Testimonials

As a former college basketball player, I've always been somewhat of a 'gym rat' or 'workout warrior,' spending endless hours on a basketball court or weight room, trying to squeeze every last drop out of a long and painful workout. I'd do so under the 'no pain, no gain' mentality, with no coaching, a narrow definition of fitness, and no community. A perfect recipe for injury, burnout, or both.

Then of all people, my mother-in-law told my wife and me about Crossfit. At first, I laughed at the idea of doing the same workouts as my wife and fifty year-old mother-in-law, and at the idea of getting a good workout in less than 10 minutes.  But I agreed to try it for a month. That was two years ago. Over the next year, I stuck out like a sore thumb at the local 'globogym,' as I followed the short, intense, and constantly varied Crossfit workouts off the mainsite. My understanding of fitness began to expand, as did my ability to perform the challenging workouts. But I still had the sense that something was missing.

Eventually, because of the complexity of many of the movements and the lack of adequate equipment at my gym, I began looking for a local Crossfit 'box.' After visiting several Twin Cities Crossfit affiliates, I happened upon Crossfit MSP, and I immediately sensed the refreshing approach to fitness. Michael and Van have dedicated themselves to creating a unique kind of community that challenges athletes from every level to pursue their potential in a positive, engaging, and goal-oriented environment, with coaching that is second to none. I and many members of Crossfit MSP are in the best shape of our lives, and have never had so much fun working out.

One final note: As a pastor in a Twin Cities congregation, I'm aware of how challenging it can be to create the kind of community that exists at Crossfit MSP. My wife and I have truly been blessed by the people, coaching, and philosophy of this wonderful place, and we'd wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.

Sincerely,

Matt A
Pastor

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I have been training at CrossfitMSP since it first opened. My crossfit experience is somewhat unique in that only a few months after I first started doing crossfit, I became pregnant with our second child. Happily, after making sure that my doctor was on board with the program, Michael and Van agreed to continue training me. This was tons of extra work for them. Most days for the first six months, I was still able to do the programmed WOD, just a scaled down version with less weight and certain exercises modified or substituted. As the CrossFit pregnancy progressed, we got to the point where Michael had to design a custom workout for me every day. Many times Van actually did the workout with me so I wouldn't have to exercise alone. I continued to CrossFit until about two weeks before my due date.

My second pregnancy was much better than my first in most every respect, and I think this is largely due to CrossFit and the help of Michael and Van. With my first pregnancy I gained 55 lbs, developed high blood pressure and had very swollen legs, feet and hands during the last six weeks. This time, I gained 35 lbs, my blood pressure stayed within normal range the entire time and I had very little swelling. I also recovered much faster from the delivery. Most notably, within two months after my daughter was born I had lost almost all the pregnancy weight with no effort at all on my part, and I am confident that as life settles back down and I can get back into a regular workout schedule the last few pounds will come off. With my first pregnancy, I was still struggling to lose the baby weight a year after my son was born.

I have heard many times that one of the hallmarks of CrossFit is its scalability, but that is only true when you have instructors that are motivated and experienced enough to help each athlete make every WOD their own. That is one of the many things that sets CrossFit MSP apart. Michael and Van are incredibly knowledgeable and have a myriad of variations in their back pocket for each exercise to make it harder or easier so that everyone gets the most out of the workout. You get the knowledge and accountability that a personal trainer might provide coupled with the motivation and energy that comes from working out with a bunch of great people in a very supportive community. Michael and Van are focused, professional and supportive, the programming is well thought out, and there is always a great atmosphere at the gym (even at 6 AM). CrossFit MSP is simply the best and I am very thankful that I get to workout there.

Nancy R
Mother of 2 and Attorney

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A year ago a friend of mine, who shares my interest in working out and being in shape, told me about CrossFit. I’ve worked with a personal trainer in the past, went to the gym 5-6 days a week, did traditional strength and cardio workouts, and I was a little skeptical that this new "CrossFit Thing" would push me to my limit and get results. Keeping an open mind, I joined my friend for a workout the next morning and EVERYTHING changed. I had no idea that CrossFit would become such a big part of my life.

