My turning point started in October 2011.  We were running ladder drills at the station and my Lieutenant looked at me and said “Czerniak, return that ladder to the engine.” Shoulder surgery the previous year had left me as weak as a kitten for the better part 2011.   Although I was improving I wasn’t able to return that ladder without the help of another fire fighter which was pretty embarrassing.  We have a saying in the fire service; “Fitness for duty”, and I was not fit for duty.

When I first joined BCF there were two things that I noticed right away.  First, the workouts were extremely difficult, and second how nice and accepting everyone was.  As I started to meet more people in the gym I noticed something that I didn’t expect of Crossfit athletes.  There were members performing at such a high level who had past physical or medical problems.  People who had gone through shoulder surgeries, knee surgeries, had insulin pumps, and a variety of other conditions.  BCF was a place where they were able to overcome these physical boundaries.   They didn’t allow these barriers to keep them from giving it their all, and they became a source of inspiration.  Add the positive reinforcement that one receives from everyone at BCF and I joined this group that believed in myself enough to push through my own limitations.  When I started I could dead lift 185 lbs, now it’s  315 lbs.  My back squat was 115 lbs. and now is 235 lbs.  The progress in my strength has yet to slow down. I’m continuously surprised at my gains in strength and fitness, and I know that with the help of Mike, Christine, Bryan, Valentine, Andy, Shawn, Jesse, and all the great athletes at BCF I will continue to make gains.

I owe a lot to Mike, Christine, the staff, and the all the athletes at BCF.  They have created an environment that is welcoming, and inspiring.  I feel extremely lucky to find a place that pushed me and made me believe in myself and what I can accomplish.  A place that has allowed me to move past my physical and mental barriers, has increased my fitness for duty and has helped me develop the strength to get that ladder back on that engine.

Jon Czerniak

I have been active for many years. From attending group fitness classes four to five times weekly to becoming a group fitness instructor. Fitness is a part of who I am. After years of generally the same exercise routine, I wasn’t challenging myself and had plateaued. I was ready to take my fitness to the next level. I was eager to change from skinny to ripped. I was determined to see what my body was mentally and physically capable of doing. I needed to let go of the concept of scales and was ready to build muscle while learning about Olympic style lifting. There was absolutely no better way to reach this goal than becoming a part of a Crossfit gym. I did a Crossfit workout with a friend while we were camping years ago and realized that that was the last time in my exercise life that I was truly challenged.

After joining Beaverton Crossfit in April 2011, I had no idea what to expect. I knew I was ready to take on whatever Mike and Christine Ford threw my way. I trusted every piece of feedback and advice that was given to me and have benefited greatly. I have been pushed beyond my comfort zone and in turn, have finally received the physical results that I have always strived for. Being a part of such a family-oriented gym has taught me things about fitness I have never known. Mike Ford has embedded in me that strength is derived from solid form which has taken me far in my Crossfit journey. Here at BCF, I have been taught things that I never thought I would be able to do. I walk out of BCF bragging about my blisters, rope burns, and bruises from the various exercises we all do because it proves what hard workers and dedicated athletes we are at BCF. I have been exposed to committed and strong athletes that have pushed me to work harder and who are true inspirations. After attending four to five Crossfit classes weekly, my body fat has gone from 18 percent to 15 percent. I am now stronger than I ever thought I would be due to the wise advice and solid foundation that Mike and Christine Ford have given. I can honestly say that there is absolutely no Crossfit gym out there that is as grounded, united, diverse with WODs, fun to be at, and committed to genuinely changing people’s fitness lives as BCF is. Thank you Mike, Christine, Andy and Bryan! I can’t wait to see my BCF journey continue to get stronger using the tools you all have given me and everything you all have taught me. My fitness life is genuinely complete thanks to BCF!

Blair 

I joined BCF almost 2 years ago after hearing my work colleagues talk about it incessantly and figured I should check it out as well.  Having been a devoted gym rat for 20 years I thought that I was pretty strong for a girl…..until I was introduced to CrossFit. Besides getting through the last 4 miles of a Marathon, I haven’t experienced anything else as mentally or physically challenging as the Crossfit WOD’s, and yet I love every heart stopping, gut-wrenching minute of it.

I would normally have been very intimidated by the Olympic lifting and intense workouts, however from day one, the people I met in class were so motivating  that it helped me lift heavier, go faster, push harder and forget the pain.  Being a part of such a wonderful community of driven, passionate and inspiring people has brought me great joy.

I have many goals yet to reach but when I lift just a little more than last time, figure out the rhythm of DU’s or climb the rope without fear, the exhilarating feeling of accomplishment just pushes me to fight harder.  Thanks to BCF I am starting to believe in myself and my abilities, and have become a stronger person inside and out.

Lisa C

If I had to describe myself before BCF, “athlete” would not have made the list.  “Full-time, working mom of two who hadn’t worked out in years” was more like it.

