“In 2016, I had just moved to Louisville and had just retired from my profession as an Olympic track and field pole-vaulter. Now with work and only so much time in the day I thought my goal of staying in shape would be impossible. I had known about CrossFit for years but that world was intimidating to me. I decided to take a chance and join a gym. To achieve my goal of competing in the Olympic Games, that meant surrounding myself with people that not only had the knowledge but also the experience. I took that same approach when finding a CrossFit gym which is why I chose Crossfit the Ville. I am so thankful I did. Now two years later I am stronger than I have ever been, I stayed in shape during and after my first pregnancy, and all with only being in the gym for about an hour a day, 3-4 days per week. The owner, Daniel Barnett, and the whole staff are so welcoming. For them it’s not just about exercising it’s about exercising with a purpose which gets real results. Even if you are new to the CrossFit world all workouts can be scaled to fit your needs. It’s such a comfortable atmosphere which makes you want to go to the gym, not dread it. I promise you, you will get in shape, have fun, and make new friends along the way.”
Becky Holliday-Ward
2012 Olympian
BE BRAVE, BE PERSISTANT
I still remember the day I visited Crossfit the ville for the first time. Seeing all the athletically fit guys and girls was more intimidating than I imagined. I saw Dan lying on the floor gasping for breath after a workout. I thought if CrossFit can do this to Dan (who is very fit and strong), what will happen to me (Haha). With dilemma and confusion, I joined CrossFit the Ville. Now looking back, I think that was one of the best decisions of my life. My very first workout, I was struggling to breath but I survived. One day became one month and one month became one year and more. With the help of Dan, Melissa and the CrossFit family, I gradually not only lost weight (when started I was 244lb, now I’m 185lb) but also gained a significant amount of strength and endurance.
Everyone at the Ville is very supportive and encouraging. I have learned to jump rope, do kipping pull-ups, snatches, cleans, deadlifts (my favorite), and skin the cat (Ya it’s a workout… haha) and many more skills in this gym. I enjoy when I visit other gyms and I’m able to demonstrate my gains and it’s all because of the help from Dan and Melissa. Working in Medical field is very stressful and challenging but working out with this CrossFit family helps me to deal with all the stress. And I’ve made good friends in the process. So, for all who are thinking to join crossfit or confused about trying crossfit; I would say give it a shot. You have nothing to lose (except some stubborn fat) and everything to gain. And don’t be scared. Dan and everyone at The Ville will be very supportive in the whole process and help you to achieve your goals in the best possible way.
Kuldeep Ghosh aka “Kool”
Over the past 3 months I have seen incredible improvements on all levels. Dan and Melissa helped as I made several alterations to my nutrition in order to find what is best for me. I have seen my strength increase and I am doing things I never thought I would be able to do. I can now make it a full lap running without stopping. I am able to finish workouts faster and with more weight. I also just competed in my first competition. When I signed up for the Granite Games I was reluctant and terrified. In the preparation and competition, I hit multiple PRs and was able to see some of my best strength results. I have a community of people who want to see me succeed and provide encouragement to keep me going. I have trainers who push me and work with me to succeed. My clothes fit and I’m dropping sizes. Once I noticed the inches coming off I decided to get rid of all my “fat clothes” and bought clothes that actually fit. My gastro issues that were being treated by close to 8 pills a day are now non-existent. I am now pill free and feeling better than I ever have. It is crazy to think that a year ago I was sitting on the couch, gaining weight, eating something terrible for me, and feeling just as terrible. Today it is hard to ever imagine going back. There is still a long way to go, but everything about this journey has my life improving. I eat better, sleep better, work better, look better, and most importantly, I FEEL better.
10/16/18 1/15/19 4/15/19 7/16/19 10/16/19 2/28/20 Difference:
Weight: 323 310 302 287 262 234 -89lbs
Bodyfat: 41.89% 37.33% 33.42 30.67 26.52 23.36 -18.53%
Fat lbs: 135.32 115.72 100.92 88.03 69.48 54.66 -80.66
Lean lbs: 187.68 194.28 201.08 198.97 192.52 179.34 -8.34
Chest: 54” 51.75 51.5 49.5 46.5 46 -8″
Waist: 54.75″ 51.5” 50.75 49 44.75 41.5 -10.25″
Thigh: 26.5” 26.6” 26.25 26 25 24.25 -2.25″
Upper Arm: 17” 16.25 16.5 15.5 15 15 -1.25″
*Cody’s strength improved on every movement (most doubling in weight) while losing this weight!
Cody Hutchinson
I came to Crossfit the Ville with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise science from Delaware State University. During my masters program in Sports Administration I was a graduate assistant for the strength and conditioning department, where I began my coaching experience in weightlifting. I chose Crossfit the Ville because of the diverse programming, the facility, and the location of the box. When I moved to Louisville I was in search of a box that would allow me to grow athletically, develop friendships and relationships with the coaching staff and members, and have a blast during the workouts. I have found that and so much more since being a member at Crossfit the Ville, everyone is very welcoming and encouraging, it’s hard not to make friends!
I had been a member at Crossfit the Ville for about 5 months before heading into basic training for the Air Force. When I started at The Ville, I had a goal of increasing my cardiovascular capacity in anticipation of the running that would ensue during basic training and I wanted to be among the top female fitness performers. At basic training, I initially was one of the top females in PT for my flight, which made me feel great and that my training at the Ville had paid off. To culminate my basic training experience we had to undergo a final PT test, to my surprise I was awarded Top PT Female for the entire graduating class of roughly 300 females. After my final PT test I was the top female performer in the 1.5 mile run with a 9:57 min run, 69 push ups in 1 min, and 75 sit ups in 1 min. I am thankful during my time at Crossfit the Ville I was able to develop a great foundation going into basic training, one that required me to be physically fit and mentally strong. Working out at Crossfit the Ville allowed me to push myself physically and mentally every workout. Even if I felt like I had nothing left in the tank, encouragement from coaches and teammates allowed me to push through those mental barriers and make a lot of improvements. I look forward to all of the improvements that are yet to come in my fitness journey at Crossfit the Ville!
Jeanette Salgado
ADVANTAGE Fitness 