CrossFit Threshold – Miami CrossFit

David Lee

Dear CrossFit Threshold,
        After hearing about how intense CrossFit is, I was absolutely certain that I would not try it. I’m not a fit person nor did I care about being fit. I’m an academic person and that’s just who I am, why try to be something I’m not? I can live life, be successful and pass away without ever being fit as long as I am good at what I do. I just came to the gym to stretch my legs, do a few bench presses and take a break from my 12 hour sedentary marathons.
        That fateful day when Tony convinced me to try “Donkey Kong” is still hazy in my mind. I vaguely remember Tony ushering me in the door, showing me something and then everything goes black. I still to this day do not remember how or why I went in that room. My memory comes back at the point where I passed out on a bench, threw up in a garbage can and laid there helplessly as I suffered cramps in various places. I was later told by Chris that people in the gym pointed and asked if I needed an ambulance. No, I was sure that the CrossFit workout was the inner rings of hell in an earthly disguise.
        That was a month ago. Today I am writing about how CrossFit workout is the highest echelon of Heaven in an earthly disguise. CrossFit has irreversibly changed my life. Through CrossFit, I have been able to discover my boundaries and to push past them every time. Each workout is like a new challenge, a new game to push past obstacles that cripple my body. I have gotten in significantly good shape and the rigorous regimen has had a significant impact on my diet. I eat healthier, I breathe healthier and I live healthier.
        But what stands out more than anything else in my short time here is the community that supported me through every burpee, pull-up or squat. I have never had this kind of support in my life. In 4th grade, when I joined a soccer club, my coaches only put me in when we were losing by double digits. In 10th grade, when I was testing for my red belt, I spinning-hook kicked the wooden board for fifteen minutes while all the parents sat mouths agape. My foot was bleeding so my sabonim gave up on me and smashed the board against my foot as I was spinning for the 100th time.
        My friends, coaches and family have always told me to give up. They never believed I could be athletic and always advised me to do something else. Chris and Elisha did not give up when they realized how weak I was. Instead, they pushed me harder than anyone there. What seemed impossible now became possible. For instance, I once expected to run 400 meters and pass out, but with Hans barking ahead of me, I was able to somehow run 2 miles.
        In this way, I was led to believe that boundaries were meant to be constantly broken. I will now study harder, research and prepare harder because I know that applying the same threshold shattering concepts I learnt here to my professional life will have immense ramifications. I want to thank you for making me healthier, I want to thank you for believing in me, and I want to thank you, CrossFit Threshold, for showing me that thresholds are meant to be broken.
-David Lee
P.S. – You know that Timberlake/Madonna song that you guys always play during our WODs? It came on my iPod while in the library and my body tensed up and my heart rate went up. I’ve been forever conditioned to physically react to that song.
P.P.S. – I will never date anyone named Helen or Fran.

Thor Gould

Dear Crossfit Threshold,
Before I came to CF Threshold, I had dabbled a little in Crossfit. Being in the military I had heard about it and done a few work outs but going to CF Threshold was the first time I had been to a Crossfit gym and it was the best thing I did during my vacation at home in Miami. The staff are awesome people and extremely knowledgeable. They push everyone to keep improving, while the clients are Crossfit addicts that help gut out that last thruster or pull up. The grueling work outs test your mental toughness just as much as your physical toughness but with the staff and your friends around you Fran, Linda, Griff and the others can’t hold you down.

I thought I was in shape before coming here but I quickly realized I could improve and even in 2 weeks I felt like I was on the right track. Working out here was the perfect base for the Navy training I start soon and I can’t thank you enough for it. I can’t wait to come back.

Thor Gould

P.S. I wish you were around when I actually lived in Miami.

Drew Reitz

Chris, Elisha, and Tony,
I first attended CrossFit Threshold in mid-may of 2009. I’m in the military and was temporarily stationed in Florida for a few months. I had been CrossFitting for approximately one year when I first walked through the doors of Threshold and needed a good gym to workout at for the duration of my stay. Instead, I found a great gym that I hated leaving when the time came. I quickly became friends with both instructors and other members of the gym. There was the camaraderie of friendly competition that can only be found inside a CrossFit box. I found the instructors not only friendly and eager to teach, but extremely knowledgeable in their field with some impressive backgrounds, of which the WOD’s accurately reflected. I enjoyed the training to such a degree that I would drive 30 minutes one way to attend this gym 5-6 times a week, and had no complaints, it was worth every minute.

