When Chris first walked into CrossFit Dwell in September 2024, he didn’t have a clear idea of what to expect. What started as a decision to support his daughter in her own fitness journey quickly turned into something much more personal: a commitment to his own health, strength, and longevity.
“I initially joined to accompany our daughter in her fitness journey,” Chris said. “But after a short time, I saw the obvious benefits of making CrossFit Dwell my gym.”
That shift in mindset has made all the difference.
Taking the Leap of Faith
Like many people stepping into a CrossFit gym for the first time, Chris admits he was a little unsure of what he was getting into. “I had absolutely no idea what to expect at the beginning; a total leap of faith,” he said. “I was a bit daunted by the various workouts, terminology, and especially the forms entailed in all the weightlifting.”
Those first few weeks were full of new experiences. Movements like cleans, snatches, and squats can be intimidating for anyone, especially when you’re learning the proper form and language of CrossFit for the first time. But what stood out to Chris was how supportive and patient the coaching team was.
“I fairly quickly learned that all the instructors took nothing for granted and gave individual attention to members even within the context of a large session,” he shared. “Scaling is always a valid option.”
That idea of scaling is at the heart of what we do at CrossFit Dwell. Every movement and workout can be adjusted to match your fitness level, ability, or even injury recovery. Whether you’re brand new to exercise or decades into your fitness journey, our goal is to help you move safely and confidently while progressing at your own pace.
Real, Measurable Changes
Since joining, Chris has seen real improvements in his health and strength. “My LDL cholesterol has lowered significantly. I can see improvement in muscle mass and daily movements are much easier,” he said.
Those results come from the variety of workouts we do at CrossFit Dwell. No two days are the same. One day might focus on lifting, another on conditioning, and another on skill work or gymnastics. This constantly varied approach trains the whole body and helps improve real-life movements like lifting groceries, getting up and down from the floor, or climbing stairs.
“I believe these improvements are due to the varied nature of the daily workouts,” Chris explained. “Daily movements are much easier now.”
That’s what we love to hear. At CrossFit Dwell, it’s not just about lifting heavier weights or hitting faster times (though those are great milestones, too). It’s about being able to live life more fully, with strength, mobility, and confidence.
The Power of Community
For Chris, one of the most rewarding parts of his journey has been the community.
“I really enjoy the partner workouts (wish there were more) as a way of building community and getting to know fellow members on a more personal level,” he said.
At Dwell, we talk often about how fitness is better together. When you share the effort and encouragement of a workout with someone else, you build connections that go beyond the gym walls. Chris has experienced that firsthand.
He also shared his appreciation for the coaching team: “Great appreciation for Keo, Tiffany, Natalie, and Lauren. They each know how to encourage without being unrealistic about what I can physically achieve. The sense of accomplishment after finishing a workout is amazing.”
Those small victories, shared high-fives, and genuine moments of support are what keep our members coming back.
Facing Challenges and Setting Goals
Like any meaningful journey, Chris’ time at CrossFit Dwell hasn’t been without challenges. “The biggest challenge has been learning the techniques of the Olympic lifts,” he said.
Movements like the snatch and clean and jerk are complex and take time to master, but Chris continues to show up and focus on progress over perfection. His attitude reflects one of our favorite principles: consistency beats intensity every time.
Looking ahead, Chris’ goals are clear. “Consistently building to Rx exercises but within reason given that I’m about to turn 67!”
That kind of mindset of balancing ambition with wisdom is something we deeply admire. He’s not chasing unrealistic goals but instead working to move well, stay strong, and continue improving in a way that fits his stage of life.
Words of Wisdom for Others
When asked what advice he’d give to someone considering joining CrossFit Dwell, Chris had this to say:
“Take the leap. No matter your physical condition, persistence and an openness to learning will allow you to achieve more than you might have thought. Don’t get discouraged and keep showing up. ANY concern you may have can be expressed to any instructor and you’ll receive a completely empathetic response.”
He added, “CF Dwell is not a ‘grunt’ gym but a mutually supportive environment where 360-degree encouragement is the norm.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
We believe fitness should be approachable, adaptable, and supportive. We’re not about intimidation or competition. We are about helping people of all ages and backgrounds move better, feel stronger, and live healthier lives.
For Chris, the results speak for themselves. “The decision to join CF Dwell has been one of the best I’ve made in a long time,” he said.
A Message to Those Who Are Thinking About Starting
If you’ve been thinking about starting your own fitness journey but feel nervous or unsure where to begin, take Chris’ advice: take the leap.
You don’t have to be in shape to start. You just have to be ready to show up, learn, and keep going. We’ll meet you where you are and help you get stronger every day physically, mentally, and emotionally.
At CrossFit Dwell, you’ll find a community that celebrates progress, not perfection. You’ll find coaches who care about your health and success. And you’ll find people like Chris who remind us that it’s never too late to take that first step toward a stronger, healthier, more active life.
Ready to start your journey?
Come in for a free intro conversation at CrossFit Dwell. We’ll talk about your goals, your lifestyle, and how we can help you move better, feel stronger, and live healthier for years to come.
Schedule a free-intro here: FREE INTRO
