Success Stories

Ed Caddye, 26 - Medical Student

*** Kirstin is doing f***ing great! She joined the strict muscle up club in November 2018 ***

"Totally surprised and well chuffed to be named member of the month at my CrossFit gym. Especially today because:
Exactly one year ago today I started experiencing unusual abdominal pains. Within 24 hours I was in an ambulance, blue lights flashing, in the kind of pain I didn't even know existed. It soon transpired that I had a perforated appendix. Two operations and one month in hospital later I found myself at home recovering, two stone lighter and very very frail and weak.
During my time in hospital after the 2nd operation I couldn't walk to the toilet without help. My once fit and healthy body didn't work very well anymore. I became acutely aware of what a miracle the human body is and that most of us (me included) take the awesome things it can do for granted. It was at that moment I promised myself I would get strong again. So, in May this year I joined CrossFit Blackbrook. I was a little fearful at first as I knew my abdomen was so weak (it had been split down the middle ffs)....Might I risk a hernia? Would I do further damage to myself or end up back in hospital again?

Is embarking on a high intensity, strength and conditioning program a good idea in "my condition"? Will they even let me train?
My amazing CrossFit coaches Neil Collins and Julie Pope not only "let me train", they gave me so much support, encouragement and individual coaching, adapting the workouts to enable me to participate fully in classes from the start. I found myself gaining in strength and in confidence fairly quickly and after a few weeks I decided to up my training from 3 days a week to 4 or 5. I have rediscovered my love of strength and conditioning and am now stronger and fitter than I was before my operations (although my abs still have some way to go) after only 3 and a half months.
So, why am I sharing this? 1. As shout out to how amazing the guys at CrossFit Blackbrook are and 2. To inspire maybe one person to move their body more. You don't need to wait for a life threatening situation to make you appreciate the amazing gift we all have; a human body. Appreciate those gifts and use them even if you have perceived limitations. It's so totally worth it 😊
If you got this far on my very long post. Thanks for reading. One love"

Kirstin Lyons, 47 - Self Employed

"I've been training at Crossfit Blackbrook for just a few months, and already it has had such a positive impact. Not only in terms of my strength and fitness (which has come on in leaps and bounds), but in my general sense of wellbeing. My coaches Neil and Julie are brilliant. Always encouraging me to raise the bar...Literally!... And making me smile during the toughest of WODS! It's challenging, but so rewarding on so many levels. I love the diversity of each class, and I'm constantly setting myself new goals. I guarantee you'll be hooked after your first class, I certainly was!"

Lauren Johns, 40 - Mother & Legend...

When I started at CrossFit Blackbrook a year ago, I said I was "looking forward to rock hard abs" - that, was about the only goal I had. I just wanted to tone up, and get fitter. What I didn't know then, but am indescribably grateful for now, is the extent to what I would achieve in just 12 months. Had I been told at my intro session that I'd be able to do pull-ups, muscle ups, handstand press-ups , lift heavy, press heavy, and so, so much more, I wouldn't have believed it. I had my first class a month before my 40th birthday. Some say life begins then, and for me, in terms of my physical accomplishments, it did. 18 months prior to this, I'd had my 2nd son, and 2nd knee op, which had left me cartilage free, and petrified at the thought of any kind of impact...but not anymore! My knee will never be 100%, but now I can do doubleunders, box jumps, even lunges, and I feel really proud of myself! Feeling strong, agile, and finding a new confidence in my physical abilities, is utterly rejuvenating. I am happier, healthier, and the abs are coming along nicely too! (Though they are now fairly low on my CF wish list!). I can't wait to start my second year of training at CrossFit Blackbrook. I have set so many new goals, and the prospects are so exciting. I know it's going to be tough, it always is...but so much fun! I just want to say a huge thanks to my coaches - they are incredible. Mindful of injuries, intent on injury prevention, and brilliant at rehabilitation. They genuinely care about the wellbeing of their students, which makes us a very lucky bunch. Everything I've learnt and achieved so far, is down to their knowledge, support, and encouragement. This, combined with their responsible, enjoyable, and challenging programming, is a perfect recipe for success! So if you haven't already, make 2016 your year to give CrossFit a go, and if you're lucky enough to live near CrossFit Blackbrook, then get down there! You won't regret it."

Lauren Johns - My Hero, 1 Year On...

"I've been training at CFBB since day 1, and unfortunately for Neil and Julie this place has become my second home. No matter what time you train, there is always an inviting, lively atmosphere usually orchestrated by the two top level coaches. The classes are always tough and the programming is innovative and well structured. Although only open a year, I have been fortunate to witness first hand the progress made by all members, including myself. I've trained at other Crossfit boxes and can safely say that nowhere else comes close. If you're looking to compete or just get fit and meet some ace people, come train at CFBB; I promise you won't regret it."

Si Marchant, 32 - Public Services

"I started training at CFBB about a year ago after coming back from a serious back injury. Both coaches, Neil and Julie, were brilliant in getting me fit and strong again in a safe way ensuring no relapse of my injury. I am now training 5 times a week and I absolutely love it! All the members are so supportive and we have a great laugh. I am stronger than I have ever been thanks to the programming and coaching."

Ali Reed, 37 - Fitness Instructor

“I have been training with Julie and Neil for 2 years now and have been delighted with my progress. As a former professional athlete, Crossfit is the closest thing I have felt to that buzz you get from competing. You will not meet two more dedicated professionals who will not only provide top quality coaching and programming, but also a fun environment to train in. In a tough year for me, health wise, they have helped to put me back together again, and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Good programming and good company - the results will speak for themselves.”

Josh Logan, 42 - "I work with numbers..."