I greatly enjoyed the numerous competitions and special events that where hosted by Threshold and other gyms in the Miami area. While I had been doing CrossFit on my own for quite some time prior, I had never participated in such events and it was a great experience. I was in decent physical condition prior to attending the gym, yet during my time at Threshold, I saw major improvements in my fitness level all around and set numerous PR’s. My technique improved greatly on many exercises, such as butterfly pull-ups and Olympic lifts, due to solid coaching and helpful tips from the instructors. My only regret is that I couldn’t stay longer, and train in the new box. I have attended several CrossFit gyms as a regular, for certifications and just as a drop in, but Threshold was by far my favorite. To Tony, Chris and Elisha, I wish you the best of luck and to the future of CrossFit Threshold. I know your gym will prosper.

Drew

Colin Crane

Colin’s blog:
Death by Burpee

For Time; 50 (20lb) wall ball shots & 50 (1.5 pood) kettle bell swings
35 wall ball shots & 35 swings
20 shots & 20 swings
My time- 18:26

Today I had the pleasure of going to CrossFit Threshold in Kendall. Wow!! What an amazing experience it was. First of all when I called this morning to get some info on poss. getting to do a WOD with them, I spoke with Chris Holt the co-owner and director of their box. Super friendly and told me to come on down. Nice set-up, very clean and wide open. The WOD was the kind I hate to see cause it forces me to work on my weaknesses, wall ball and kettle bell swings. So I was happy to go and get my butt kicked. Chris also helped me work on my double unders, something I’ve vowed to perfect and haven’t yet. I had such an awesome time there and was invited back anytime. What they are doing there is why I have fallen in love with the sport, brutal WOD’s, family and team atmosphere, and just a whole lot of fun….. I will be back there at least one more time this week. And anytime I’m back in Homestead this will be my box of choice.

Bryan Goldsmith

I got into CrossFit right after coming out of the Fire Academy. I started by pulling bits and pieces of it off the main site, but never really grasped the full concept of it until I was fully introduced to it at during a free trial session. Well just like crack heads always say, “first ones free, then yer hooked” – I was hooked! This was exactly what I was looking for. The constant variation and intensity of the workouts, was OUSTANDING. And the 150% dedication of Threshold’s crew –Chris, Lish, and Tony (Albert, and Annika too)—was the icing on the cake. These guys coached me, and everyone else that comes into their box, with full-blown intensity and enthusiasm. They are constantly helping us improve our skills, attitudes towards the workouts, and even with our nutrition. In addition to the physical aspect of it all, mentally I felt stronger. I had more confidence in my overall physical abilities as well.

But it wouldn’t be fair of me to give all credit to just the trainers. The people in this box are great. No other gym I have ever been a part of and had a bond with them like this. No matter what level of fitness, everyone encourages, cheers on and just all around has a good time with everyone else. Basically it is a community, everyone helps everyone out.

Ever since I graduated the Fire Academy I have been searching for work in the fire service. Just recently I took the Physical Ability Test for the City of Miami’s dept. of Fire Rescue, and smoked it. The training crossfit prescribes, combined with the coaching provided by Chris, Lish and Tony, at Threshold, prepared me to become successful in all events of the test, and any other task that may come my way in the future. THANK YOU GUYS VERY MUCH – AND EVERYONE ELSE AT THRESHOLD

-Bryan

CrossFit Koolaid drinkin Internet stalker!

Sabrina Abislaiman

CrossFit Threshold, how did I ever live without you?

About three months ago I walked through Threshold’s doors, uncertain of what I was about to get myself into. 11 minutes & 58 seconds later, the torture of “Donkey Kong” was over, and CrossFit had made its first impression on me. Needless to say, even though I couldn’t walk for three days, I was hooked!
I quickly became a part of the Threshold family and day after day the results I was seeing were/are more than with any other workout regime I have attempted. At 26 years of age, I am in the best shape of my life! To put it simply, the proof is in the results-I have consecutive kipping pull ups! (& that’s just one of the many accomplishments!)
Thanks to Chris, Lish & Tony for creating more than just another CF box. Thanks for creating a community where camaraderie, perseverance, intensity, acceptance, support and organized chaos come together to form a second home for those of us who are lucky enough to be a part of it. I’m one of those lucky ones, are you?

