I have seen huge changes in my health and fitness since I started at CrossFit Elmira but I truly don’t believe this is my biggest gain. It is the WHY behind this gym that sets it apart from all the rest. This was evident to me by the end of my initial one on one session with Kirby as we talked about fitness and his intent behind the community they were building through the gym. He explained that their overall goal is not just to improve your fitness and rather that this was more of a by-product. Kirby explained that if they could help you push yourself a little harder in that one hour than you thought you could then that momentum would carry through to the rest of your life. Especially when you are surrounded by a community of individuals of all different levels with all of their own WHYs for being there that encourage each other to be a better version of themselves. This conversation is what confirmed that I was in the right place.

A year ago, my son and I moved from Thunder Bay leaving friends and family to start our new adventure and it wasn’t until joining Kirby and Shavonne’s gym that we truly started to feel as though we were at home. Meeting new people is difficult especially when life is busy, going to school full time, working and running back and forth to hockey. I’ve had one or two “breaks” from the gym and one of the simplest acts made a world of difference. An email from the gym simply saying “Hey Leah, haven’t seen you in a little while. Hope to see you soon.” At CrossFit Elmira you are not just a number, each and every coach cares, they notice when you’re not there, and each of them are truly amazing. They love to see you progress and will point it out when you may not be able to see it yourself or possibly point out that you’re wearing shorts on multiple occasions. This is because they know that we are our toughest critics and if we can “get comfortable being uncomfortable” - Kirby Martin - the sky is the limit when it comes to what we can achieve in life. These are just a few reasons why for me CrossFit Elmira is more than JUST a gym. It has made a strange place home, surrounded me with an amazing community that strives to bring you up, and I can say that I have gained some of the most amazing people in my life that I am lucky enough to be able to call my friends. I can also deadlift 255# three times and walk on my hands

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I have been battling with a herniated disc problem for many years. My chiropractor challenged me in the spring of 2017 to consider doing CrossFit to strengthen my core. I thought about it all summer and finally in the fall my wife and I decided that I should try it.

Starting with 3 private sessions with Kirby, I was able to get comfortable with process. Kirby felt I comfortable with me joining classes  I signed up. I started with 30 minute sessions, and I am now doing 60 minute sessions 3 times a week. My back has done extremely well and it has been tested. I have had no back incidents since starting CrossFit and I lost 23 lbs! I love the challenge of CrossFit, the encouragement of the other participants, and the coaching of the staff. My goals for this year are to conquer double unders and muscle ups.

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Training with Kirby and all the CrossFit Elmira coaches is amazing. Every session they motivate me, challenge me and push me harder, helping me reach and surpass my fitness goals. Each workout is different and the coaches always offer modifications to meet the needs and abilities of everyone present. The results have not only met but exceeded my expectations, having significantly increased my strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

Everyone at CrossFit Elmira is upbeat and supportive and their education and expertise are immediately apparent. Overall, CrossFit Elmira is a phenomenal gym filled with wonderful patrons and coaches, simply the best! I am thankful for my fitness home and community every single day.

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I joined CrossFIt after a foot injury prevented me from maintaining my regular fitness routine, which consisted mostly of running. I must admit, the idea of joining CrossFit classes was very intimidating (as a slightly over 40 year old mom, with very little experience lifting weights, who lacked any coordination or athleticism!). I very quickly discovered a place where I couldn't possibly have been more warmly welcomed; not only by Kirby and Shavonne and their amazing coaches, but also by the members who are a complete cross section of ages, abilities and fitness levels who have become a real community.

Every class ends with members congratulating each other on their accomplishments, along with lots of laughs. Kirby, and his staff have a clear devotion to helping each member progress toward their goals. I have actually felt their pride as they've encouraged me to try something just a little beyond my comfort zone and achieve it! The classes are about so much more than lifting weights; they are lessons in nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, they are about movement and flexibility and conditioning. They are about friendship and community and consistency!

In the time that I've been a member, I have found a workout that I look forward to, that I've been able to stick to 5-6 days a week, and have developed a body that feels strong and healthy, and for the first time in my life, coordinated and athletic! (At slightly over 40yrs old :) ).

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