CrossFit Ridgeline

Member Highlight
Please congratulate, Brian Jett on being our Member Highlight for the month of July! 

1.) Why did you decide to try Ridgeline?
I decided to try Ridgeline because I was looking for something different. I was tired of the same old routine at Planet Fitness. Biceps and triceps one day, chest and back another day, legs on the third day, repeat. 

2.) What is your favorite part about Ridgeline?
 My favorite part about Ridgeline is both the competitive and supportive environment. Many of your classmates want to push themselves to be the first person to finish a workout, but they will respect and support you whether you are the first or last to cross the finish line. Everyone is on the same team, which makes the workouts fun (or at least suck less). And Coach Joe, we love Coach Joe. 

3.) What are your hobbies outside of the gym?
Outside the gym I enjoy attending all of the WVU sporting events, traveling to new places (just got back from a European vacation where we visited Italy, Greece and several Greek islands, and Turkey), spending time with my girlfriend Kim and our families, playing golf, and last but not least my dog Arlo.

4.) What kinds of improvements have you seen since joining CrossFit?
I have seen many improvements since joining Ridgeline, but the two biggest improvements have been my cardio/endurance as well as a commitment to my routine (I know, not your typical answer). Coach Joe likes to say “there are three you can count on in life: death, taxes, and Brian Jett at 7:00 am.”

5.) What would you say to someone that is nervous to try CrossFit?
For anyone nervous about trying Crossfit, I would say that the majority of participants are not former collegiate or professional athletes (although we do have some of those). Most of us are just regular guys or girls showing up and pushing ourselves to be a little bit better each day.

Member Highlight
Please congratulate, on being our Member Highlight for the month of June! 

1.) Why did you decide to try Ridgeline?
My older sister and I started CrossFit together almost 10 years ago, and I quickly grew to love the community and challenge that came with it. During residency, I moved away and took a break from CrossFit for a couple of years. When I moved back for work, I wanted to get back into it. Ridgeline was close to my job and felt like the perfect place for a fresh start, so I decided to give it a try.

2.) What is your favorite part about Ridgeline?
My favorite part about Ridgeline is definitely the people. I was a little nervous at first since I didn’t know many people, but that feeling didn’t last long. Everyone has been so welcoming, encouraging, and supportive. It’s clear that people genuinely want to see each other succeed, and that sense of community is what makes me look forward to coming to the gym every day. I’m also really thankful for the friendships and connections I’ve made since joining Ridgeline.

3.) What are your hobbies outside of the gym?
Outside of the gym, I love traveling to new places and finding the best food and coffee wherever I go. Hiking is always a bonus too, especially if there’s a beautiful view at the end. I also really enjoy baking, and right now my current fixation is sourdough everything. More than anything, I love spending time with my family. I’m very close with my two sisters — I live with one of them — and I love being an aunt to my two nephews.

4.) What kinds of improvements have you seen since joining CrossFit?
Since joining CrossFit, I’ve definitely seen improvements in my strength and endurance. I’ve also enjoyed challenging myself with new skills, like working toward muscle ups and hopefully one day being able to do a handstand walk. But more than anything, the biggest improvement has been in my confidence. It’s been really rewarding to see growth both inside and outside of the gym.

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Member Highlight
Please congratulate, Aleks Stefaniak on being our Member Highlight for the month of May!

1.) Why did you decide to try Ridgeline?
I was at a point in life where I was looking to make some positive changes to my mental and physical health. At the time, I lived down the street from Ridgeline and passed by it everyday on my way to work, so one day I stopped in to check it out. I had never done CrossFit so it was all new to me.

2.) What is your favorite part about Ridgeline?
The thing that got me hooked over 10 years ago was that Ridgeline was more than a gym. It was a community of people, everyone was really encouraging and helpful in learning proper techniques. The people are what makes Ridgeline better and better every day.

3.) What are your hobbies outside of the gym?
My wife and I love to cook together. We are big National Park junkies so we are always looking for an opportunity to visit a new place and hike a trail. We enjoy traveling too, anyplace near or far. I dabble in photography so my camera comes with me anyplace we go. It’s a continuous learning process, so I like the challenge of getting a great photo.

4.) What kinds of improvements have you seen since joining CrossFit?
Early on, I saw a lot of improvement in strength and endurance. As the years have gone by, I find myself chasing PRs less and focusing more on technique and staying healthy so I can workout again the next day. Big shout out to the Front Porch!

5.) What would you say to someone that is nervous to try CrossFit?
It can be intimidating coming into a gym for the first time, but just remember, everyone there had a first day, too. Focus on proper technique and staying healthy. The PRs will come with time.