People in Motion is a 90 minute film showcasing the potential people have to move through time and space. The film is shot in true slow motion with an original music score composed by Alex Bornstein & edited using a composite technique which illustrates stretches of time in an instant.
Why? We hope this film will inspire people to look at their world with a fresh perspective and search for new possibilities. Most people spend their lives walking & sitting without ever considering alternative methods of moving through their environments. Our film follows people who look at the world through a different lens. They flip off of buildings, leap over enormous gaps, and run on walls. Few people experience this freedom of movement & liberation from normalcy.
What we want to do… we’ve started filming & editing in San Diego, California and want to raise the funds needed to take our athletes on tour from the beaches of Southern California towards the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, we’ll be capturing the journey of how they interact with the world and their personal philosophies.
Backflips are one of the most challenging, and awesome, feats a human can achieve. Join one of our founders, Shane Farmer, who recently learned to do a backflip…in under 10 minutes! Checkout this amazing video of him with professional gymnast and parkour athlete David Agajanian below. Enjoy!
Dan “The Man” Tandon shares his story with us after a recent workout at his local box, CrossFit Invictus. Dan is the winner of the fall Look Good Feel Good Play Good Challenge and an inspiration to many of his fellow peers. Checkout more about Dan’s inspiring journey and how Crossfit has changed his life here (link)
Justin is one of the many members that recently competed in the Invictus Fitness Look Good Feel Good Play Good Challenge. Justin is a Police Officer that has found a way to stay in shape for his job through functional fitness. After he was finished giving it his all for the WOD he was kind enough to give us his story. Enjoy!
As a child I was fairly thin but once puberty hit I no longer was ever really thin again. I had never been greatly overweight during my teenage years but I definitely was not comfortable in my weight and appearance. After graduating high school I would go through spurts of working out, lose a little weight, then get bored of the routine of it all and go back to how things were before. This cycle lasted for years, and hit the worst after a break up with a boyfriend that affected me in the worst way. I had gained weight while with him and a bit more after the break up. I was unhappy with myself and what I had let happen.
Come January of this year I was fed up. I knew very well that it is all in my control and that I need to quit half-assing my efforts. I made a promise to myself that this time I will do a ton of research, ask questions, and keep to a fitness plan to lose weight the healthy way. And I did, and I did well. I was eating healthy and doing circuit training on my own up until March.
Johana Pat - KB Snatch
In March, after consulting with Your Nutrionista on healthy eating habits, she asked if she could add me as a trial client for nutrition consulting and I agreed. She is the one that introduced me to the Primal Blueprint (Mark’s Daily Apple). I was very hesitant and anticipated it to be much harder than I ever imagined – I mean, come on, no bread, pasta, rice, beans, artificial sugars, AND keep it low carb? But she insisted that I try it for 2 weeks and see how I adjust and if I like it. I was game and decided to dive in headfirst. Surprisingly, it was not as hard as I anticipated and always felt energized and was never hungry.
As I did research on other blogs that eat primal or paleo, I noticed that most (if not all) people that eat this way also do CrossFit. I wondered to myself, what is this CrossFit that they speak so highly of? Did more research again. I was very intrigued at the intensity. So what did I do? More research of course! I browsed for CrossFit gyms in my area and came across more than I ever expected but I decided to contact the one that was closest to me, CrossFit 310 in Redondo Beach, CA.
By this point in April, I had lost about 30lbs on my own already. Then I contacted Kris, the affiliate’s owner, and we set up a time for me to come try it out with the free introductory class. Since I had been doing circuit training I wasn’t too worried about keeping up, but I also had no idea what to expect and I knew it’d be so different than what I’m used to.
I’ll never forget my first experience walking into CrossFit 310. First of all, it’s basically a warehouse, with a huge garage door opening, but I walked through the lobby doors. No treadmills, no ellipticals, no step machines, no weight machines, and no mirrors. All I saw was bars, hanging rings (what, is this gymnastics or what?), barbells, plates, a rope (is this the military or what?), row machines, a punching bag laying on the floor (how are you supposed to kickbox with it on the floor?), and all this scribbling on white boards.