-Sabrina

(Daniel in New Zealand)

Daniel Susskind

CrossFit Threshold,
I started CrossFit in April 2008, and rather than embrace CFT’s opening that summer I held the belief that group classes weren’t for me. I enjoyed doing the workouts by myself or with a few friends and I figured group workouts would just be a hassle. One year later, for the summer of 2009, I decided to give it a shot and came in one day to check it out. As soon as I entered the room I knew I had been changed. What I saw was twenty-something people doing CrossFit. Twenty-something people running, jumping, pushing, sweating, screaming, cheering. Twenty-something people who were part of a community that I had never sensed before. A community full of so many great trainers and members. A community full of passion and friendship. Athletes on the main site had always mentioned how strong this bond was in an affiliate, and I now truly understood it. I immediately joined for the remainder of my time in Miami, and over the next two months I grew stronger and faster while meeting some amazing people. Chris, Elisha, and Tony continually poured their hearts into the gym, and my fellow members were motivating and supportive. Being away from the gym now, I realize that this is what I miss the most. A community struggling alongside you, pushing you forward. Pushing you forward to grab those last few reps, those last hundred meters. Nothing can compare to that feeling when you walk inside the room. Both from the great members and the awesome trainers. Chris, Elisha, and Tony impressed me both as teachers and as athletes. Along with putting up some unbelievable times and numbers it was evident that they truly love what they do, whether it be teaching someone a new movement or coaching someone to put up more weight. So to everyone at CFT I say thank you. Thank you for an awesome summer full of blood, sweat, and maybe a few tears. I’m looking forward to seeing you all again in a few months.
-Daniel

Ryan Andrada

I have been a smoker and heavy drinker for the past 10 years. Over the years I’ve convinced myself that I didn’t have a problem as long as I could maintain basic activities of daily living. It wasn’t until I joined Crossfit Threshold that reality hit me hard.

I had difficulty breathing, palpitations, and severe headaches while working out lately. I had to seek professional help and underwent an MRI to check the severity of my migraines while working out. Fortunately, my smoking and drinking has not severely or permanently effected my well being and it has given me an opportunity to change my life around.

It has been extremely difficult for me to control my drinking and stop smoking cold turkey. Being in the military I am constantly surrounded by peers and co-workers that constantly smoke and excessively drink and I have regrettably placed myself in numerous situations that discredited my character.

Crossfit Threshold has been very beneficial to me in many ways. It has given me the support to maintain a healthy lifestyle and motivation and determination to end my habits of smoking and drinking. I want to surround myself with positive and driven individuals. I am truly honored to be a part of Crossfit Threshold.

Fight For Everything
Ryan Andrada

done

Before Crossfit…
In the time before Crossfit, you make your way to the cookie cutter gyms that have spread across our country. You walk into one on the east coast and it looks just like one on the west coast. Funny too is that the people look the same. That may benefit some folks…give you a sense of security and familiarity with your environment. I believe this leads to monotonous workouts and a general lack of fitness.

The Revelation…
Talking with a friend at work about trying to break through training/fitness plateaus, he mentions www.crossfit.com. Looking for anything that would change things up and get me to my next level, I log on and began reading. I started with the videos…WOW!! What the heck is a thruster? Once I saw it, I wanted to do it. What is a burpee?…I don’t know but I am sure I will like it. The research continued in the FAQ section…from the basics of what is a WOD to the infamous “Girls” & “Heroes.” I finally gathered up the courage to walk into the cookie cutter gym and attempt a WOD. Once I finished one, I could not wait to do another…and another and so on. After approximately 6 months of mixing WODs into my routine, I realized that I needed help with my form on so many exercises and the only way to get better was to seek out help.

I made my way to the affiliate blog and looked for boxes in my area. One day after a physical fitness test for work, with a sore back, I made my way to CFT. As I was looking for the address, I see a girl (Lish) in the street squatting on a medicine ball and then I see her take off running…I thought to myself, yep, that is a WOD alright. I walk into the gym and the first thing I saw was an old school version of the cookie cutter gym and thought, I am in the wrong place…I was directed towards the back to a rickety old door. I remember walking in and feeling the raw energy of the space. After talking with Chris and Lish I could tell that they were well educated, inspired and extremely enthusiastic about Crossfit. I could see that they had a vision of what CFT was going to become.

