Testimonials
Client Stories
by Sean on May.12, 2012, under Testimonials
Read what Oregon Crossfit Members have to say:
Testimonial from Scout Galash
My name is Scout Galash, and I’m pretty unique to Crossfit; I’m only fifteen years old, and have been doing it for a little bit over a year now. When I began Crossfit I was extremely insecure, I lived the definition of a sedentary lifestyle, and had absolutely no muscle. I had never done a sport in my life, and the most athletic thing that I did for fourteen years was physical education class. You could say that I basically started out at the lowest that one could start at…
Crossfit works to do everything that it claims to do. Toned muscles, increased understanding of the fundamentals of the movements, and endurance that, for me, could only have been imagined before, are all things that I have gained from it, to name only a few. Crossfit isn’t just something that has changed me physically; it has changed me mentally in so many ways. It has made me love exercise, it has made me realize that my previous “inability” to run was all mental, and it has given me a tremendous amount of confidence in my body, and my athletic abilities. Read More
Testimonial from Wende Fletcher
“I have to be honest…I did a lot of talking about wanting to try Crossfit but was secretly scared to death of it (insert images of torn and bleeding blisters/hands here). But it wasn’t until an old high school friend of mine basically held me to all that talk, did I finally venture out and try my first class. From that first session at Oregon Crossfit, I knew I found my new gym. I’ve had memberships at various types of gyms and workout facilities across town and they all serve their specific purpose for different types of people, but for me, Oregon Crossfit was the first place where I felt welcome and a part of the ‘family’ from the minute I walked through the door.” Read More
Testimonial from Chasity Ciancilo
“I have gained confidence in my body again and no longer live in fear of reinjuring my back. I excel at core exercises because I know they are important to keep my whole body functioning properly. I cannot imagine working out solo in a gym anymore.” Read More
Testimonial from Ed Busch
“The class setting is amazing. Whether it’s my classmates cheering me on or me watching them set a new PR (personal record), accomplishing a movement for the first time, or simply pushing through a workout, every day I’m inspired by one of my fellow classmates to push harder. It’s that sense of community keeps me coming back for more.” Read More
Testimonial from Eric Dummann
“The coaches are all experienced and excellent. I have been able to change my perception of what my body can do and what is possible. The positive attitudes and support from both the coaches and students is amazing.” Read More
Testimonial from Ron Carter
“I never plan on quitting crossfitting. It has become a way of life for me and a fountain of inspiration. I sometimes feel guilty because I don’t feel as though I give enough back. I owe my new life to Oregon Crossfit and the community that it is.” Read More
Testimonial from Zach
“I spent 8 months trying Crossfit on my own before meeting the crew at OregonCrossfit. I signed up haven’t looked back. I am now a much more well rounded athlete. I can still run 30miles and I can lift weights and am getting close to those toes.” Read More
Testimonial from Scout Galash
by Patrick on May.12, 2012, under Testimonials
My name is Scout Galash, and I’m pretty unique to Crossfit; I’m only fifteen years old, and have been doing it for a little bit over a year now. When I began Crossfit I was extremely insecure, I lived the definition of a sedentary lifestyle, and had absolutely no muscle. I had never done a sport in my life, and the most athletic thing that I did for fourteen years was physical education class. You could say that I basically started out at the lowest that one could start at.
My change to who I am now was not easy. When I first started Crossfit I was at the point where I knew that I had to do some kind of exercise, so I forced myself to come in with my mom a couple times a week. My effort level was pathetic and at that rate I was making no progress. It wasn’t until I began going to Crossfit with my dad (after a long break) that I began to see what my strengths really were. My effort still wasn’t exactly there, but I had started to enjoy coming in and accomplishing a workout that looked impossible in writing. I can very clearly remember the day that things changed for me, it was a challenge involving a push press, and I got a big weight. The way that the people in the gym made me feel was a high that I knew I would always strive to feel again. At that point, I was addicted and since then I have gotten better and better, and am accomplishing new things each and every class that I attend.
