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Ryan


Ryan

"There is real value in the influence of

physical therapy at Crossfit UP."

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Ryan


Ryan

"There is real value in the influence of

physical therapy at Crossfit UP."

Before I started working out at CrossFit UP, I had a sense of complacency. It was especially present when paddling out to surf wasn't an option but I still wanted to stay active.  I found CrossFit UP through my wife Cynthia, who was one of the first members and who was seeing positive results. She encouraged me to check it out for months and after a week-long flat spell, I finally cracked and went to my first WOD. Halfway through the workout, I was blown away by how out of shape I was. I couldn’t even finish the workout and tapped out. I was a little let down due to my unsatisfactory performance but hey, you have to start somewhere. I signed up for the 6-class Fundamental introduction Ryan and his team designed focusing on CrossFit movements, strengthening, and mobility. Not ever being a gym/ jock type, I was really comfortable working with Ryan and his team. There is real value in the influence of physical therapy at CrossFit UP. They are diligent about implementing solid warm-ups and focusing on proper form to prevent injury. I have had a great time with the workouts and the people that make up the CrossFit UP Community.


Since I started in 2015, I have challenged myself to commit to a three class per week. It has really helped my well-being, balance, flexibility, and strength. I feel like my surfing game improved, too, but that could just be in my head! :)

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Leigh


Leigh

"From the newest member to a seasoned pro, every UP athlete is given the attention they need."

Leigh


Leigh

"From the newest member to a seasoned pro, every UP athlete is given the attention they need."

Why CrossFit UP? Santa Cruz is the mecca for CrossFit and one has the ability to choose from countless boxes spanning the county.  UP rains supreme due to the coaching staff, the members and most importantly their commitment to moving well.  If you're new to CrossFit, UP is the ideal place to start. Their Fundamentals Series ensures that new athletes learn the proper skill and technique before they go whole hog into a WOD. Safety first, performance second. 

UP's coaching staff takes time to get to know each athlete, their skill level, their motivators and their personality.  This effort allows the coaches to truly customize their communication style to get the most out of each member at every workout. From the newest member to a seasoned pro, every UP athlete is given the attention they need to maximize their results at each WOD. 

The Community ... smiles, hugs and fist pumps for sure. UP members are more than just sweaty bodies packed into a box, they're friends and members of a tight-knit community. Sure - fitness brought us together but personal interests such as music, surfing, healthy eating and travel has made us friends. Beach WODs, birthday parties, Bar Brawls and more - this is a place where people want to be. 

 

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Clayton


Clayton

"There is a true sense of community & encouragement at UP, where each person is invited (not intimidated) to take next steps toward improving their own fitness.”

Clayton


Clayton

"There is a true sense of community & encouragement at UP, where each person is invited (not intimidated) to take next steps toward improving their own fitness.”

Something about CrossFit had always been intriguing but I never seemed to feel comfortable in a gym environment and the thought of burpees and barbells was more than intimidating. But after a friend showed me some basic form and movements, I saw that I was actually more capable than I realized. After checking out some local CrossFit affiliates, I settled on CrossFit UP and haven't looked back.

From the FUNdamentals classes to my first regular WOD, the staff has always been incredibly helpful, giving lots of suggestions on where to scale, as well as encouragements on when and how to push myself. The team of coaches strikes a great balance so that I am always able to come back and workout again the next day, even if a little sore!

There is a true sense of community and encouragement at UP where each person is invited (not intimidated) to take next steps toward improving their own fitness. A friend summarizes the UP experience well: "Don't try to lift as much or go as fast as the fittest person here, aim to be just as tired at the end of the WOD."

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Monet


Monet

“Working out and getting in shape feels amazing, but the other positive is being a part of this wonderful community. I love surrounding myself with others that value health, fitness, nutrition, and positivity.”

Monet


Monet

“Working out and getting in shape feels amazing, but the other positive is being a part of this wonderful community. I love surrounding myself with others that value health, fitness, nutrition, and positivity.”

I joined CrossFit UP because I was searching for a gym with a great community, fun classes and a flexible schedule. CrossFit UP has all of that and so much more!  As a nurse working two different jobs and as a mom of two young children, I understand how busy life can get. It’s often necessary to ‘squeeze’ in the gym while balancing other tasks and demands. At CrossFit UP there are several classes offered throughout the day, plus many hours of open gym each week. This flexible schedule makes going to the gym possible for me and by maintaining good health I feel better and am more prepared to handle other life challenges and stressors.  

Another benefit of CrossFit UP is the connection it has to physical therapy. I recently had my ACL repaired and the coaches are a wealth of knowledge offering alternative movements in each workout. Every class is modifiable to meet the athlete where they are at and help them progress.  

Working out and getting in shape feels amazing but the other positive is being a part of this wonderful community. I love surrounding myself with others that value health, fitness, nutrition, and positivity. 

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Dee


Dee

"I feel like I did 10 years ago!!"

Dee


Dee

"I feel like I did 10 years ago!!"

I have had a few injuries over the years (been bounced from horses and things like that) and somewhere along I had to start compensating for my right hip by developing an odd protective gait. It wasn't so obvious that I thought anyone noticed but it made me feel old to walk like that! I found myself walking more slowly and being more careful of stepping over things and using the stairs. Because I have always been very active in riding, biking, backpacking, skiing etc, having to start protecting myself so much took some fun out of my activities. Well, a month into starting at CrossFit UP, I was walking across the dispatch floor one night when I suddenly realized I was walking normally! I am standing easily on one leg as needed as my balance is greatly improved and I am walking with a spring in my step again.  I feel like I did 10 years ago!I I never expected any of this, I was simply trying to arrest the downward spiral my body was going in - I never expected to reverse it!

