I came to CFD out of shape, overweight and looking to rediscover the former athlete inside. I played organized, competitive soccer until the age of 25 and completed U.S. Army basic training so I know what it’s like to be fit.  However, over the last 11 years I let my fitness subside and gained a significant amount of weight, along with the various related health issues. Finally, at the age of 35, I became the father of a beautiful baby girl and decided I needed to get back on track with my health.

In June 2011, I started Weight Watchers to shed some pounds. At June 9th, I weighed 297 lbs – a lot of weight on a 5″10″ frame!  I looked around for some fitness options and spoke to a colleague who has been into Crossfit in Charlotte for over a year. He recommended I take a look at a local box.  Ironically that next day I was driving to my daughter’s daycare and pulled up behind an SUV with a Crossfit Daytona logo in the rear window.  I called and came in for a baseline evaluation.

My first full week of Crossfit was in July. I knew I was out of shape but I didn’t realize how badly I let myself go.  Rob and Boz were awesome, scaling the exercises so I can complete them but always pushing me to try harder. All the CFD members were also amazing and their encouragement kept me coming back for more – no matter how sore I was.  I quit Weight Watchers a few weeks after starting Crossfit because I wasn’t getting the nutrition I needed to train.  I started eating more in line with the Paleo philosophy and the difference was almost overnight.

I’ve been training an average of three days a week now for five months.  My most recent weight was 261 but that’s not the best indicator of my progress.  What I notice most is my increased strength, improved conditioning and general body shape.

I still have a long way to go but I’m confident I can achieve my goals with the continued help and support of the outstanding CFD coaches and members. I recommend Crossfit to anyone who wants to truly be fit and realize their maximum athletic potential.

-Lenny Santiago