MANNY RECENDIZ

I was motivated to join CrossFit Central because my family has a history of high cholesterol, and I wanted to take proactive steps to avoid potential health issues as I grow older. My goal is to live a healthy and active life, free from limitations or the need for medical equipment to move around. By prioritizing my fitness now, I’m investing in a future where I can enjoy life to the fullest.

Initially, I was hesitant to join CrossFit Central because it had been a few months since I left my old gym, and I knew it would be a challenge to get back into my workout routine. Emotionally and mentally, I felt ready, but I was physically apprehensive due to injuries I sustained during my time in the US Army. I was worried that the coaches might not take my concerns seriously. However, after speaking with Coach Allison, I felt truly understood. She was incredibly supportive and open to helping me scale down weights or modify workouts to minimize the risk of injury or discomfort. With her encouragement and understanding, I decided to commit to working out again.

Since joining CrossFit Central, I’ve maintained my weight but have been replacing it with muscle, which has significantly improved my overall strength and performance. I’ve progressed to completing workouts before the time caps and am steadily working toward achieving RX-level workouts. Beyond the physical results, I’ve gained a sense of community, forming friendships and healthy rivalries that push me to grow. On Saturdays, I always aim to beat Coach Zach’s time—though I still have more work to do to reach his level. The camaraderie and friendly competition keep me motivated and constantly striving for improvement. Without the support of all the coaches, this wouldn’t have been possible, especially Coach Karey, Zach, and Alison.

As a veteran, I left the military carrying some trauma that has been challenging to manage, but I’ve been genuinely surprised by the support and willingness to listen that I’ve found at CrossFit Central. Coach Alison once told me, "There’s nothing a good workout can’t help fix," and that has truly resonated with me. I may walk into the gym feeling sad, angry, or overwhelmed by emotional pain, but after a workout, I leave with a sense of clarity. The workouts help me think more clearly and often lead me to solutions or answers for the emotions I’m dealing with.

Through this journey, I’ve also gained more confidence in myself and a greater willingness to connect with others—whether it’s making new friends or asking questions about proper form. Coach Karey has been incredibly supportive, always willing to listen and offer thoughtful feedback, whether it’s related to workouts, emotions, or mental challenges. A special shoutout to Savannah as well for sharing her techniques and tips to help me complete exercises more efficiently. This supportive and uplifting environment has made all the difference in my progress.