The garrison scheduled our building for refurbishing in June effectively closing our box.  Space on Fort Meade is extremely tight and even though our needs are modest (space we can lock up, electric, and a working head) we have to make the case to inspire the garrison to find us a new home.  It is worth noting for the new visitor to this site that our affiliate is completely member-supported and every trainer is a volunteer.

This is a SMALL sampling of quotes from the impressive responses to the all call for letters witnessing what CFFM means to me.  The details that identify individuals are removed but I still dare you t read ‘em all with out getting a little misty eyed…

“Together we made a smarter, stronger, faster and caring community that has integrated service members and their families in a way that conventional participation in a gym setting did not.”

“CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program that aims to achieve broad, inclusive fitness. Our members strive for proficiency in a number of physical endeavors, including weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardiovascular training. The goal of the program is to prepare its members for any situation they may encounter at home, at work, or on the battlefield.

Our membership is almost entirely made up of active-duty and reserve Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines. I will not belabor the importance of the kind of elite physical readiness CrossFit provides to these servicemen and women, because no one understands it better than an Installation Commander. What may be more important than fitness, however, is the deep camaraderie we have developed for one another. In an increasingly connected battlesphere, nothing can be more important to national defense than the trustful relationship between members of all branches of the Armed Forces. If you come to CrossFit Fort Meade, that is exactly what you’ll see – Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines working together and encouraging each other towards a common goal.

Inspires positive, ongoing change

“There is no easy way to go around the fact that I was at such an unhealthy weight and lifestyle that I needed serious change, and fast.  CFFM allowed for me to have that positive outlet that not only brought me out of my depression and poor moods but also helped me get my physical appearance under control.  I began losing weight and didn’t look back.  The trainers at CFFM wouldn’t let me look back, and would not let me fail.

The selfless service from the coaches at CFFM will never be forgotten by me or my family members, as they never gave up on me, and always encouraged me.  CFFM became a second home for my family; we were welcomed into an atmosphere where service members and DoD civilians could gather and share a common goal of fitness.

There is a fierce passion to protect our gym and members, and yet there is always a welcoming atmosphere for the curious.”

“CrossFit Fort Meade has been an inspiration for me to get healthier. “

“Crossfit is more than just a style of exercise and a few bars and plates in a bomb shelter; CFFM is a family, a team.” 

Demonstrable improvement in performance

“I was consistently in the Good Medium range. After 5 months of CrossFit I jumped up four levels on the PT test to an Excellent High.”

“No matter your physical ability level, the trainers and others are more than helpful and always encouraging. CFFM is the answer to low pt scores and borderline body composition measurements. If CFFM went away, it would be nigh on impossible to replicate the level of physicality in any other workout regime.”

“…when I first got here I was 291lbs and had a 40.5 inch waist, I have been attending crossfit since Jan 2011, and have made significant results thus far. I now have a 37.5 inch waist and weigh 269lbs now, and I will not refuse to quit thanks to the motivation and inspiration crossfit provides me.”

Prepares members for selection courses and career advancement

“I know that without CFFM I wouldn’t have been as prepared physically for this grueling training. By having a place right to Crossfit on Fort Meade with certified trainers, the installation offers a unique setting that allows even the most junior in rank an opportunity to get excellent training at little to no cost to them. “

“[CFFM] is the tool I’m using to prep me for special warfare screenings and possible duties, it is competitive, and it’s camaraderie...”

“I am very confident that no matter the selection course I attend in the future, my physical fitness will not be a weak point.”

“[CFFM] played an instrumental part helping me to stay in top physical shape; it also prepared me for my successful screening and acceptance to the Naval Special Warfare Group Support activity 1.”

Universally scalable, inclusive, and motivational program

“I enlisted in the military for many reasons, but one of the main reasons was to serve alongside motivated individuals. Since I have been in the CT community I have never met any group more motivated than the group of military personal who attend Cross Fit Fort Meade.”

“I’ve only just started CrossFit (2 weeks), but I have never been challenged and more welcome than at CrossFit Ft. Meade.”

“Unlike a gym where one would feel judged and alone [CFFM} provides a friendly environment for people who are just beginning…”

“While being pushed I feel an encouragement and camaraderie that gives me the motivation to continue and not give up when urge to quit takes hold”

“The coaches and other members that run / attend [CFFM] strive to ensure that those who are experiencing difficulty achieving a correct exercise or those who are struggling with the mechanics of an exercise are properly taught.  Though, this may take away from their personal workout time it is important to them that all who attend [CFFM]t are safe and able to gain the most from their time there.”

“I cannot recount the countless hours of blood, sweat and tears that went into creating the facility as it stands today.  Every upgrade to the room, every piece of equipment, every instructional hour was generously poured out by the members for the members.”

Supports service members across the country and the world

“Many of the athletes at CFFM have similar stories, whether it was dropping 30 lbs, passing a PT test for the first time, or just being in the best shape of their lives; regardless, the core of CFFM is that it has provided results to people who have struggled with their fitness, and given them a place to meet up, receive & provide mentorship, and become part of CFFM and its extended family.  Many CFFM’ers like myself who have PCS’ed or moved on, still continue to do the workouts from afar and keep in touch with the affiliate back at Meade.  I can attest after having been to many other affiliates myself that CFFM has something special going on.”

