Troy & Stacie

What were you doing before CrossFit?

Troy and I have always been very active people. Troy played college football at Arizona State University and Southern Utah. After college Troy had an opportunity to try out for the NFL. While Troy spent most of this time training specifically for football, in Arizona there are many other ways to stay active as the weather permits year round outdoor activities. In 2010 Troy and I trained for our first half marathon running the Rock n’ Roll Marathon in Phoenix, AZ.

I have always enjoyed working out, whether it is at the gym with a personal trainer, cycling and cardio classes, running, or trying to figure out how to weight train on my own. Seeing both troy and I have always been active, as a couple, fitness has always been important to us. Together we made working out a part of our daily lives, always willing to try something new.

Why did you start doing CrossFit?

CrossFit was introduced to us by one of our friends in Phoenix. He and his brother had been doing CrossFit for a little over a year and had seen amazing results. Before trying CrossFit, it is safe to say we were both tired of the same old routine of going to the gym – we were ready for something new. After Troy finished training for football, he needed something that would keep the competitive part of his life alive. CrossFit was the perfect fit. It gives you a chance to compete and stay in great shape.

Before trying CrossFit we both thought we were in great shape. After our first WOD I remember we were both on the ground unable to move. Troy worked himself so hard he got sick (sorry babe – its part of the story!) From that point on, we were hooked. Troy and I got married and had our first baby girl, Brooke Rose Osborne, who is now 14 months old. Working full time and having a baby leaves little to no time for anything besides family and work.

CrossFit gives us the opportunity to walk into the gym, do a workout without having to plan, or think of what we were going to next, which then cuts down on the time you spend in the gym. Well, for me anyway – Troy likes to take his time. In the end we are able to work full time, spend time as a family, and continue to stay active.

What apprehensions did you have before starting?

For me it was the competiveness of the sport and the Olympic lifting. I have never been much of a competitive person nor have I ever been involved in Olympic weight lifting. However, everyone in the CrossFit community is so willing to help you achieve your goals and guide you along the way. The community of CrossFit will not let you fail.

For Troy he was mostly concerned about the research behind CrossFit and the methodologies that were being used. He had never moved weight at a rapid speed with a high amount of reps before and didn’t want to get hurt as he had had several injuries due to football. As time passed and he was doing the WODS consistently, he never once injured himself and his concerns went away. He has learned as long as you take scheduled rest breaks and use proper technique you will be fine.

What made you decide to come to CrossFit SISU?

We moved to Minnesota in January – looking to find a new “CrossFit home” and hoping find the same kind of community we left behind. I bought a Groupon for SISU while Troy was working out at another gym in Minneapolis. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the gym and the people at SISU really made me feel like this was the gym we should be at. I brought Troy in few times and its history from there.

What’s the greatest benefit you see so far since starting CrossFit and SISU?

For me, it’s getting back to feeling good about myself after having a baby. After having a baby, it takes time to feel like you again. I feel CrossFit has helped me grow and given me confidence where I have not had it before. If you are consistent you will see results.

For Troy, CrossFit has really brought him to a new level of fitness. There is a reason the CrossFit games winner is named “The Fittest on Earth”. As he continues to train for next years’ open it is important to have the support of great trainers and peers. SISU offers the best of everything. We are happy to be part of the SISU community and thank all the coaches and peers for being an encouraging part of our daily lives. It is safe to say, we have found our new CrossFit home!