When Rick joined CrossFit Dwell in October 2024, he wasn’t starting from scratch. Years ago, he had been a CrossFit athlete, but life had pulled him away. “I previously did CrossFit, about 12 years ago; however, I got away from it and hadn’t consistently worked out for about 5 years,” Rick shared. Like many people, he reached a point where he knew it was time to get back on track.
His reasons for joining were clear and relatable: “My main focus was to get back in shape. Lose some weight, regain some cardio, but mostly I wanted my clothes to fit better.”
Finding the Right Expectations
Coming back to CrossFit brought a mix of excitement and challenge. Rick admitted, “Yes and no, but in a good way,” when asked if his experience was what he expected.
He knew CrossFit had the potential to transform his fitness if he put in the work. But he also realized something important along the way: “I thought I could get back to doing the amount of weight and running I used to do. That was the wrong expectation for a 64 year old. However, I found really helpful and supportive coaches at CrossFit Dwell to help me modify my workouts and continue to improve to an intensity level that feels pretty good for me now.”
This shift in mindset—from chasing his younger self’s numbers to embracing progress at his current stage of life—was a turning point.
Visible Changes and Daily Discipline
Since rejoining CrossFit, Rick has experienced both physical and lifestyle changes. He shared, “Physically I’m in much better shape and I’ve made fitness a part of my daily routine.”
One of his biggest milestones came during a recent doctor’s visit. “I’m not one to weigh myself but a recent doctor visit has me down about 20 pounds since I started CrossFit,” Rick said proudly. But beyond the number on the scale, he’s developed new habits around consistency and balance.
“I’ve developed a much better discipline with how often I workout and the foods I eat. I still go out with friends for dinner, have the dessert and a few drinks, but I’ve found a good balance without feeling like I have to deprive myself of food or that ‘I have to go to the gym’.”
Proud Moments
For Rick, fitness isn’t just about the workouts—it’s about community, growth, and mindset. “I really enjoy going to Dwell and seeing my friends, meeting new members, working with the coaches and seeing improvement in my strength and cardio,” he explained.
He’s also learned to let go of comparison. “I used to get hung up on having to lift heavier or run faster, etc. Once I got that out of my head, that I didn’t need to compete and just focus on what I can do, things got even better.”
One of his proudest and most tangible victories came recently. “This week, I tried on a tuxedo that I hadn’t worn for about 10 months, about the time I started CrossFit at Dwell. The pants fell off and I probably need to take 3 inches out of the waist. That was a bright spot.”
Overcoming Hurdles
Like anyone on a fitness journey, Rick faced his share of challenges. The first was mental—reconciling his past fitness level with his current reality. “Knowing what I previously could do and then restarting after 5 years of doing nothing really messed with my motivation,” he admitted.
But the coaching and community at Dwell made the difference. “All of the coaches, and members are really good about modifying the workouts to an individual’s skill level and not push you to do things that could cause an injury. Rather than feeling ‘bad’ because you couldn’t do as much as others, which I’ve seen happen at other gyms, the coaches focus on you and what injuries or limitations you may have, and make the workout work for you.”
The second hurdle was consistency, especially with the travel that he and his wife enjoy during retirement. Instead of letting it derail him, Rick worked closely with Coach Lauren to stay accountable. “During our periodic check-ins we discussed these and developed ways to address them. She would make up travel workouts for me and they would vary depending on if I had access to equipment or not and she would check in with me when I travelled to help me stay accountable and get the workouts in.”
Looking Ahead
Now, Rick feels strong, confident, and excited about the future. “I feel really good where I’m at right now, maybe lose another 10 pounds. We like to travel, play with our kids and grandkids, scuba dive, play at the beach and go hiking. Mostly I want to continue enjoying an active lifestyle, and ‘not let the old man in’.”
That phrase—“not let the old man in”—perfectly sums up Rick’s motivation. His fitness isn’t just about numbers or clothing sizes. It’s about living fully, staying active, and being present for the things and people he loves most.
Rick’s Advice
For anyone considering starting their own journey, Rick has this advice: “Get started doing something and find a coach/community that supports you and keep building out your fitness goals. That sounds easy and I’m sure most gyms would say they do this. I’ve joined several gyms during the past 15 years and visited dozens of gyms while we travelled, CrossFit Dwell stands above the others I have worked out at. They will work with you, as an individual, like they did for me.”
Final Thoughts
Rick’s journey back into CrossFit is proof that it’s never too late to start again, to reset expectations, and to discover what’s possible with the right coaching and community. His story is one of resilience, balance, and joy in the process.
At CrossFit Dwell, we’re proud to have athletes like Rick who remind us that fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence and finding what works for you at every stage of life.
👉 Are you ready to write your own story? Come join us at CrossFit Dwell. Schedule a free intro conversation today and let’s talk about your goals, your challenges, and how we can help you get started.