CONGRATULATIONS TO AUGUST MEMBER OF THE MONTH, SETH SKILES!

Tell us a little about yourself and when you joined.

Teays Valley native, an elementary school teacher in Putnam County Schools, and love to travel. I am a

28-year member and have been involved with T PTC/ CrossFit /Potential Plus since founded (in the womb).

What is your most memorable boot camp experience?

Holiday-themed workouts, seeing many people factor through the facility over the past two decades and finally achieving member of the month, LOL.

Why did you try Bootcamp?

I wanted to have a consistent, adult fitness class that was challenging but not painful.

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement?

Strengthening my knees to be able to do lunges, squats, after major knee surgeries in my youth.

What is your favorite workout?

I love stations of any kind.

What advice would you give a new member?

Come try! Besides quality fitness instruction and a great long-lasting company, you'll hear awesome music and can always modify your workouts to fit you.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JUNE REVVED UP MEMBER OF THE MONTH, DON AND TONYA BROWNING

Tell us a little about yourself and when you joined. 

Don and Tonya began their CrossFit journey in 2014 at CrossFit Eject in Springfield, Illinois.  In 2019, after moving to Hurricane, we found our way to Revved Up CrossFit.   Don is a Project Manager for Fast Enterprises while Tonya coaches some of the morning classes at RUCF   We have been married for nineteen years with two children, Bradley and Jordan.  

What is your most memorable CrossFit/Bootcamp experience?

Any workout the Brownings can do as a family.  We have competed in the Bradley WOD competition in Edwardsville, Illinois, CrossFit Open and Murph Challenge.  

Why did you try CrossFit/Bootcamp?

Don had heard about CrossFit from several coworkers.  After finishing a few fitness videos, we were ready for our next fitness challenge.  

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement?  

The busyness of life.  With two kids in athletics and music lessons, we sometimes put our fitness on the back burner.  

What is your favorite workout?

Anything with a heavy barbell.

What advice would you give a new member?

This is your workout.   If something feels wrong, talk to your coach.  There isn’t a movement that can’t be scaled or modified.  

CONGRATULATIONS TO APRIL REVVED UP CROSSFIT MEMBER OF THE MONTH, AARON RANDOLPH!

Tell us a little about yourself and when you joined Revved Up.

I joined Bootcamp after a bicep injury for recovery and eventually graduated to CrossFit.

What is your most memorable CrossFit experience?

I always have a good experience and great coaches.

Why did you try CrossFit/Bootcamp?

Injury recovery and to improve general health and fitness

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement?

The Olympic movements, they take a lot of coordination and practice.

What is your favorite workout?

The one that leaves me wiped out on the floor when I finish

What advice would you give a new member?

Keep coming to the workouts and scale according to your ability.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DECEMBER REVVED UP CROSSFIT MEMBER OF THE MONTH, DAVID RATLIFF!

Tell us a little about yourself?

I have a wife, three children, and no pets.

What is your most memorable CrossFit Experience?

The first time I did “Murph” on Memorial Day, 2019.

Why did you try CrossFit?

I had been working out at a gym in Huntington for 13 years and it was “stale.” A friend suggested CrossFit as a better alternative and I’m glad he did.

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement?

Improving my upper body strength for the bar work we frequently do such as pull ups and toes to bar.

What is your favorite workout?

The one I am doing that day. The thing I most appreciate is the wide variety of exercises to do and ways to do them so that it is never boring.

What advice would you give a new member?

Stick with it. Most likely you will be miserably sore for about a month, but then it becomes easier as your recovery from workouts is quicker and less painful.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NOVEMBER REVVED UP CROSSFIT MEMBERS OF THE MONTH, PAT AND CHERYL SIZEMORE!

Tell us a little about yourself:

Pat – I’m a retired Coal Miner.  I am also a retired marathon runner.  I ran the Charleston Distance Run for 20 years consecutively.

Cheryl – I’m a retired RN and current house flipper.  I am a wife of the best husband, mother of the best girls, and Gramma of the best kids!

 

What is your most memorable CrossFit experience?

Pat and Cheryl – Getting a PR on Deadlift was the most memorable for both of us!

