welcome and positive place. I'm proud to be part of this gym and appreciate everyone's positive feedback.

Before BSC, I was running behind my kids and that was an activity/sport (greatest joy) for me. Taking fitness as priority was always on my mind. BSC is the first step in my fitness journey, what started as one day at a time is now a YEAR. Fitness and nutrition have become a part of my life.

I did not have a big goal. I started looking for an activity that would help me grow from a mom to a fit mom. One goal I had for that, was to show up consistently and trust the process. I have been able to achieve so much with the guidance and motivation from every coach.

The coaches and the community! BSC is my happy place. I have always felt better after workout on any day. All the positive encouragements have helped me push my limits. I see myself growing stronger every day.

There have been many! One such big moment was when I started lifting heavier weights. I remember my first deadlift workout with training weights(wooden). In few weeks of time I was at 100+. This will always be special. Others are like continuous 8+ wallballs, box jumps, 1min planks and recently running 5k nonstop.

EVERY COACH has inspired me!! Derick always makes sure I understand movements/technique and do them correctly, I have learned a lot. Joey helps me push my limits effortlessly. Mike makes Flex Friday workout fun until my arms start feeling sore the next day. Sasha gives wise tips on movements and stretches which are helpful in recovery. I appreciate their motivation, guidance and support. I must give a shout-out to my dear friend Kim, for her fitness and enthusiasm. Our post workout cool down time are the moments I will always cherish.

I have always been active in one way or another but was never a weightlifter and has zero gymnastic skills. Now, I’m proud to say that I’ve learned a lot about weightlifting and some basic gymnastic skills.

I did not really have a big goal upon starting at BSC. I set small goals here and there like lifting a little heavier or learning a new skill and I have achieved some of those goals but there are still plenty to work on!

The community for sure! BSC is such a welcoming place whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, somebody is always there willing to help and cheer you on!

I never thought of being able to do a pull up ever. I think my ah ha moment was when I was able to actually do one strict pull up! It seems to be an easy skill for many but for me it was a difficult skill to accomplish.

All the excellent coaches motivate me. Special mention to the 11:30 crew who inspire me and push me to work harder. :)

I first started CrossFit in 2013 when I was living in the Bay Area (GO Niners, Giants, and Warriors!). I wish I could’ve continued it non-stop over the last decade, but different life events such as moving, going back to school, and the pandemic got in the way. I continued to lift weights at globo gyms during my time away from CrossFit, but it wasn’t the same, and I am glad to be back at it.

My first WOD at BSC was the Capacity Test #1. I don’t remember my exact time, but I do remember it took me around 7 minutes to complete, and I only used a 35 lb kb. My goal was to beat that time at the RX weight, and I was able to do that the other day by shaving close to 2 ½ minutes off my original time. Now I need to work on getting my double-unders, muscle-ups, toes-to-bars and pretty much every other gymnastics movement.

What keeps me coming back is everyone at the 11:30 class and the coaches. Every coach has given me tips that have helped me PR on a lot of my lifts.

I haven't had an “ah ha” moment yet, but it will probably happen when I’m finally able to string together 10 double-unders or get a muscle-up.

Along with all of the coaches for the 11:30 class, I also have to give a shoutout to Joe V for pushing me to lift heavier on those days when I am doubting myself.

I started CrossFit in 2016 in Houston TX and when I moved up here first thing I did was find a new box. That one shut down during COVID and Raminder would never shut up about BSC so we finally went to our first class in February 2021. It was love at first class. I’m still here! Rolling out of bed right into the 530am class and having a great time!

I need my early morning workouts or I get really irritable during the day. Mostly my goals are to just get a good workout and feel good. I also have a strict pull up goal that remains out of reach, but still working on it.

The community! The coaches! The classes! You name it I love it!

The anniversary competition last year, my first one. It was so cool to see everybody try their best for four super hard work outs. Just super supportive and fun environment, made me realize how great this gym is!!

The 530am crew!! The consistency is amazing and everybody is so freaking strong and fast I have to try my best to keep up.

I was fortunate enough to be introduced to CF about 4 years ago in Seattle and have loved it ever since. Now, I have just transitioned to living and working full time in Oregon and BCF is my newfound home.

My goal list is still rather long but as of this year, with the help of Coach Derick, I was able to improve quite a bit on my DU and upper body strength. Having a more precise and efficient bar movements is next on the list.

The community is great. The early schedule also fits perfectly with my personal/work schedule allowing to both do my other training programs while also the regular CF classes.

I haven’t had a huge “ah ha” moment yet this year but I will have to say I admire all the coaches’ work ethics. Especially coach Mike, seeing him putting in consistent hard out daily is very inspiring.

Echoing my previous statement, huge kudos to the whole coaching staff. Everyone has been great not only making BCF a very welcoming environment but also continue to share knowledge and help improve our fitness levels. Thanks!