My name is Bryan. I am originally I am from PA, but then I moved out to Queen Creek, Arizona in 2014 after I graduated college. My whole family was moving so I said, why not. A few years later I met my future wife, Molly. We are both teachers she teaches sixth graders and I teach 4th graders. My wife and I have just welcomed our first little bundle of joy in January. He’s happy, healthy, and tries to get into whatever he can.
Before signing up with Copper State FIT, I really had no idea on how to manage my food intake. At the time I was training for a CrossFit Competition in Minnesota, that my friends and I were invited to compete at. As I was trying to train for that, I was trying to manage working out from home while also working from home and being home all the time. I do better when I have separation of the entities in my life, so when we went on quarantine it was difficult to manage.
With all these unexpected changes to life, everything became more stressful. It felt like things began to pile on, unsuccessful job interviews, teaching online, navigating online learning (and since I teach everyone wanted to give me their two cents on virtual schooling) a newly pregnant wife, and the worry about the health of those around me.
I began to eat food that I knew was bad for me. I let the stress of work and home affect me in every negative way, I could think of. It got to the point where I was starting to question if I could stay sober. I had no balance in my life and felt as if I was tumbling down a staircase with no end in sight.
I quickly realized that there was no solving this on my own. I have been down this road before. No amount of sheer will power was going to bring back the balance I needed. I was getting ready to start at a brand new school, in a brand new position with uncertainty on how the school year would go. I didn’t want to go back to my unhealthy habits I had, that could lead to a lifelong illness.
With regard to nutrition, I hadn’t tried any products or services prior to Copper State FIT. All I had really done was was just to do it myself. My thought was, “I have done it myself before, I can do it again.” Well… no, that didn’t work. There was too much for me to handle on my own.
What drew me to CSF was the incredible success that my wife, Molly had. I knew that I was in good hands and I knew that I could trust the course of action they put me on.
I had weekly calls with my coach. I submitted my weekly accountability form and most importantly, I had support. I knew I could reach out when I was sitting on a ledge staring at a bag of chips trying not to eat them all in one sitting.
I didn’t feel that I was just another member in a cookie cutter program. I felt valued and respected in my decisions, I never felt judged for messing up, nor did I ever feel shamed from my coach.
I am that weird kind of person where I will find everything wrong with my progress and hyper-focus on that. So, it took me a while to “see” any sort of progress, even though I was making it.
I first started to notice progress when I could start telling myself positive affirmations throughout any stressful situation. Once that started happening I noticed a different outlook on my life. I was more relaxed, my nutrition numbers were being met, I had a different relationship with hunger and I was looking/feeling better. It took a while but my coach kept reinforcing the positive and it worked!
Life looks a lot brighter, than it did months ago. I feel good and happy about where I am in life. I was able to work back to a level of strength that I have not been at for a long time. I was able to qualify for the CrossFit Quarterfinals after 3 months of almost no gym time. I lost 16 pounds and dropped 4% body fat. I have a new relationship with hunger. I have tons of new habits to help me from day to day.
If I had not started with CSF, I would be right back to where I was 6 years ago. With this program, I have been given all the tools I need to succeed and handle life’s challenges.
If you are looking for a cookie cutter get fit fast, this is NOT that program!
When you sign up with CSF you are signing up with someone who actually cares about you and your progress. The coaches are compassionate, empathetic, and will meet you wherever you are. I went in to this thinking that this was going to be all about my eating habits and macro numbers. The very first phone call proved me wrong.
Throughout the months I received all the tools I needed to succeed in my everyday adventures. I am thankful for CSF and all the time and effort they gave to me. This is one of the best decisions that I have made!