Then Kris came to greet me, asked me some questions about my physical health and I gave him a quick recap, I signed a release form (in case of injury), and genuinely said he’s excited to have me try it. Did a WOD with the rest of the group, which on that day were all ladies who were very welcoming and guided me through the warm up. After the WOD? Felt like I couldn’t walk, but I felt amazing.
Following the WOD, he stated, “I’ve never been a great salesman, ever, which is why I wanted you to try it for yourself as opposed to me telling you what it is and selling it to you…if you liked what you experienced, come back for another WOD in a couple days.” And I did just that. After a few more times, we discussed rates and I joined officially.
That was in April of this year, and the transformation my body has taken from then to now is nothing short of amazing. Beyond the physical transformation, I am immensely stronger. Which completely debunks the myth that you’ll get bulky if you lift heavy weights. I fell in love with CrossFit back then and I am still utterly in love with it. Isn’t that what most people strive for? To have a fitness regimen that you wholeheartedly have a passion for and look forward to? Well, I have found that, and would recommend it to everyone and anyone.
Mid-workout, I often ask myself, “Jeezus, what am I doing here?” The answer usually is muffled by someone telling me to stop stalling and get moving because “that squat ain’t gonna do itself!” Like I need THAT reminder. I’ve been at this fairly seriously for about 6 months. I walk away everyday looking like, at worst, I lost a fight to a semi, or at best, an angry scrappy dog.
So, seriously after all that, why AM I here? Why do I come in here 5 days a week and CrossFit?
I CrossFit because after 15 years of intense involvement in organized sports, I’ve never found something that makes me question my physical and mental capacity and ability, or helped me prove to myself I CAN do it. CrossFit has helped me get stronger. I don’t mean pull-ups or deadlifts or double-unders. I mean in my head, I’m stronger. Someone telling me to keep squatting isn’t what keeps me going. For the first time in my life I know I can.
That’s why I CrossFit – because in such a short time (in relation to how long I’ve been an athlete), I learned there’s very little my body won’t do – and it’s an amazing feeling. Every single day, I surprise myself. I lift more, pull harder, and go faster – because I CAN – because CrossFit taught me how.
It’s a lot of work, and sometimes, when I walk away looking like I’ve just been stigmata’d thinking I can’t do it anymore, I catch my breath, and recall the last 14 minutes and 12 seconds and realized I finished, Rx (thankyouverymuch), so I CAN do it.
I’ve never EVER met a CrossFitter who doesn’t have a reason to go in everyday and work themselves so hard – and it’s very rarely because “I want a hot body”. There is more to this – it’s a game I play with myself to be better than the day before. To be ready for anything anyone throws at me and be prepared for it – in my head and my heart. Maybe my muscles help me through “Barbara”, but it’s my head and my heart that tell me to keep going.
Don’t get me wrong, my body looks better, I feel better, I sleep better – all very awesome reasons to do this, but as far as I’m concerned, that’s just icing on the cake that I shouldn’t be eating because it’s SO not Zone.
Of course, this is just little ol’ me, so ask yourself, why do YOU CrossFit? If you haven’t started – ask yourself why not? You’ve got nothing to lose and an amazing life to gain.
I am now a “Fit 50″ mom of four. Mahalo to CrossFit Monrovia and our new Ohana! 2008 was a devastating year for my beloved, strong husband who was diagnosed with Small Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate. He fought hard for 6 months, but in October 2008 he lost his battle. My family needed to begin our new life without him. Our two youngest daughters (11 & 12) were introduced to CrossFit Monrovia Kids. What a lifesaver it was. With the help, training, and encouragement of their Coach, Kate Hunt, their transition began.