"My strength, fitness and skills have all increased considerably since coming here... I cannot stress enough just how much better this place is than just going to a commercial gym (where really, you're just paying a monthly rent to haphazardly use the equipment...). Here I am always coached, I am part of a community (of which I essentially have 24 hour access) and I have the means to compete in perhaps the fastest growing sport in the world right now... All for less than the cost of a Starbucks each day."

Alex Collins, 32 - Bricklayer

"Already in training and a seasoned competitor in triathlon, I was introduced to Crossfit Blackbrook in January 2015, ready for some new challenges. Many years of independent training can wilt the mojo, but with the fabulous coaches at Blackbrook my motivation to achieve new goals and set new standards improved within weeks! Their skills & knowledge in performance and programming filters through all aspects of my training now, from my diet to mobility, from work to rest. I look forward to the variety of each WOD & even though they seem impossible at first glance, their encouragement is unparalleled!!! At long last, I have found the Blackbrook 'family' and I am honoured to be part of it."

Diane Braid, 54 - Sports Massage Practitioner, Biomechanics Coach & Personal Trainer

"I walked into Crossfit Blackbrook having already been exposed to Crossfit and functional training at basic level for six months or so. At that point I was aerobically fitter than I had been in a long time but overweight. I knew I could complete the basic lifts, had reasonable mobility and would get through any WOD (eventually). Since November 2014 I have been able to make it to four classes a week and compliment those with one other workout at home. The results I am seeing are incredible. I have lost considerable weight, I am even fitter, I am conquering wall balls and burpee based WODS that I really struggled with and my strength gains have been amazing! I could do no pull ups or chin ups and can do chin up with pull ups round the corner. I have added over 20kg to my deadlift PB, over 20kg to my bench press PB and can undertake multiple heavy squats, front, back, zercher with much more confidence and stability then I could before. The majority of these gains have been made in 3 months! I put this down to the great coaching and the sensible intelligent programming. Crossfit Blackbrook delivers the results you want and I am able to check my progress on an almost weekly basis. If I can do this in 3 months, I wonder where I'll be in a year!"

Russ Stevens, 47 - Regional Director

"I always look forward to training at CrossFit Blackbrook; I get to train with a wonderful, varied, supportive and extremely entertaining group of people each day. Julie and Neil are knowledgeable and experienced coaches who program enjoyable, challenging and appropriately scaled workouts that deliver genuine results.

Since starting my training at Blackbrook, I have become physically and psychologically stronger and learnt cool skills I thought were way out of my league. I would recommend CrossFit Blackbrook to everyone regardless of gender, age, fitness level or ability; it’s awesome."

Krzysia Stevens, 45 - Gym Owner

"I recently joined Crossfit Blackbrook to help supplement my parkour training and I'm pleased to say I'm already feeling the benefits. Parkour can be tough on the whole body and over the years I have suffered from repetitive strain injuries from lack of strength around certain joints. At Blackbrook I am strengthening up my body to be prepared for the impacts and working on my explosive power to improve my performance. Neil and Julie have been amazing at working with me to achieve these, their knowledge, patience and enthusiasm is endless."

Fizz Hood, 32 - Parkour Instructor

"I joined Crossfit Blackbrook after slogging out at my local gym for 2 years and finding myself limited but not knowing why. CFBB has helped me understand new techniques and skills, as well as improving my strength and flexibility. The guys here really know their stuff and I'm continually impressed by their knowledge and welcoming attitude."

Andy Watson, 29 - Team Leader

"Tried out CrossFit for the first time three months ago. After the first session I knew I wanted to come back for more. I’ve never enjoyed walking into the gym and having the attention span of a gnat meaning I get bored with normal gym classes really easily. I can honestly say I love coming to CrossFit and even look forward to it despite knowing the sessions will be hard work. There are always new goals to achieve or movements to work on. The coaches Julie and Neil, have always made me feel welcome, are always very positive, encourage me to achieve out of my normal comfort zone and are both amazingly knowledgable. All the members are encouraging and friendly making every session super enjoyable. My fitness has improved, and I have achieved more in three months, than any other time I have attended a regular gym. My proudest achievement has probably been to quit a 20 year smoking habit as I quickly realised smoking and Crossfit don’t go well together. After spending most of my life obsessing how low I can get the number on the scales, and trying every fad, ridiculous diet, I now have a totally new focus. For the first time in my adult life I no longer diet and I eat enough healthy food in order to lift things I never thought I could. Crossfit has totally given me a healthier view of myself and the goals I want to achieve. The guys at Blackbrook have made every step of my Crossfit journey so far, mega positive, fun, and life changing."

Verity Avery, 37 - Student

Stumbled across Crossfit Blackbrook whilst searching for new motivation to get fit and strong again after the arrival of my third son. Neil & Julie make training at Blackbrook addictive - would be there every day if I could. Never thought I would be deadlifting 90kg, looking forward to pull-ups and competing in a Throwdown only four months after joining."

Bryony Sinclair, 38 - Mother of 3

"Just wanted to send you guys a quick message to say how I am pleased with the results I have got already. After class tonight at home I was messing around in front of the mirror, as you do... I felt quite stretchy and flexible so I decided to see how high I could lift my leg; I raised my right leg to the side and lifted it up using my right hand, not only could I get it high but I could totally straighten it and stand straight. I was absolutely gob smacked by being able to do this as I haven't been able to do this for about 8 years! I felt like a proper little dancer again. Let's say I am very very happy with this and shocked I could actually do it again. Only two weeks in and I'm seeing massive results, I am so excited to see what more I can do! Thanks for all your amazing training you guys have given me so far! Livvy xx"

Livvy White, 29 - Massage Therapist