Why did you try CrossFit?

Pat – I wanted to start exercising more and achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Cheryl – My daughters, Sarah and Madi have both loved doing it and talked me into trying it.

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement?

Pat – Any type of overhead lifting.

Cheryl – Running and burpees are always a challenge.  Overhead lifting and squats have been areas of improvement as well.

What is your favorite workout?

Pat – I enjoy partner workouts.  I like rowing, wall balls, and sit ups.

Cheryl – Deadlift

What advice would you give a new member?

Pat – Hang in there!  It’s tough, but you will see improvement if you stick with it.

Cheryl – Stick with it.  You will start to see improvements in your daily life!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OCTOBER REVVED UP CROSSFIT MEMBER OF THE MONTH, JEREMY COLE!

Tell us a little about yourself?

I was born and raised in Hurricane and joined the Air National Guard after High School.  I have an Undergrad and Masters degree from WVU and love following their sports teams.  I’ve been married to my wife, Kendra, for 9 years and we have two sons, Ethan (6) and Wyatt (2).  We moved from Charlotte to Hurricane in 2019 to be closer to family.

What is your most memorable CrossFit experience?

The first time I signed up for a competition.  I thought it was going to be a small event (against the other 2 boxes in Morgantown) and when I showed up that morning the parking lot was full and there were people from all over WV, PA, and OH with tailgating with tents and grills.  It was a long day but lots of fun.

Why did you try CrossFit?

I had recently turned 30 and had a desk job.  I wanted to find something to help keep me active and healthy.

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement?

My biggest challenge has been double-unders.  I’ve never been able to consistently complete them.

What is your favorite workout?

Murph

What advice would you give a new member?

Stay disciplined in your attendance.  It doesn’t matter if you feel like going or not – just go.  You’ll always be glad you did.

CONGRATULATIONS TO REVVED UP CROSSFIT SEPTEMBER MEMBER OF THE MONTH, SARAH DEGROFF!

Tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve lived in the Teays Valley area for over 16 years.  It’s home for me and my husband and our 5 kids. When I’m not running this zoo or at CrossFit, I’m teaching natural health & essential oil classes.

What is your most memorable CrossFit experience?

I was so excited the first time I managed handstand push-ups. That’s something I never thought I’d be able to learn!

Why did you try CrossFit?

I was recovering from an accident 7 years ago that left me with balance problems & a lot of pain. I tried CrossFit 5.5 years ago to see if it might help, because nothing else had at that point. I still had those issues, but I developed strength, agility, stamina, and the ability for my body to compensate for my injury so I’m less likely to get injured. I had literally never touched a barbell before trying CrossFit at age 35! I was never athletic at all. I’m proof that anyone can scale a CrossFit workout, no matter their starting fitness level.

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement?

Those balance problems from the accident have meant that I’ve had to be careful with any movements that involve lifting weight overhead, so that I don’t fall (or if I do fall, I fall “well”).  However, a few weeks before I started CrossFit, I was still using a cane to walk for more than 20 minutes at a time. I’ve made a dramatic amount of progress by being proactive & consistent over time. Now, I’m able to participate in pretty much any CrossFit workout! I believe in the mantra “move it or lose it.”  One of my goals in doing CrossFit is to foster preventative health & avoid injury from inactivity as I age.

What is your favorite workout?

Anything including deadlifts. The feeling of victory the first time I deadlifted 205 lb. was amazing. I realize that’s not a record-breaking weight, but it was for me. That’s what CrossFit encourages – progress for YOU and not comparing yourself to anyone else.

What advice would you give a new member?

Keep showing up. Pace yourself so you don’t die. Don’t try to prove anything, just survive & high five yourself for making it through the workout. And come back! It doesn’t get easier necessarily, but you definitely get better.

CONGRATULATIONS TO REVVED UP CROSSFIT MEMBERS OF THE MONTH, MEGAN TOWNSEND AND ENZO LEWIS!

Tell us a little about yourself?

Megan: I just graduated from Hurricane High and will be attending WVU to study exercise physiology, and plan on going to physician assistant school. While in high school, I was a member of the HHS swim team, and the West Virginia Wild Swim Team at the tri-county YMCA. I work at the tri-county Y as a lifeguard. All throughout high school I was also a member at Revved Up!