Our beautiful daughters are now fit, confident, and strong (physically and emotionally). Our story does not end with them though. I am proud to share that in addition to the girls, their older sister (26), brother USAF (22), grandmother (78), niece (5) and me (50), have become a proud part of the CrossFit Family. We have 4 generations now at our lab!
After watching the girls for a couple of weeks at CrossFit, and with much encouragement from them and the coaches, I decided to try the “Intro Class.” Boy, was I in for a surprise. I have worked out most of my adult life but nothing prepared me for those 12 minutes of “hell.” Needless to say I did my best and puked at the end of what was the beginning of my “new life.” And what a wonderful life it is. I can’t wait to go to class at least 4-5 times a week. I don’t read the daily WOD because whatever it is I will try it.
My oldest daughter and mom also caught the fever. They saw the changes both physically and emotionally that I went through, and now 9 months later my daughter (who has never exercised) is 60 pounds lighter and hooked. My mom is an inspiration to us ALL as well. Proving that at 77 years old, you’re never too old to get into the game. Lastly my five year old granddaughter was offered a mini’s class which she attends enthuastically. Needless to say, we all drank the Kool-Aid!
When I tell people that I am in better shape at 30 than I was at 10, 15, and 21, people often look at me in disbelief. I was always the “chubby” kid who was medically excused from recess and never was a part of any sport, not even as a spectator. I was born with scoliosis and ARNOLD-CHIARI MALFORMATION a rare genetic disorder in which parts of the brain are formed abnormally. I had corrective surgery for it at the tender yet very brave age of 13, and although the surgery allowed for the prevention of further nerve damage, some of the damage was already done, and it left me with Chronic Pain that made my teens and 20s pretty unbearable and downright miserable.
Throughout my 20s I lived as a Zombie and took high doses of pain killers. I would take up to 3600 mg of a nerve pain medication meant for diabetics and to control seizures in epileptics that could easily knock down a HORSE! My primary care physician told me once that she was surprised I wasn’t slithering across the floor like a slug. The medication slowed my system down to the point where I would fall asleep faster than any narcoleptic (many times at the wheel, yikes!) and my metabolism was not just slow, it was at a complete halt, causing me to hit an all time record weight gain that made my back pain ten times worse and my mental state of mind in perpetual negativity.
The pain medication was causing me more problems than the chronic pain itself, and it wasn’t like the pain was getting any better, in fact it was worse. My body would quickly get immune to the prescribed dose and often it would have to be readjusted higher so that I could feel some relief.
The low self-esteem, the habitual negative thoughts, and always feeling physically uncomfortable often made me feel near suicidal, because there is no way you can be on all that medication, feel that daily tortuous pain, and it not affect your thoughts and mental health in some way, shape, or form.
I had no strength in my shoulders and arms. I couldn’t hold a 20 lb. baby without feeling pain and discomfort radiating down my nerve damaged left arm and wanting to pass the child to someone else immediately so that my arm wouldn’t collapse. I would often wonder what quality of life I would have and had resolved within myself that this was the life I was destined to live, one of pain and discomfort, one of misery and discontent. I labeled myself this medical incompetent person who would never find relief.
As I approached my 29th birthday I begin to think about the life I was living. I wanted to be healthy and feel alive. The pain medication had stripped me of any sort of life and I walked around numb and almost cathartic, as my body continued to suffer pain. Something within me began to awaken, or at least was trying to, but I wasn’t quite ready yet because I was being numbed by the medication.
I decided to wean myself off all the medication. It was not easy and the withdrawal symptoms, although I was told would not occur, were tough to handle. I was going through a detox, although the neurologist would never admit to it. Little by little I began to awaken, to see life for what it really was, a wonderful and exciting privilege to be taken advantage of and to be LIVED! I began to see some weight begin to drop off, but it was a difficult and arduous journey, that is until I began CrossFit.