With Crossfit, I have never once looked at a workout and thought, “Wow, that should be easy,” and it never has been easy. Every single time that I go, some part of me aches, I sweat, I breathe hard, and I feel as if I will never make it to the end. But it’s all worth it. Crossfit works to do everything that it claims to do. Toned muscles, increased understanding of the fundamentals of the movements, and endurance that, for me, could only have been imagined before, are all things that I have gained from it, to name only a few. Crossfit isn’t just something that has changed me physically; it has changed me mentally in so many ways. It has made me love exercise, it has made me realize that my previous “inability” to run was all mental, and it has given me a tremendous amount of confidence in my body, and my athletic abilities.
In addition, the people that I have met at Crossfit have been incredible; they make the atmosphere just that much better. The amazing coaches aren’t afraid to be honest, but will still cheer you through your tears and make sure that you make it to the end. The classmates add a level of humor to the class, while still making sure that everyone around them is working hard, and finishing strong. Whether you are elite, or you are just a beginner, the people at Oregon Crossfit do an extremely good job of making you feel completely at home with them.
All in all, Crossfit is a place that I truly believe anyone can go to and fit right in. I may have started at the bottom of the totem pole, but I never felt that people viewed me in that way. Crossfit helps me to achieve things that sound unachievable, and gives me a level of confidence that I had never imagined having just a few years ago.
Testimonial from Wende Fletcher
by Patrick on Apr.18, 2012, under Testimonials
“I have to be honest…I did a lot of talking about wanting to try Crossfit but was secretly scared to death of it (insert images of torn and bleeding blisters/hands here). But it wasn’t until an old high school friend of mine basically held me to all that talk, did I finally venture out and try my first class. From that first session at Oregon Crossfit, I knew I found my new gym. I’ve had memberships at various types of gyms and workout facilities across town and they all serve their specific purpose for different types of people, but for me, Oregon Crossfit was the first place where I felt welcome and a part of the ‘family’ from the minute I walked through the door. During that first workout, I sucked wind hard while watching in amazement, the insane athletic ability of the other members who were there (handstand pushups?!?! Whaaaat!!!). Seeing their commitment to themselves, with their ‘no excuses’ approach to their workouts motivated me to finally get off my ‘duff’ and start taking responsibility for my health.
The workouts are tough, plain and simple, but that’s what so great about it. When you walk out the door, your body feels like you’ve worked out – HARD (…and you may possibly question whether you might have gotten hit by a truck ) but when you walk out the door you can absolutely FEEL your results. Having only been at OC for a few months, I’m already starting to feel and see muscle where I never had muscle before. Even my 9 year old daughter recently noticed and commented on newly found muscle definition in my legs…ahhh that was a great day!! Pretty sure there were balloons, floating hearts, and a rainbow involved…and I’m not ashamed to say, I got all giddy and emotional…I think she even possibly walked away with a brand new puppy… I’m only teasing, I don’t bribe my children, (all the time) …but that compliment made me realize these workouts work! Whether you are starting straight from the couch like I did, or whether you are the current PPP champion, you will be challenged at Oregon Crossfit. Each person there has to work equally as hard to reach their own personal goals. I think that’s what makes Oregon Crossfit feel like such a ‘family’, everyone is working toward the same goal…a different, better, stronger version of themselves.