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Kathryn


Kathryn

"The best thing I have ever done for my physical well-being was to join Crossfit UP. It was a game changer for me. I’m in the best all-around shape of my life!”

Kathryn


Kathryn

"The best thing I have ever done for my physical well-being was to join Crossfit UP. It was a game changer for me. I’m in the best all-around shape of my life!”

When I turned 50, it was like my body fell apart overnight.  Nothing was working the way it used to. I felt weak and while I worked out regularly, I felt out of shape. I had to make a change - I had to mix things UP! The best thing I have ever done for my physical well-being was to join Crossfit UP, it was a game changer for me. I’m in the best all-around shape of my life! 

The coaches are very attentive, they care about me, my health and my safety. They know my strengths and weaknesses and set up WOD plans catered to challenge me. They are my biggest supporters. 

There are many days I just don’t feel like working out. In fact - every day I don’t feel like working out but I know when I walk in the door at Crossfit UP, they will motivate me through their focused warm ups and skills training to push myself as hard while keeping me safe.  Every class is rewarding.

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Rosanna


Rosanna

"I’m incredibly grateful to my coaches at CrossFit UP for creating a welcoming space that challenges me to be a stronger more resilient human.”

Rosanna


Rosanna

"I’m incredibly grateful to my coaches at CrossFit UP for creating a welcoming space that challenges me to be a stronger more resilient human.”

I started CrossFit because exercise bores me. I flourished in martial arts as a teen but hated the gym. I always felt isolated and bored. So, at 30 I decided to try CrossFit. The variety of movements, and the community of group classes interested (and scared) me.

A year and a half into my time at CrossFit UP, and I still don’t have a six pack. However, I am stronger than ever. I no longer feel like my body hinders my ability to go on adventures or just plain work around the house. My mental strength has also grown. Challenging myself to push, just a little, every single workout means I know I can push myself in real life and that I can run a mile when I’m already tired. And have I mentioned that I have yet to get bored?

I chose CrossFit UP specifically because they are attached to DeWitt Physical Therapy. I have a history of sports and life injuries and wanted to train at a gym used to working with people’s limitations. I found that the coaches at CrossFit UP are absolutely used to working with real people. Most of the people I attend class with are like me: they work full-time, they have families and they don’t always consistently come to classes. And the coaches at CrossFit UP understand this. They accept where people are fitness-wise and are also compassionate, cheerful, know their stuff, and are genuinely happy to see you. I’m incredibly grateful to my coaches at CrossFit UP for creating a welcoming space that challenges me to be a stronger more resilient human.

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Julia


Julia

"Thank you, UP. This truly has been a life-changing experience.”

Julia


Julia

"Thank you, UP. This truly has been a life-changing experience.”

When I found CrossFit UP, I was looking for an activity where I could get my exercise during the winter season; when daylight and outdoor activities become a sad memory. I had been hearing about CrossFit for years when I started my internet search on a cold December morning. Armed with the criteria of CrossFit, proximity to home, and a flexible schedule, CrossFit UP checked all of the boxes; I signed up for a free class right then and there.

Well, the first class kicked my out-of-shape ass. My mind and muscles seemed to remember the form for lifting weights but having been 12+ years out of college athletics (yikes, that long?!), I was sore for a week after.  Fortunately for me, CrossFit UP was offering a deal for the New Year to couple the FUNdamentals series with three months of unlimited classes. I jumped (okay limped) at the opportunity.

Luckily, FUNdamentals was the gentle ease-in to the new lifestyle that I needed. After the three weeks, I was finding it easier to recover after working out. I was meeting some of the same people at the classes that I frequented, and it started to feel like a team.

About nine months later, and now 30 lbs lighter, I am a regular member at CrossFit UP. I have been bitten by the bug. What I thought was going to be just an activity to keep me from being lazy over the winter time has turned into an activity that I now have to do in addition to my regular summer sports because those are no longer enough exercise for me. I have even participated in some competitive CrossFit events and have started to get my needs for a little visceral competition met as well. Lastly, I have even made some friends - an unexpected blessing.

Thank you, UP.  This truly has been a life-changing experience.


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Nate


Nate

“It's fun, it's challenging, it's always new and different and it'll make you better at whatever your sport is.”

Nate


Nate

“It's fun, it's challenging, it's always new and different and it'll make you better at whatever your sport is.”

I've heard stories about endurance athletes pausing their normal training and focusing only on CrossFit for a period of time and then smashing their previous PR's. Well, I'm no endurance athlete but I do like to go for long bike rides.

I had been off my bike recently for several months rehabbing a cervical disc issue (which DeWitt PT helped with - thanks Sara!) but I was still able to come to CrossFit Up. Shelby and the rest of the coaching team were always happy to work with my limitations to make sure I still got an excellent workout and would even take time after the WOD to check in, give suggestions on stretches and exercises and just generally keep me motivated. I got back on the bike last week for a 27 mile dirt crusher up in Lake Tahoe and was happily chatting with folks while I pedaled uphill! I couldn't believe that even with so much time off the bike CrossFit had improved my cycling!

If you're on the fence about CrossFit, just give it a try. It's fun, it's challenging, it's always new and different and it'll make you better at whatever your sport is. Thanks Crossfit Up!