Success Stories
Morgan Before and Morgan After and Deadlifting 275
Right now we don’t have an official testimonial from Morgan Menden, as she is training at the Newark police academy, for which she joined GameShape to prepare . She was only able to visit with us for 3-months and we are saving a space for her when she returns. Here is her before and after picture. The first 4-weeks are pivotal in our program. It’s the (wo) man maker period. We are not only hitting you with new movements and intensity levels but with, to most, a new and foreign nutrition philosophy. Nutrition is of course the toughest because most of us are carb addicts and stuck on the USDA food pyramid. Anyway, she dove right in to everything, asks lots of questions, sent lots of emails, took some bumps, but did not give up. She cut out dairy, legumes and grains, had protein and veggies at every meal and was not afraid of dietary fat or the myths that go with eating it. No weighing or measuring of food. She did however, keep an online journal. Most importantly, she was not perfect as we encourage/mandate a true Cheat Meal (gluten-free) per week. She was only training 3 days per week and sometimes on her off days, performed CrossFit Endurance Workouts, which are short interval workouts. At the time she was working for two firehouses. I don’t know how that is possible. Anyway, her sleep schedule was crazy. Morgan improved how she looked, felt and performed. She is pictured here after deadlifting 275 pounds. Great job Morgan, we are so proud of you and you will make an awesome police officer. We are anxiously awaiting your return. –About Morgan Menden
“I first found out about the GameShape CrossFit when I decided to step up my training efforts. For the previous several years, I had been going to a normal gym and using machines, lifting weights and doing some running. My performance had plateaued and frankly, I became bored doing the same things each week.
By using the Crossfit program at GameShape CrossFit, Coach Jay and Coach Val REALLY push you hard to achieve better results. They have an intense focus on correct form and are incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of fitness, weightlifting and nutrition. You never know what the workout of the day will be when you walk into the class but you know you will be challenged. By being in great shape, I have even more confidence, extra energy and I know that I’m living an intense life.”
Jeff Turi, Age 44
Life had been very stressful for a few years. I had been in survival mode. And I had survived. I decided it was time to start thriving. To step out of the safety zone I had wrapped myself in. Step 1 was to get in better physical shape. I had been going to yoga and spinning. I wanted to get stronger so going forward with my life I could continue to ski and try other sports. I had read about Val and GameShape CrossFit and decided to go for it. If I was going to step out of my comfort zone it should be something I had never tried before and that was challenging.
And it was challenging!
Coach Jay and Val bring so much to the classes by pushing me to work hard, beyond what I thought I could do…like the 100 days of Burpees. This program has given me confidence to try other things outside my comfort zone. I tell other people that GameShape Crossfit is hard work but fun.
My body has changed and I have MUSCLES! I am stronger. I dropped 2 pant sizes. I have started road and mountain biking. I am a stronger skier. I even tried surfing and did not drown. And we (my sisters + I) are planning a surf camp trip. And have a few other sports on the list to try.
It was a surprise how easy it is to get up at 4:50am to make the 5:30 class. I look forward to laughing and working out with the other members. Everyone is nice and encouraging. I have made new friends and met people I would have not crossed paths with.
Kathy McDaniel
I signed on to GameShape CrossFit from another gym. There was a column in the News Journal. I also knew of Val from her basketball playing days at UA,Stanford and WNBA. I wanted to give her workout a try. It has been such a rewarding experience. I remember looking at a jump rope in the beginning and saying”you want me to do What”? Now I can do more than 750 jumps(not without a time out,though). I can lift upwards of 20lbs of weights-no they do not cause you to bulk up-. I run 5K’s. We never know what the blackboard will have us to do in a given day. One thing certain; we will sweat! I tell my friends to come try and join me in praise!
My clothes size has changed.
My lung capacity is better(I don’t sing any better but I can breath better)
I am better toned and in better shape.
It is age friendly–I am the southside of 70
It is a friendly atmosphere
On a very recent trip to DC for the inauguration, I was among the thousands on the Mall. I stood upwards of 3hrs, walked more than 12 miles, went under 3ft fences(we were lost in a construction site) and climbed over a 4ft high concrete barricade –this was a pleasant surprise!
I recommend Gameshape for the young and not so young.
Mavis Wooley, Age 73
” I want you to know how much your program inspired me, mentally and physically. I’m not sure if you knew that I traveled 75 miles to class. In order for me to make it there on time, I would have to leave work at 3:30. Anytime after that I would be pushing it. So, there were many times I was flying trying to get there on time. On those few occasions, I was upset, because of the traffic, I knew I wouldn’t make it.
I am so thankful to my friend who introduced me to CrossFit during the summer. While I have participated in many different fitness programs over the years, there was none that compared to yours. I was so impressed that you can achieve substantial benefits without hours and hours of fitness training.”
Norene Poole
“The two of you were such an inspiration to me during the summer when I was able to be part of the class – you pushed me to fitness levels that I never would have thought possible. Your belief in my ability, and an unwillingness to let me whine my way out of things, helped me to believe in myself in a way I never would have thought possible. Also, the outlet of physical exertion during the crazy, stress filled months helped me to maintain a healthy perspective and stay balanced.”
Ann Weber
“The CrossFit program at Val Whiting ’s Game Shape has been a great experience! I have gained energy and strength in such a short period of time and actually look forward to exercising. Most of all I like the fact that each workout is completely different and is a mix of cardio, strength training and balancing techniques. I highly recommend the program to anyone who is looking to improve their overall health!”
Anita Neubauer
“I have been involved with personal training with Val Whiting for almost a year. What a refreshing end to a work day. Makes you want to go out and tackle the world all over again”.
The Honorable Jane Brady
“Although getting up at 5:30 am to go work out is not easy, it has been worth it. After only two weeks, I felt I had more energy and was stronger. All of my clothes fit differently and my body just feels better in general. I am never bored during workouts and always have a great time. ”
Elizabeth Sproesser
“When a friend of came to me and told me about an exercise boot camp. I said “boot camp” ? Being 51 years of age, there was just something scary about signing up for a boot camp. But I did it and I’m so glad I did. Val is awesome, she doesn’t believe “no pain no gain” if it hurts theres another way to do it. This is truly wonderful for me after just a few weeks I could feel a difference in my clothes. I never thought I’d be the one saying working out is a rejuvenating way to start the day….To the 50+ ladies, do this you’ll be happy you did. I think I’m gonna be a life member. I don’t want this experience to end!”
Renee’ Green
“Speaking from the heart, for myself, I have never had so much fun so early in the morning!!! Not only do I look forward to the work out, which have given me more energy (imagine that-smile), but I also get a great nights sleep. Most of all, I enjoy seeing my new friends, “The Sisters at Six”. Those 8 wonderful women motivate me more than anyone will ever know and thanks to you guys for bring us all together. ”
Who knows, maybe one day we can all be in the Senior Olympics!!!
Peace, Blessings and Love Always,
Forever Grateful
Charma Bell
“I had concerns about joining CrossFit because of my lack of physical activity and age (actual 46 with a fitness age of 60) I knew I had to do something fast. Being overweight was not doing much for my moral or my health. Now all I can say is WOW! Val works with everyone in boot camp on their own fitness level. My energy level has soared. I don’t lay down in the floor because of a long day anymore, the steps in my home aren’t dreaded anymore and my husband is actually enjoying my determination to lose weight and get fit.”
Belinda Jackson
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