I have since belonged to three different affiliates accross the country, as well as attaining my CrossFit Level 1 CrossFit Coach Certification. Having experienced different CrossFit “boxes,” different members, and different trainers, I must say that it is a privilege to workout at CrossFit MSP. The quality of programming, community, and coaching is truly first class.

CrossFit MSP is an environment where it doesn’t matter what your workout experience is. Whether you are an elite athlete or a couch potato, when you walk in the doors of CFMSP you can expect to work hard and be pushed to your limit, be supported by your coach and fellow athletes, and do things that you never thought possible. You really feel that you are a part of something special. You are part of a family. I’m truly grateful to be a member of it.

Alex H
Divisional Sales Manager

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Michael,

I think its only fair that I make you aware of the "problem" that you and CrossFit MSP have created for me in my first seven weeks at the gym.

My clothes don't fit any more! Pants are short because my butt has lifted. Shirts are becoming tight because my chest, back and shoulders are getting bigger. I wish I didn't have to wear a suit to work. I've always had a slender build and haven't had to deal with clothing challenges due to body changes. I just got rid of clothing when it was worn out or had gone out of style.

My life has become much more complicated. Fortunately, my wife loves to shop and has excellent taste. She thanks you for this opportunity and can't wait to see what the next seven weeks bring! You may want to consider warning your new clients that there is risk of experiencing these side effects.

Sincerely,

Lance G
Senior Manager

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I've been working with Michael at CrossFit MSP for about three months; attending sessions 3 times a week. Since I started training I've lost weight and have dramatically increased my strength and flexibility. The combination of friendly peer pressure, and having a near personal coach motivating me and watching my technique/form on the movements, really works for me. Also, I should mention that my motivation increases as I notice the improvements in my physical condition.   

Last week I golfed twice; I noticed that my drives were now doing two new things. First of all, the occasional slice disappeared and driving distance improved from 200 yards to between 220 and 240 yards. I'm finishing the swing and the feel of the swing is just better. No new clubs, no additional golf instruction.

CrossFit MSP, and Michael and Van's instruction gets credit for improving my golf game.

Thanks you guys,

Bob
Sales & Marketing

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When I walked through the door at CrossFit MSP for the first time I was unsure what to expect. I was hoping to find a challenging and fun environment that would get me excited about fitness again. CrossFit MSP has exceeded my expectations. CrossFit MSP is never boring. I look forward to the workouts, everyday being challenged in a new and exciting ways. I can see myself making marked improvements in performance and physique. Under the direction of superb coaching, I have set and surpassed goals that I never thought possible when I first started. Working out is no longer something I have to do, it is something I want to do. Michael and Van have fostered a community that is truly unique to the CrossFits around town. The amount of support and camaraderie shared by the members of CrossFit MSP is unparalleled—it makes even the most difficult of workouts an enjoyable experience.

Kate
Associate Consultant

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You've created and fostered an incredibly supportive and welcoming place for us all to practice reaching our fitness goals. I adore the great mix of work and play that makes this gym so unique, refreshing, and despite some of these WODS, FUN!

I'm so thankful that you took the leap and let us tag along for the ride Michael and Van.

Happy CrossFit MSP

Michelle B
Health Care

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The level of personal attention at CrossFit MSP is amazing. Michael & Van know every person who walks into the gym, and they genuinely care about each person's individual fitness goals. I've worked with Michael in personal training sessions, and his sole focus is on scaling the session to give me the best workout for where I am -- neither a generic cardio workout, nor iron-pumping beyond my lev

Michael is focused on my goals: measurable, attainable strength and flexibility. Michael has improved my flexibility and strength more than I ever thought possible, and I've seen similar progress in other members of CrossFit MSP.

James
Attorney

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My work takes me to many cities; My passion takes me to many Crossfit locations while on the road and two things make CrossFit MSP a "standout" in my experiences:

1. A first class facility with innovative Equipment to accommodate "everyman" -- from CrossFit Novice to Expert, and
2. Exceptional instruction and guidance -- i.e., focused specifically on what YOU NEED to get to the next level of performance--- regardless of your starting point.

I can't wait for my next visit...and the new things I will learn and take back home with me. Here's to CrossFit MSP!

Kristen H