For me, it’s fact! The group of people that attend a gym can either make or break that gym. At Oregon Crossfit, the people are one of their greatest strengths. I have never, ever before, been surrounded by a more genuinely supportive group of individuals from all different walks of life. The coaches, (love the coaches!) and the members alike, care about your success and are willing to help in whatever way they can to help you see that success. Even with their crazy socks, (which I still secretly believe must have some sort of strange, superhuman, superpower built into them, I mean really multiple handstand push ups IN A ROW?!?! C’mon…haha! ) they always make themselves available for diet tips/tricks, cookbooks to help you get out of a rut or a shoulder to cry on when you feel like you’ll never, ever, ever be able to overcome your debilitating fear of jumping with TWO feet AT THE SAME TIME onto a box. (Yes, sadly, that is a real fear!) There have been more times than I can count when another crossfit member has come over to help cheer me on as I struggle to finish those last few reps of a workout. There’s just something about that kind of camaraderie that makes you feel like you have the support you need to conquer the world one burpee/pull up/box jump at a time.
I know it sounds a bit cliché but joining the Oregon Crossfit family has truly changed my outlook on life. Before I was ‘trapped’ by all the fear and “I can’t do its” that were running through my head…and there still may be things I can’t do (i.e. unassisted pull ups or handstand pushups for example) …but now they are just things I can’t do YET. Nothing’s impossible! Crossfit is all about crushing previously set goals right?! So who knows where I’ll end up. Box jump (with TWO feet at the SAME TIME) check! Unassisted pull up…you’re next!”
Testimonial from Ron Carter
by Sean on Jan.04, 2010, under Testimonials
I am having a little trouble trying to put down in words how I feel about Oregon Crossfit and all of you because the whole experience has completely changed my life and who I am. These are words that I do not say lightly because sadly to say I am a man that does not make big changes too easily.
Recently divorced, financially strapped and desperate to make sense out of it all, I happen to be blasted out of my pessimistic reverie one day by loud music accompanied by people shouting and grunting. I had just finished another boring personal training session followed by 20 minutes on the cardio machine as 20 minutes was all I could stand. I started my weight loss journey @ a hefty 260lbs and by now was down to about 235lbs, when I was awakened from my stupor by this commotion accross the street. So I went over and asked cheerfully asked what the hell was going on over there and why were all these people having fun killing themselves? I was told why don’t I come over for a free workout and find out for myself? I agreed and came by the very next day.
I got put through baseline and it nearly killed me and I think it took me something like 8 minutes to finish it. I could not do one pull up. I am not much of a record keeper so I have no idea what that first time was. This was almost a year ago and as of that night I have never stepped foot in another gym. I got down to about 175 lbs and have since gotten back up to about 185lbs. I am going to compete at sectionals this coming March. I have no illusions of moving on from there but from a, grossly over weight 41 year old to a, in pretty dam good shape 42 year old competing with guys much younger than me I think speaks for itself. I have had some injuries along the way but I can honestly say I brought them all on myself. I am so addicted to crossfitting that it is really easy for me to overtrain.
Every coach and every person in my box is awesome and I am almost always motivated to workout with them. On the days I am not motivated, once I get going all my fellow crossfitters motivate me to work hard and keep at it. Watching people go through what I went through is so completely inspiring. Diet and virtuosity are always preached and the vast amount of the knowledge our coaches have is incredible!
I never plan on quitting crossfitting. It has become a way of life for me and a fountain of inspiration. I sometimes feel guilty because I don’t feel as though I give enough back. I owe my new life to Oregon Crossfit and the community that it is.
My most heartfealt thanks to all that have helped and inspired. Owners, coaches, fellow crossfitters. It is truly the whole community that makes Oregon Crossfit what it is.
Sincerely, Ron Carter
Testimonial from Zach
by Sean on Jan.04, 2010, under Testimonials
I grew up cross country skiing, running and biking. As I developed in my sports (making the World Cup and barely missing the Olympics in Cross-Country Skiing) I found myself becoming very physiologically unbalanced. I could do 50 dips and run for 30miles, but couldn’t lift 100lb overhead or touch my toes. I needed to find a balance and discovered Crossfit. I spent 8 months trying Crossfit on my own before meeting the crew at OregonCrossfit. I signed up haven’t looked back. I am now a much more well rounded athlete. I can still run 30miles and I can lift weights and am getting close to those toes.
