Success Story: Aden Stiles

I felt a whole host of emotions before starting CrossFit; intimidated, excited, a little more intimidated, and a slight fear of death! Before I started, I was like any other typical “in shape” guy. I went to the gym, ran for 20 minutes and then bumbled around in the weight section doing a bench press here, a curl there… You know, what in shape people do, right? False.

My first workout was brutal. It was TABATA push ups, which basically means you do a TON of push ups in 8 minutes. I grew up playing soccer, lacrosse, and baseball and this simple workout was without a doubt one of the most taxing I had ever done. I promptly saw my lunch for the second time that day… As terrible as that might sound (trust me, it was), I felt AWESOME after! Unlike the typical bench press here, curl curl there, sit ups everywhere routine, I KNEW when I left that gym that I was doing great things to my body. There was no doubt. You can feel it. The workouts suck, there is no getting around it, but the way you feel after is incredible… (After the soreness fades!)

Before CrossFit, I was always a little intimidated by gym trainers and felt like most of them were condescending. They were always in “great shape” and I was the slacker that could never get on their level. CrossFit Deep Ellum has broken all of those stereotypes. The atmosphere and community that the trainers at CFDE have developed is incredible. New members do not stay “new” for long. People know your name after the first workout because they are cheering you on as you go. It is a very supportive and encouraging place to be. People are immediately welcomed into this gym, but more importantly, they are pushed to be the best they can be every time. Your ability is NEVER a concern!!! Can’t do a pull up? No worries. Haven’t ever worked out? Not a problem. I can’t make many guarantees in life, but I feel confident in saying that CFDE is a place that will push you to be the best you can be every day and you will NEVER feel judged or out of place. It truly is a great place to spend part of your day while getting in the best shape of your life.

You think you're in good shape? I did. Then I tried CrossFit. I soon realized how far I had to go to be in “good shape.” After crossfitting for the

better part of a year and a half I can tell you that at 25 years old I am in the best shape of my life. I used to weigh 200 pounds and was severely out of shape. Now I compete in CrossFit competitions as a way to stay motivated and keep my fitness up. The transformation has been incredible. CrossFit Deep Ellum has done wonders for my fitness. That was expected. What I did not expect was to see how CFDE changed the rest of my life.

I wrote an email to all the trainers of CFDE a while back and I think it sums up my feelings for the gym and what it has done for me.

November 8, 2010 My Boys, I wanted to take a moment to thank you. I was in a very uneasy and uncertain frame of mind when I moved to Dallas and joined the gym in January. My job, career, life, etc was all a mystery and an uncertainty and I HATED that! Depression was looming large. However, you were always there for me, supportive and encouraging. Even though you were helping me improve my fitness, you have done much more for me than even I am aware. It is remarkable how my outlook on life has changed from "I might be able to do that" to "Give me some time and I'll dominate it." It is for that, that I am very grateful. Thank you boys.

After CrossFit

Favorite workout:

Mr. Cahill 800m Run 20 Muscle ups 20 Deadlifts (225#) 20 Box jumps 800m Run