613 Success Story: Sean Gagnon
I am Sean P Gagnon, in my mid 40’s and new (as of Jan) to CrossFit. By day I work for the Department of National Defence, managing a small team of talented professionals that deliver on IT enterprise class services globally to remote users who operate in austere conditions. By night and on weekends, and for extended periods of time, I am a captain in the infantry with the Governor General’s Foot Guards (yes, the guys on parliament hill in the red scarlet uniforms with the bear skin cap, and yes, I can confirm that it is hot). I have been blessed to have completed 28 years of service for Canada and with my fellow brothers and sisters in arms. I am also a 2-time champion shot in the military (2003 and 2008 – Queen’s Medal for Champion Shot) and I had the honour to represent Canada 8 times at international competitions winning a bunch of shiny things. The rest, you’ll just have to ask me…
What prompted you to begin training at CrossFit 613?
Honestly… I saw an ad flyer on Facebook. I know, crazy eh! I had been interested in CrossFit for several years, just never had the time. I know several colleagues that are doing it. I know what it is to be gym fit (did body building throughout my teens through early 30s with lots of injuries), and I know what it is to be army fit (again with lots of injuries). I didn’t know how to be truly functionally fit.In late 2016, I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and severe osteoarthritis throughout my body. I decided that I had to come up with a plan, on how I was going to regain control of my health and improve the quality of my life. On any given day, I was a train wreck and in constant bodily pain. I would hobble around like an 80-year-old. I would grit my teeth and just get on with my day. After some research, I settled on CrossFit as the core to build my plan around. I didn’t want to lift weights anymore, and I didn’t want to put kilometre after kilometre pounding asphalt. I needed to learn how to become functionally fit and do that smartly. The answer is CrossFit. CrossFit is time efficient, intense, motivating, dynamic, addresses joint mobility, and it is a community of like-minded individuals who all want to be the best version of themselves. And I paired it with a paleo-diet to address all the other health issues. So, why CrossFit613 and not some other box? CrossFit613 resonated with me. On the wall is a simple ethos. Show Up! Work Hard! See Results! So far, I have been showing up… Once I am there I work hard… And the best part is I am seeing results J. I wish I started it sooner, like over 20 years ago...
What was your greatest concern, fear or scepticism when you considered CrossFit?
That this will break me!!! In all reality, I have never felt this good!!! I can do the classes and walk away. The next day I am functional and not broken. It’s awesome! I want to go back and train again! Unlike my body building days… That used to just plain suck. After a workout, I couldn’t move certain body parts for days. That made everything else in my day, just difficult. With CrossFit, I was initially fearful of passing out during workouts… Breaking my back and having my knees explode into a million pieces... That this was too “hard” for me, because I am too old and broken, etc. NOT THE CASE!!! The Coaches at CrossFit613 have been amazing! They make sure that you work within your abilities so that you do not get injured. They are constantly on you about correct form and technique. They will modify exercises based on your mobility challenges, of which I have a lot. I am able to complete the work outs of the day and I look forward to the next workout.The coaches really make the time to work with you.Go to a regular gym and receive nothing. Go to a CrossFit “box” and get something that will make a difference. Totally worth it! The classes are made to fit you and the coaches want you to genuinely improve. They actually take the time to provide direction and guidance, aka “coach” you. You get time to talk with the coaches, and there is enough one on one time during the class. They really want you to be the best version of you.
Describe the most pleasant surprise of training at CrossFit 613.
The CrossFit613 community!!! To be honest, this caught me off guard. I was used to going to gyms, where no-one really talks to anyone, people just want to get in and get out without interaction etc. Embrace the suck and get on with it. At CrossFit613, it has been a very refreshing experience. People talk to you at the “box” about how much this is about to suck or how much it just did suck. People are also engaging and talk about themselves. There are a lot of high-fives and accolades for completing the workout (that just sucked the life out of you) no matter what level you are at; as you are all doing the workouts together. This has been huge and encouraging. I am in the foundations class (beginner) looking at the higher classes as incentive. I am going to get a muscle up and climb the damn rope. I really feel like I am becoming part of the CrossFit613 community. Everyone shares in each other’s success.
How has your health and fitness improved since you started training at CrossFit 613?
Since January 2017:
Dropped 30 lbs so far;
Blood sugar is back to normal;
Cholesterol is back to normal;
Blood pressure is back to normal;
Working through the arthritis and gaining joint mobility back. With a good warm up – I can do full squat again with weight J;
Gaining strength again;
Connecting with others and feeling a part of something worthwhile;
I can almost do a burpee; and
Whole new life!
Would you recommend CrossFit 613 to others?
ABSOLUTELY!!! When all my friends ask me what I am doing? I tell them training at CrossFit613. I proudly wear the t-shirt. Experienced and knowledgeable staff make the day. The coaches are approachable and professional. They are prepared for the class and workout of the day. Oh, and most importantly, they make it fun!!!