My first trial class was a year ago and for the first 6 months, out of fear, I came on and off and never really committed.  I didn’t believe I could do this.  But 6 months ago I started coming for real (3-5x week) and focused on eating right. I felt stronger and better every week.  This past year I have lost 30 lbs and 3 pants sizes (more to go) and am surprising myself with what my body lets me do that my mind wouldn’t before.  My eldest started CrossFit Kids last month and I love that she now talks about being healthy, strong and fast … so great!

BCF truly changes lives.  I feel connected to a group of incredible people that do amazing things.  I am inspired and challenged everyday by each BCF athlete I meet (especially the ladies) and know this is a lifestyle I am committed to now and wouldn’t change for anything. Mike, Shelley, my honorary trainers, Steve and Jesse (and all the 8:30ers) … I can’t thank you enough for your support.  Looking forward to more fun to come!

Colleen T

Why I love Crossfit:

Crossfit is the best program I’ve ever been part of. I’ve worked out at gyms off and on for years (with and without a trainer) doing the weight and cardio routine. When I became bored with that, I did group-type training for almost 2 years. I really enjoyed this type of training, however, there was always something missing. I was finally introduced to Crossfit almost a year ago and I fell in love. After my first workout, I thought I was  going to throw up, pass out, and die all at the same time. It was awesome.

Crossfit was exactly what I’d been looking for and had what the other programs were missing. I really knew I was home when Mike showed me the beer in the fridge! J I try to keep my life balanced and I like that BCF is full of like-minded people who want to be fit and better themselves, but also want to enjoy their life too!

I appreciate that Crossfit teaches their athletes to be balanced and I like that the focus is not to focus on anything! I am most impressed with the competitive, intense atmosphere, yet it is also fun and welcoming. I really enjoy the humor and camaraderie at the box and I appreciate the inspiration and encouragement of fellow Crossfitters. I am also grateful to the trainers for their time, guidance and support in helping me work to achieve my fitness goals.

Crossfit has made me physically stronger, but more importantly it has made me mentally stronger (in and out the box). I feel fortunate to be part of the BCF family and I look forward to seeing what we all can  accomplish in 2011!

Amy Paul

I joined Beaverton Crossfit almost a year ago out of more curiosity than anything. I had been running religiously for about a year prior and just wanted to try something new. I thought I had trained hard and that there was nothing that could really challenge me. Boy was I mistaken!

Just meeting Mike and Christine for the first time was a real eye opener. I’ll never forget Christine’s goal she had placed for herself that year, 100 pull-ups. “100 pull-ups? This is crazy!” I thought to myself. “I can’t even do one!” Since then Mike, Christine and the BCF training staff has motivated me more than I’ve ever been motivated in my life! Their constant “Can do” attitude and ability to encourage me on even my worst days has kept me coming back for more!

At age 34, I am faster, tougher and stronger now than I ever have been in my life thanks to Mike, Christine and all the great people I get to work out with daily. I can’t say enough good things about my experience. Thank you for changing my life.

Erik Vorwerk

I started Crossfit training with my two sons about a year and a half ago in Mike Ford’s garage. My initial intention was to passively try it out for the summer and then head back to the local gym. I soon discovered there is nothing passive about doing Crossfit, and after the initial physical shock my body went through I became addicted to the intense, competitive, team training atmosphere that Beaverton Crossfit had to offer. Mike Ford is an extremely motivational trainer, I admire his sense of humor mixed with a no-nonsense drill instructor style. I have been very impressed with Mike and his staffs intense enthusiasm, and passion for getting the Beaverton Crossfit team fit.

I have enjoyed my experience at Beaverton Crossfit and think it is safe to say I am in the best shape of my life at the age of 42. I look forward to hitting some key personal goals in 2011 as we all strive to get “faster, tougher, stronger”!

Thank you Mike, Christine, Shelly and Andy.

Rob D’Angelo

Mike and Christine, I am blessed to have met you both. You push me past my physical and mental limits every time I come for a workout. I love that you made me feel like family from the moment I walked in the door. Thanks for being inspiring and good role models.

Heather Skaar

Words cannot express how much I appreciate being a part of the BCF family. I’ve not only found a workout regimine I enjoy but a place I enjoy doing it.I never thought working out could be fun but you have created such a positive, supportive and encouraging environment at the box that I enjoy going each and every day.

Cheers to your success!

Tracy Johnson

After too many years of not being diligent about staying in shape, and recovering from back surgery, a friend mentioned BCF at a party. After meetimg Mike and Christine I became a regular member.It is the encouragment, patience, support, caring, instruction and fun that BCF provides that makes them a vital part of my life. It is also all the other members being positive and always telling each other to work harder that makes BCF so great. I am blessed to be a part of BCF…thanks Mike and Christine.