Enzo: I graduated from Hurricane High School as well and will be heading to Marshall University to pursue a Masters Degree in Athletic Training and move on to Physical Therapy School after that. I played baseball all through high school and have been coaching at Revved Up in my free time for the past couple of years.

What is your most memorable CrossFit experience?

Megan: My most memorable CrossFit experience would have to be Rx-ing a WOD in general. It is an extremely rewarding feeling.

Enzo: Passing my CrossFit Level 1 certification has been my most memorable experience so far. It just gave me a large sense of accomplishment knowing that I took the time to study and learn the material and was able to pass the test.

Why did you try CrossFit?

Megan: I tried CrossFit because I thought it would be a good way for me to stay in shape during swim’s off season, and I wanted to become stronger.

Enzo: My parents became interested in trying it several years ago, so I just tagged along with them to see what it was like.

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement?

Megan: My biggest challenge and/or improvement has been my running. When I first started CrossFit I wasn’t able to run 400 m without stopping but now am able to continue for a mile without having to take a break!

Enzo: My biggest challenge at the moment is double-unders. I am working to improve them, but they are still a bit of a work in progress.

What is your favorite workout?

Megan: My favorite workout is any WOD that is around 20-25 minutes long and involves rowing, double-unders, or anything with the barbell.

Enzo: My favorite workout is really any “complete for time” workout. I like knowing that I have a specific amount of work to do and trying to get it done as fast as possible.

What advice would you give a new member?

Megan: The advice I would give a new member is don’t feel like you have to RX your first workout, because that’s what everyone else is doing. I would tell them to not feel discouraged if they are slower or can’t lift as much as someone else, because we were all there at one point.  I would also tell them to have fun!

Enzo: My advice for a new member would be to try your hardest at all times, whatever that looks like for you, because the hard work will pay off. I’d also tell them to set goals for themselves and try to push and achieve them over a period of time.

We want to thank Megan and Enzo for their contributions to the Revved Up family and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors in college!

CONGRATULATIONS TO REVVED UP CROSSFIT MEMBER OF THE MONTH, CHASTITY MOORE!

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am originally from Clay County. Moved to Teays Valley about 18 years ago and am married with two kids that go to Winfield Middle and High School. I am a Baking & Pastry teacher at Sissonville High School. 

What is your most memorable Bootcamp experience?

Richard Simmons (Director Jonah Skiles in his Halloween costume) making us carry med ball “pumpkins” for what seemed like miles for our Halloween workout!

Why did you try Bootcamp at Revved Up?

Last summer I was bored of working out at home and a friend invited me to her bootcamp class. I loved it, but the workout times did not line up with my work schedule. I wanted the intensity and pace of bootcamp (but not CrossFit) and wanted to commit to working out on a certain day and time. So, I began searching for other bootcamps in the Valley.  The time and location of Revved Up worked perfectly for me. I was welcomed into Bootcamp class with open arms—I’ve never felt embarrassed or ashamed about my fitness level and they always offer modifications! 

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement?

Weights! I had zero upper body strength before bootcamp. 

What is your favorite workout?

I love station workouts with lots of different equipment that work different body parts.

What advice would you give a new member?

Be consistent!  Taking a day off here and there makes it that much harder to go back next time.  I try to make Bootcamp a priority in my schedule and only miss when I have a conflict.  

CONGRATULATIONS TO REVVED UP CROSSFIT MEMBERS OF THE MONTH, ZAC AND REBEKAH BOWMAN!

Tell us a little about yourself?

We are both Texas natives and we moved to West Virginia in September 2018. We’ve been married for almost 3 years and recently had our baby boy, Whitten, in March. We joined the gym February 2019 and have been loving it ever since!

What is your most memorable CrossFit experience?

Rebekah: My most memorable experience so far was completing a rope climb at 38 weeks pregnant!

Zac: I was able to place 2nd in Revved Up CrossFit’s first annual Thunder in the Valley in-box competition. 

Why did you try CrossFit?