“Even while currently TDY I still follow CFFMs instruction as closely as possible despite the lack of equipment, but more importantly, the lack of interest in the CrossFit concept and the genuinely standout leadership and instruction the CFFM trainers.  Additionally, it should be noted that the CFFM trainers spent a considerable amount of (their own) money to become certified but had to achieve a very high level of knowledge and demonstrate impeccable form and fitness to qualify as a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer.  They do this simply to spread the effective message of CrossFit throughout the Fort Meade and central Maryland areas and to also encourage all to stay as functionally and physically fit as possible.  Once again, CrossFit is not the “only way” to train but its results are undeniable.  Honestly, results at CFFM are typical.  I am only but one example of considerable success.”

“There exists a support system that crosses oceans, stretching even to war zones in Iraq, and Afghanistan, to those simply on a TAD/TDY assignment across the country. Members utilize social networking sites, such as Facebook, and the CFFM website to post workouts and their results, motivate each other, and exchange ideas and information to better not only themselves, but the affiliate as a single unit.”

“I have only been a follower of CFFM peripherally and have never joined the gym.  However, I feel the program has been a huge benefit to me personally.  I recommend [CFFM] program and website without reservations to every person I meet who currently does Crossfit or who is interested.  I am changing duty stations and I hope to be able to follow their programming into the future.  Thanks for all your time and effort and keep up the good work.”

“The ideas and practices that we learn and practice at CFFM I take back to my own unit.  On my last TDY we ran 30 workouts in 34 days for 180 Soldiers’; all who volunteered to participate and benefited directly from the training I received from CFFM.  They felt better, were able to do their duties better, and represent the Army as fit Soldiers’ to the American public.”

A unique benefit to the Fort Meade community

“I retired from active duty ten years ago, but I know the active force is in good hands when I share the company of young men and women who know how to get things done. You have group of people in your command that should be treasured.”

“[CFFM] has all the hallmarks of the most successful military units: morale, camaraderie, and accomplishment of what it sets out to do. The only support we ask from the installation is a place to train.”

“I have become stronger both mentally and physically, my military PT scores have increased, my family has noticed a difference in how I interact with them, so much in fact that my wife encourages me to go even when I am on leave.  The location on post makes it ideal for max time at both work and at home.”

“What [CFFM} has been to me personally, as a sailor in the FEP program is a massive boost to my workouts. As a face among many, I struggled in FEP to get the trainers to help or even just allow me to focus on the areas of my PT that needed attention. [CFFM] wasted no time in modifying workouts to fit my needs exactly. “

“I work in an Agency where we do PT on our own.  I miss the camaraderie being in a Platoon.  And CFFM is as close as I can get.”

“[CFFM]  has  made me the fittest ever in the 40+ years that I have been on this earth.   The basic training while I was in the Army over 15 years ago does not touch the fitness level that I am in now.”

One summary

“…after about ten weeks of Crossfit, my PT Test score increased  almost ten full points, and no small feat, especially in such a short period of time.  Additionally, I have cut almost five minutes from my 5k time.  In January 2011, I was borderline hypertensive, with blood pressure of about 138/84.  Last week I had a physical, and my blood pressure is now 114/61.  The only thing that I can think to attribute these things to is CrossFit Fort Meade.  Certainly the exercise has helped, but it’s more than just an exercise program.  It is a way of life.  CrossFit Fort Meade has hosted nutrition seminars to go with the high quality training they provide.  It is a total package of fitness.  It is a community.  From the day I showed up, people were very supportive and eager to teach me anything that I could possible want to learn about fitness and nutrition.  This is a place where people care about one another and genuinely go out of their way to help people.  These are my wingmen, battle buddies, and shipmates.  This is family.”

Contact us at  info@crossfitfortmeade.com with questions or comments.

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Older testimonials:

Case, Ricky, Nate:

Today marked an important day. In the last six months I have been pushed to my limits and sometimes beyond. I started in March, 228 pounds lazy and overweight with very minimal energy for my family after work. Just, six months later I am 189 pounds. I dropped 39 pounds and 3.5 inches off my waist. I have more energy and my family reaps the benefits as well. After work, instead of feeling the need to relax, I take more time to spend with my kids. The energy needed to keep up with a 12 year old that thinks he knows it all and a hyperactive 4 year old is immense. Not only after work but while at work I now have more energy that allows me to stay focused during the many busy days we all face. I owe this to all three of you who got me started with Crossfitting. THANK YOU!

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Hi

My name is Linus and I’m a swedish policeofficer. I have been doing crossfit for several years, mostly following mainsite and some of my own ideas.

About six month ago I came across your website by accident. I have been following it since. I just want you to know than your programing is by far the best of what I come across! I think it´s perfect for my needs. It´s great with different levels for the SWOD and the DWODs are both fun and challenging.

It´s amazing that a non-profit affiliate has such a high standard programing. Keep up the good work.

Thank you!