Cris Hill

When I first walked into Crossfit in March 2010, Mike asked me what my goals were.  At that time my response was to “Get into better shape for the Summer”  What I’ve gotten out of Crossfit since that first day is so much more.   Thanks to the positive environment that Mike and Christine have created at Beaverton Crossifit, I am challenged everyday to push myself to my mental and physical limits.  From a physical standpoint I have achieved more in five months of Crossfit than I ever did in all my Gym years combined.  Besides being helping me become physically stronger, Crossfit has also helped me become a mentally and emotionally stronger person.  I’ve learned that there are no limitations to what I can do at Crossfit only goals I have yet to achieve.  Thank you Mike a Christine for always pushing us to be little better than the day before.

Matt Christopherson

After seeing CrossFit on YouTube, I thought I would give CrossFit a try.  “Fight Gone Bad” was my first CrossFit experience and I have been hooked since. I haven’t enjoyed camaraderie like this since was involved in team sports. Mike and his trainers are very knowledgeable. They provided great motivation  and support. Within 4 months, I have become more lean and my strength and condition has gone through the roof.  I have more energy for my day to day activities.  I’m proud to be a part of the Beaverton CrossFit Family.  Thank you Mike and Christine!

Jesse Udom

Gym and I broke up for the last time in October 2007.  I had spent the previous 3 years and $12,000 (not a typo) on personal trainers in an attempt to avoid my family legacy.  What started as a small break in November became a week, month, year, and eventually almost 2 years.  During that time I managed to gain back all of the weight plus an extra 10 pounds for good measure.  A friend had recently joined BCF and suggested that this might be the push I was looking for.  I  attended the free class and was surprised when Mike told the class that by the time we leave today we will be stronger than when we walked in the door.  There was no talk about losing fat or weight, it was all about what we can do to be stronger.  I thought that was a unique approach so I signed up for a 3 month contract thinking it would be a good push back to Gym.The 3 month contracts kept expiring and each time I renewed.

I got on the scale last Friday and I weighed less than I did when Gym and I broke up.  It took me 11 months at BCF to accomplish what 3 years of trainers and 2 years of lethargy had done.  When I joined BCF the 18lb kettle bell was all I could use, today I use the 35lb.  In my daily life that gain translates to carrying the bag of dog food without breaking a sweat.  I work hard at BCF to make my daily life easier.

Thank you BCF for pushing me to do things I did not think I was capable of!  My only regret is that I did not have the sense to sign up for the year contract last September.

Mischa Herman

I’ve been with BCF since January 2010.  I had just turned 40 and needed to jump start my fitness regimen. I had grown tired of the typical box gym and was no longer seeing results. In just a few short months, my whole concept of physical fitness has changed. Small group classes with individual attention has made me accomplish physical feats I never thought imaginable. Thanks to Mike, Christine, all the BCF trainers and fellow athletes, I am stronger, healthier, and more motivated then ever to stay in best shape of my life!

Chris Fierro

I joined Beaverton Crossfit along with my wife at the end of May 2010.  After not working out regularly since college over 15 years ago, I was really worried that Crossfit would be too difficult for me.  After the first few On-Boarding classes, I could barely walk because my legs were so sore just from the squats with the PVC pipe.  In just 4 short months, I have already seen significant results; I have gained strength, endurance, and muscle mass.  I really enjoy the friendly competition at Beaverton Crossfit and think Mike and all the trainers do a great job with teaching the fundamentals of all the exercises and motivating me to achieve my maximum potential.  I look forward to continuing to work out at Beaverton Crossfit and my 2011 goal is to become as fit as I was back in my undergraduate college days.

David Hume

Why I drink the Crossfit Kool-Aid … In the not too distant past, I belonged to several of those big box gyms.  They made pie in sky promises regarding their winning formulas for physical fitness and life-style changes; wow what a great sales pitch!  Shortly thereafter, and to add insult to injury, I never learned the ‘winning formulas’ and was left to my own devices. For the past year I have been working with the crew at Beaverton Crossfit, Mike, Christine and Shelly, and have progressed to a point I never imagined!    I am faster, tougher and stronger and my endurance level has increased two-fold.  A perfect example of my new found strength and endurance was my recent motorcycle trip consisting of 3,724 miles.  I had some very long days in the saddle and at the end of those days I had unbelievable energy left over. One day in particular, I rode in 5 hours of brutal wind gusts, that at times, felt like I was riding down the highway sideways – I held my 700 pound bike (T ‘ain’t no Sportster I’m talking about!) on the highway and road that storm out.  Many thanks to my chums in the 4:30 class for their words of encouragement and support. They push me to safely lift more, continue to work hard, and help me to honestly monitor my potential and output.

Here’s to another year at Beaverton Crossfit in gaining additional strength and endurance to compete in the Warrior Dash with my granddaughter, Bella, as we both will celebrate milestone birthdays in 2011!

CHEERS & BOTTOMS UP!!

Jeanne