- Zach
Testimonials from Eric Dummann
by Sean on Jan.01, 2010, under Testimonials
I can’t say enough good things about Oregon Crossfit. I have always been active, but since I started Crossfit I am stronger than I have ever been, and have more energy than I have had in years. The coaches are all experienced and excellent. I have been able to change my perception of what my body can do and what is possible. The positive attitudes and support from both the coaches and students is amazing. I come five days a week and I look forward to each and every class.
Thank-you oregon Crossfit!
- Eric Dummann
Testimonial from Ed Busch
by Sean on Jan.01, 2010, under Testimonials
Crossfit is a unique endeavor. The workouts are never the same and they challenge you in every way imaginable. It’s a requirement that you must push yourself to the edge. On top of all that, there are so many different things to learn. Thankfully the coaches and the community at Oregon Crossfit are truly the best and they are always there to help you in every way.
Firstly, the coaches at OC are incredibly talented. Not only do they inspire me to give every workout my best, but they also vigilantly watch my form and correct me to ensure I’m doing everything safely. They also teach the fundamentals in a way that’s easy for me to understand and repeat. The coaches are only a part of what makes OC so great.
The other part is the community. The class setting is amazing. Whether it’s my classmates cheering me on or me watching them set a new PR (personal record), accomplishing a movement for the first time, or simply pushing through a workout, every day I’m inspired by one of my fellow classmates to push harder. It’s that sense of community keeps me coming back for more.
- Ed Busch, President
PGC Building + Design
Testimonial from Chasity Cianciolo
by Sean on Jan.01, 2010, under Testimonials
Although I had always been active, life had changed in 2004 after a back injury. In the past I had ran cross-country/track and excelled in physical fitness training while serving as an Army Nurse. After progressively injuring my back, due to poor body mechanics in daily life as well as at the bedside as a nurse, I thought my active days were in the past. I was only 29. I consented to two back surgeries after enduring months of debilitating pain and inactivity. Recovery was slow, but the pain was gone.
The first year (post-op) my physical activity consisted of walking and religiously following my Physical Therapy (PT) exercises – I was terrified to do any more. The second year (post-op) was not much different from the first; I lived in constant fear of reinjuring myself and refused to do anything beyond my walks and PT. By the third year (post-op) I was bored and ready to give Vinyasa yoga a try. It slowly improved my confidence in my body’s ability to move again. Year four after surgery, I heard of CrossFit and reluctantly tried it. I was very nervous that I may hurt myself and relive my back pain nightmare, but after learning more about it, I was intrigued. I liked the thought of individualized help to work on form while working in group with others. I realized this could be a safe way of amping up my physical activity. Attending class initially once a week, I quickly met others who were at my similar level of fitness. Many of them attended class 2-3 times a week and I saw them quickly improve on skills and getting stronger more quickly than I was. After my first month in CrossFit, my body was (VERY) sore from moving muscles I had not moved in years (if ever), but I was not in pain and my back felt better than ever! I knew it was time to increase my attendance to twice a week. Then, after a few months, I increased to three times a week and really started to see improvements in my times and strength. My muscles became more defined and I felt good about the way I looked and felt.
I was having fun and looked forward to my CrossFit workouts – it was fun to see vast improvements while having fun and meeting new friends. Eventually I increased my membership to unlimited and started attending class 3-5 times a week. Honestly, my body aches more when I miss a few days of CrossFit from inactivity than when I am going consistently! I have gained confidence in my body again and no longer live in fear of reinjuring my back. I excel at core exercises because I know they are important to keep my whole body functioning properly. I cannot imagine working out solo in a gym anymore. I also cannot imagine the boredom and lack accomplish associated with the gym compared to CrossFit. The majority of my friends and family do not understand my excitement over CrossFit and tease me about my ‘addiction’. I never thought I would, or could, be addicted, but I how could I not be? It has given me, ‘ME’ back!
- Chasity Cianciolo