Before I began CrossFit I had dropped around 50 lbs. by reducing my carb intake and eating healthier, but my muscles were still weak and I was very unfit. When I was introduced to CrossFit Ignite in Westwood, New Jersey through my sister, I was immediately hooked, especially when I had met coaches Steve and Tina, who welcomed me with open arms and a kettlebell! It stopped being about weight loss for me and became a total life changing experience from that point on.
I began to immerse myself into this whole new world, this new culture, this CrossFit. I was meeting amazing individuals from all walks of life who had one common goal, to live their healthiest and best life. These weren’t just your average joes, these were people with a fire and passion for living that was infectious and I quickly was drawn to them. I wanted to be one of these CrossFitters until I realized I already was.
I began CrossFit in April 2010, and already I have seen a tremendous change in my body. I have not only dropped an extra 20 lbs., but I have muscle definition where there once was fat. Remember I said I couldn’t lift a 20 lb. baby? Well now I can Turkish-Get-Up 35 lbs. on each side. Remember that “Chronic Pain”? Well the only pain I experience now is from the Kettlebell bruises or Deadlift scratches on my shins. No more Chronic Pain!!!!!!
I promise you that this is proof that if you take the time to honor your body that it will honor you in return. I do not even suffer from discomfort as I once plagued with. Although certain exercises are challenging for me, because I had never used certain muscles, they are far from impossible! My 6 month goals is to perform a kip and to hold a hand stand, and this I will do because I have seen myself accomplish things through CrossFit that I never thought possible once.
Now, I believe that there are no limits to what our bodies can do. I was given limitations as a child, teen, and young adult because of a medical condition and I labeled myself just that and lived as just that, as someone with pain, physical and mental. Now, the only label I am proud to share with the world is “CROSSFITTER”.
We’ve received a lot of well written stories and we’re excited to announce we’re going to start posting them on our blog. Every few day’s you’ll be able to read a new story coming from one of the talented writers that has decided to share their story with you, the CrossFit community.
We’ll make it well known every time a new story comes out and we hope you reciprocate by considering putting your own story out to the world. Feel free to keep checking back every day or two since you never know when a new story will be up!
Get ready because the first story is coming your way this afternoon!
Growing up in Phoenix was tough at times. As a kid he moved a lot, so it was hard to keep friends. Later, when he got to high school he tried playing sports but was never “cool” enough to fit in with the other kids. After failing at most conventional types of sports he found his niche with skateboarding, an independent sport that, while more fun with friends, was also a calming peaceful thing you could do by yourself.
At 6′ 155lb full grown (22yrs old at the time), he was by his own account “skinny and weak.” He decided he wanted to change that, so he got into body building, or what he thought was body building, minus all the steroids. So over the course of the next 5 years he transformed into a 210lb, chubby but strong guy. His montra was eat a lot, lift a lot. Playing sports he felt out of shape and weak, just like in high school.
With computer nerd roots he was working at a consulting company in downtown San Diego when he needed to find a gym nearby. By coincidence he found CrossFit Invictus. Here he was suprised to learn that all the body building stuff he had been doing didn’t make him a stronger person, it just gave him stronger isolated muscles. As one coach put it “Body Builders train muscles to be strong, athletes train their bodies to be strong”. That was a defining moment; he wanted to be strong, but also athletic. In just over five months he’s lost 35lbs and still just as strong plus a heck of a lot faster and more capable to take on the unkown and unknowable.
Here he met Shane Farmer, who pretty much smoked him at every workout they did. Okay, he still pretty much smokes him but there are times when it is pretty competitive. Shane approached him with the idea to make a book about all the great stories out there about how CrossFit has affected peoples lives and over time started to formulate how they could accomplish this from a technology standpoint.
The original website was up in about a week and the rest of the time was spent thinking about content and how to get the word out. Since then they’ve received a great amount of support from social media connections as well as peers from the local San Diego community. Both of the guys hope to form some key partnerships with big names in CrossFit and really start hitting the pavement capturing those precious stories about how CrossFit has changed lives.