The Crossfit Threshold Experience…
Once I joined, I met the third member of the coaching tri-fecta, Tony. His warm ups are true to the crossfit motto…Our warm ups are your workouts. My first few months were just a blur of learning techniques and pushing myself beyond points I thought were not possible before. Now that I have been part of the CFT family for almost a year, my fitness level has increased dramatically and most of all, the do not quit attitude has assisted me at work and home.

Chris, Tony and Lish are always trying to improve their clients’ performance via exercise techniques, learning new skills and the promotion of good nutrition. They are always willing to listen to all our questions, no matter what. The webpage/blogs are constantly updated with WOD results, pictures, videos and general knowledge tools.

Little by little, more and more members have begun to show up for elements and then WODs. The CFT family is constantly growing! My wife joined the CFT family and I am hopeful that some day my two children will also be Crossfitters!
Chris, Tony and Lish have continued to pursue their vision which is demonstrated in the awesome new box we have moved into. They have constantly shown me the right way to approach/execute the exercises and WODs. They say actions speak louder than words, well at CFT that is right on point.
Congratulations and continued success not only to Chris, Tony & Lish, but to all the Crossfitters at CFT who forge elite fitness everyday!

3…2…1…GO!

Gary Ehrlich

Y’know, I believe October is my one year anniversary with Crossfit and this is way overdue.

I was sitting in one of Tony’s Taekwondo classes watching my son and seeing other people coming in and out sweaty, out of breath, but doing something about getting in shape. I had been thinking about looking into the Crossfit classes since they had put a sign up in the room and had even mentioned it to my wife and sure enough, that day Tony comes up to me and asks me to come try it. So I do.

Saturday comes, I come in, hear about the classes from Chris, do Donkey Kong, and thought a train ran over me. It took me an hour AFTER I got home to recuperate. My wife commented that I didn’t look too good. However (and luckily), my competitive nature took over and I wasn’t going to let one day beat me, so I came in for Elements and started. I couldn’t do a pull up on my own, couldn’t run for crap, no dips and absolutely no stamina. I started coming in hardcore in January for the workouts and stuck to the diet.

I am so glad I did and have Chris, Tony and Lish to thank for it. They helped me in every way possible, from the diet, to the workouts, to the motivation. I don’t think I could have gotten over the hump without them. I’m 51 and feel like I’m in better shape now than when I wrestled in high school. I definitely feel like I’ve gotten back at least 10 years of my life. I’ve been on Lipitor since I was 40 and, as of September, per doctor’s orders, I’m off of it. Unbelievable!

I look forward to coming in as much as I can to the classes. There’s just nothing like the feeling afterwards, accomplishing something every time that a year ago I would have watched and gone “You’ve GOT to be kidding!” Even when I travel I either make up my own WOD, do a gymless or hopefully can do the Threshold WOD. I can’t say enough about the whole Crossfit family. Everybody WANTS to be there and is so supportive of each other. Aside from my family (who puts up with my “eating habits” and my wife who does all the cooking and makes bland taste good) I’ve never been associated with a group like this. Thank you all!

Gary Ehrlich

Jessica Maitre

I cheated on my ice cream with CrossFit.

I fell in love with CrossFit Threshold because it has the allure that other heavily electronic and mirrored gyms lack. Here, results are ensured, as well as the support and team spirit that are so thick, you could wipe them off the walls. I was asked to attend CrossFit from a family friend, who, over 50 years of age, has stronger triceps and core than ever. This was enticing in and of itself, despite our age difference.

At CrossFit Threshold, there are as many young children and mothers, as there are competitive athletes and military personnel. Here, bodies thrive to their best potential, despite any prior athletic experience or body type. Who wouldn’t want this??? After the addictive energy that Chris, Tony, and Elisha spat at me within my first 30 minute session, I was hooked. Within a month, I was able to lose serious lbs, all the while discovering that abs aren’t a figment of imagination!

CrossFit Threshold was a home that truly encouraged personal growth for a lifetime, not simply to get a membership fee. The weekly inquiries by Chris about our eating habits slowly crept into my head each time I went grocery shopping, so my diet evolved as well. Because of Threshold’s team, and the other Crossfitters, I have such a developed sense of self and fitness. If anyone ever wanted to have a healthier outlook on life while firmly bonding to those around, then CrossFit Threshold’s it.

Thank you so much for showing me that I can ALWAYS do it!!!