The gym was offering a month trial for non-members and a great group of members recommended we try it out. It was low-risk and we knew we wanted to join a gym, so we gave it a try.

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement?

Rebekah: I have learned to continue growing as an athlete without comparing myself to others in the class.

Zac: Sometimes my height can be a challenge with certain movements.

What is your favorite workout?

Rebekah: Snatch

Zac: Clean and jerk

What advice would you give a new member?

Don’t be afraid to break out of your comfort zone. CrossFit can be intimidating, but the knowledge and strength you gain will help you reach your health and fitness goals. Also, invest in the community it offers. That has been the best part of our Revved Up experience!

CONGRATULATIONS TO REVVED UP CROSSFIT MEMBER OF THE MONTH DEBBIE TINCHER!

Tell us a little about yourself? 

- I am married with two grown daughters and 1 grandson. I retired about a year ago and now fill my time doing the things I enjoy like exercising, bible study, reading, quilting, and cross stitch! I have a lot of hobbies! I do work one day a week at the Village Sampler needlework shop in St. Albans! 

What is your most memorable Bootcamp experience? 

- My most memorable Bootcamp experience is probably my first workout! By the time I had managed to do one burpee, everyone else was halfway through the next exercise! 

Why did you try Bootcamp? 

- I tried Bootcamp because Cindy Skiles invited me. She invited me twice before I actually came but I will be eternally grateful! 

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement? 

- My biggest improvement has been my endurance and improvement in my upper body strength. 

What is your favorite workout? 

- My favorite workout is probably when we lay the ladder out. It works on agility and coordination and I need both! There is also a lot of comaraderie and laughter. Truthfully, there is not really any workout I don't enjoy! 

What advice would you give a new member? 

- My advice to new member is hang in there! I have made so much improvement since joining that I can't imagine not working out with this bunch! Not to mention the many friends I've made!

CONGRATULATIONS TO REVVED UP CROSSFIT MEMBER OF THE MONTH RACHEL ESTEP!

Tell us a little about yourself? 

My name is Rachel, but some of my friends call me Booty. I’m a married, 36 year old hospice nurse who loves music, traveling, good food, riding my motorcycle, extreme couponing, bad horror movies, new experiences, swimming, rollercoasters, & skating. I’ve been living in the Valley with my husband since 2010. My 3 fur babies are named Sookie, Evander, & Sunday. 

What is your most memorable CrossFit experience? 

Competing in the Thunder in the Valley a few months ago. It was my first CrossFit competition and my only goal was making it through it. Happy to report I met my goal. 

Why did you try CrossFit? 

In 2014, I took a hit while playing roller derby that tore my ACL in my left knee. I did my physical therapy at TPTC after my reconstruction. A person that I met in the therapy gym encouraged me to join the Fitness class. After doing that for a several years, one of the CrossFit coaches encouraged me to try CrossFit. I have been doing it since 2018. 

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement? 

Along with my reconstructed knee, I have asthma. Some days are better than others. Just getting through a workout is a challenge. Not sure of any improvements off the top of my head, but, I get stronger every day. 

What is your favorite workout? 

Anything that does not involve running! But seriously, probably an AMRAP is my favorite. I know when it will be over & everyone is finished at the same time. 

What advice would you give a new member? 

Come try it out! Everything can be modified. And no one cares if you do have to modify something. They are worried about making it through the workout themselves. I have to modify things frequently. It’s a super positive, friendly, encouraging environment with zero intimidation or body shaming. It can be nerve racking your first time, but, there is nothing to be scared of.

CONGRATULATIONS TO REVVED UP CROSSFIT MEMBER OF THE MONTH KELLI SAMSON!

Tell us a little about yourself:

- I am a wife and mom who loves watching Zac wrestle and Alex run, doing anything outside, reading, binge watching Netflix and hanging with friends. 

What is your most memorable CrossFit experience? 

- My most memorable CrossFit experience was a competition in Huntington. A group from our gym participated and we had so much fun spending the day together, thinking we might die and realizing we were stronger than we thought.

Why did you try CrossFit?

- I tried CrossFit because Nicole Fuelhart talked me into it. I am so glad she did.

What has been your biggest challenge or area of improvement?

