Matt joined us in March 2022, looking for a way to get stronger, healthier, and more energized. Balancing the roles of husband, father, and businessman, Matt was ready to find a fitness routine that would actually stick. He’d tried on his own but found that the motivation was tough to keep up without a structured program and some accountability.
CrossFit offered him the perfect solution. With our combination of strength training, cardio, and high-intensity workouts, he knew he’d get a full-body workout that addressed all aspects of fitness. But beyond that, Matt soon realized that CrossFit was more than just a fitness program – it was a community.
A Welcoming Community Beyond Expectations
One of the first things Matt noticed was the support from everyone around him. Coming in, he hadn’t expected much beyond a good workout. But what he found exceeded those expectations – it was a group of coaches and members who encouraged, cheered, and celebrated each other’s wins. This community element made him feel like he wasn’t alone in his goals.
The support Matt received wasn’t limited to the gym floor. From the other members to the dedicated coaches, everyone shared the same mission – to help each other improve, stay motivated, and celebrate achievements. This sense of belonging is what makes CrossFit Dwell such a unique space. The people here aren’t just fellow gym-goers; they’re part of a family who pushes each other forward. For Matt, that sense of camaraderie turned out to be the biggest surprise and the biggest motivation to keep showing up for his daily 5:15 AM class.
Physical and Mental Changes – Celebrating Milestones and Progress
Since joining, Matt has experienced some pretty amazing physical changes. He’s stronger, has more energy, and feels ready to tackle whatever life throws at him. Gone are the days when fatigue held him back. Instead, he’s seeing consistent progress in his fitness levels and reaching new milestones, especially in his strength and cardio endurance.
Over time, Matt has hit new personal records in weightlifting and found that his running and rowing stamina has improved significantly. These aren’t just numbers to him – they’re proof of his hard work. Inspired by these results, Matt decided to take on his overall health with a fresh perspective, looking at his nutrition and focusing on healthier eating habits. And it’s paid off. By fueling his body with the right nutrients, he’s not only supporting his workouts but also feeling better day-to-day.
This growth in fitness and health has even led Matt to do things he’d never considered, like competing in the Master’s Division of the Festivus Games in April 2024. Competing wasn’t on his radar when he first joined, but as he gained confidence and skill, it became a new challenge he was ready to take on. That event was a testament to just how far he’s come since walking through our doors.
Checking the Ego at the Door – Overcoming Challenges
Of course, Matt’s journey hasn’t come without its share of challenges. One of the biggest has been learning to level-set his expectations and focus on his personal growth rather than comparing himself to others. In an environment like CrossFit, where everyone’s working hard, it’s easy to feel the urge to measure your progress against those around you. But Matt learned that to grow, you have to be true to your own journey.
Checking his ego at the door, he’s embraced the idea that his progress is unique to him. For anyone who’s starting out or considering joining, this is an important reminder: you don’t have to keep up with anyone but yourself. Growth and progress come when you focus on where you are and what you can achieve, not where others are. For Matt, learning to value his own journey without comparison has been a breakthrough.
Setting New Goals and Looking Ahead
Matt’s journey doesn’t stop here; he’s got some exciting goals on the horizon. In December, he’ll be taking on his first 10K, a challenge he’s been training toward and is eager to accomplish. And if that goes well, he’s already eyeing a 15K in 2025! Beyond running, he’s also focused on building even more strength and achieving some advanced moves that have been on his mind, like unassisted pull-ups and climbing a rope.
These goals show just how much confidence Matt has gained, knowing he can keep challenging himself, set bigger goals, and work consistently to achieve them. At 54, he’s proving that it’s never too late to set new milestones and surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
Advice for Anyone Ready to Start Their Fitness Journey
Looking back, Matt has some advice for anyone considering starting their own fitness journey, especially if you’re thinking of joining us at CrossFit Dwell. “CrossFit has something for everyone,” he says. “I started in my early fifties, and it’s become a part of my everyday life.” We would agree that it has become part of his everyday life! Matt has attended close to 500 classes since he began and he has consistently met the 15 class/month requirement to be in our Committed Club!
He encourages newcomers to go at their own pace, pushing when they feel ready but staying committed to the process. He stresses the importance of pacing yourself – there’s no rush. The key is to stay consistent and be patient. It’s easy to feel like you need to perform at a certain level, but Matt reminds us that everyone has their own timeline. And, most importantly, you’ll have a community cheering for you every step of the way.
Ready to Find Your Community?
Inspired by Matt’s story? At CrossFit Dwell, we believe that fitness is a journey meant to be shared. We’d love for you to experience the support, guidance, and camaraderie that Matt and so many others have found here.
If you’re ready to start, come in for a free intro session. We’ll chat about your goals, get a feel for where you currently are, and see how we can help you create the healthiest, strongest version of yourself. You don’t have to go at it alone – join a community that’s here to lift you up. Reach out to us today, and let’s make your fitness journey something you’re proud of.