- My biggest challenge is overhead squats and ring dips. However, I couldn’t do a pull up when I started and I have become pretty good at them so I will not give up on conquering the above.

What is your favorite workout?

- My favorite work out is The Murph. It is difficult and challenging but feel very accomplished when it is over. And I’m glad it is only once a year!!

What advice would you give to a new member or someone wanting to try CrossFit?

-CrossFit prepares you for everyday life: lifting, bending, stepping, climbing, carrying. It is for everyone! Every exercise is modifiable for every fitness level. Every class is different so you will not get bored. If you are competitive, it will feed that need and if you are not that’s ok too. But the very best thing is the friendships you develop.

CONGRATULATIONS TO REVVED UP CROSSFIT MEMBER OF THE MONTH SETH COOK!

Tell us a little about yourself: 

- I am 35 years old and married to a beautiful wife with two young children. I currently work for Service Wire Company, a wire manufacturer here in Hurricane doing inside sales. I love Marshall University, having two degrees from there and also I was a four year letter winner with the football team. I have been doing CrossFit for just under a year. 

What is your most memorable CrossFit experience? 

- My first RX. I had been sedentary for so many years, even the warm ups were a challenge when I started. The workouts felt very daunting at the start, and to progress to the point to where I could hit one as prescribed within a few months felt like quite an accomplishment. 

Why did you try CrossFit? 

- The hour long classes and the high intensity fit both what I was looking for in a workout program and the limited time I have. I have several “CrossFitters” in the family who had been pushing me to give it a shot. The culture of comradery, self-challenge, and competition seemed like a good fit for a former out of shape college athlete. 

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement? 

- The answer to both has been my aerobic capacity. In the beginning I was finishing very far behind the group during most WODS even with significant scaling. Now, I can keep that pace with almost no scaling, or finish closer to the “vets “with limited scaling. Having a better motor has allowed me to now focus even more on strength and form. 

What is your favorite workout? 

- It didn’t have a name, but it was multiple rounds of deadlift, hang power cleans, push jerk and rowing. Increasing weight every round. Literally my three favorite lifts. It was my second RX, and a WOD where I felt like my size actually gave me an advantage. It was nice to finish ahead of the little guys for once! 

What advice would you give to a new member? 

- 2 Things 

1. Do benchmark WODS to prevent getting discouraged. If you’re showing up and doing the classes, you ARE getting better. But every WOD is so varied (which keeps it interesting!) it can be difficult at times to gauge progress from one WOD to the next. 

2. Your motor is very important, push yourself during rests to get back going just a little faster than what you’re comfortable and it will pay off. The extra 5 seconds rest wouldn’t make much of a difference on the next set, and over time if you take this mentality you’ll find yourself needing shorter and shorter breaks.

Congratulations to Revved Up Crossfit Member of the Month Charlie Nutt!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I moved to the area in 1982 for my job and have been here ever since. I raised two sons here and now have 2 grandsons as well. My main hobby is cycling, though mountain biking is my favorite thing to do.

What is your most memorable Revved Up experience?

There isn’t one specific memory that sticks out, but I’ve really enjoyed meeting new, like-minded friends who enjoy getting fit and trying new exercises. I think that’s what being a member is all about.

Why did you try Bootcamp?

I had knee surgery in 2012 and came to Teays Physical Therapy Center for my rehab. After graduating from my therapy (and probably driving my therapist, Cindy crazy), I joined to get in better overall shape. I figured that it would help support my cycling hobby and improve my overall health. I really the combination of cardio, strength, and many more workouts that we do.

What has been your biggest challenge or improvement?

Overall, I am in much better shape than when I started. I still have some room for improvement though, as my flexibility still needs work.

What is your favorite workout?

I really enjoy anything that we do for core strengthening because a strong core is a major part of cycling. I love those barbell rollouts! I’d be okay if we left out the burpees though…

What advice would you give a new member?

It isn’t about how fast or strong you are today. It’s about taking the first step, committing to improvement, having fun, and getting that heart rate up. Don’t get discouraged in the beginning. Stick with it and you will see improvement. If you are not able or comfortable performing an exercise, ask the instructor for modifications. They always have alternatives for you.