Age: 37

FIT Member since: October 2007

Goal: Lose 35 lbs, increase muscle mass, cardiovascular capacity and endurance, and improve overall flexibility.

Results: 25 lbs lost, so far. I definitely feel stronger and have achieved increases in both flexibility and cardiovascular capacity and endurance. As an extra bonus, I've found that by getting in shape, I've eliminated some of those little "aches and pains" that usually tended to linger and nag in the past.

Likes: I really enjoy the variety of the workouts. I definitely enjoy seeing tangible results associated with all of the effort.

Dislikes: I HATE missing a workout. It's great that Herm is always willing to work with my schedule if there's a conflict.

Personal Records:
500 m row: 1:36
1000 m row: 3:25
Pull-ups: 5 in a row
1 mile run: 7:16
Back Squat: 75 kg (165 lbs.) for 3 reps
Deadlift: 110 kg (242 lbs.) for 5 reps
Bench Press: 180 lbs

Keys to Jeff’s success:

(In his own words) The 2 big things that stand out in my mind are: 1, knowing that there's someone there (Herm) holding me accountable. It's easy if you're working out on your own to say "I think I'll take a day off," or "I'm too busy today," or not push yourself to a certain level, and 2, I've really been impressed with all of the trainers' ability to identify that furthest level in the workout that may seem initially unattainable, but by the end you're looking back and saying "not only did I reach the end of the workout, but it took all I had to get there." There is no better feeling to me than knowing I've pushed myself as hard as possible, I've just expended all the energy I had, and I reached the goal for the workout.

Summary paragraph:

I can't say enough how much I've enjoyed the workouts modeled after the Crossfit philosophy. "Fran," "Murph," Tabatas (whomever invented that idea is cruel!), they all seem so straight forward, but by the end of the workout you realize you've worked over most or all of the major muscle groups. A year ago, when I realized I was making excuses for not going out and playing with my 4-year-old because I couldn't keep up with her, I knew things had to change. The improvements to my life go far beyond how I feel physically. It's amazing how "feeling good about yourself" helps round out all facets of one's life. Thanks FIT, and thanks Herm!

Herm Blacaflor's 2 cents:

Jeff is awesome! Always positive, always an open mind. Very down-to-earth and humble family man, he has a smile on his face every day. I am amazed at how far he pushes himself, and how far he allows me to push him. He is a perfectionist. He leaves NOTHING in the tank. He is hungry for improvement and he enjoys the style of workouts I like to do in my own program. There are several big goals he has attained under my watch, such as his first pull-up, deadlifting over 100 kg, and gaining enough flexibility in his hips, shoulders, and wrists to clean and jerk.

There is one workout in particular that he has done that stands out in my mind. On July 18th, at the same time a good sized crossfit group was working out, he started a workout, nicknamed "Painstorm," which typically involves multiple standard Crossfit workouts into one session. The workout was designed to see if he would get through the whole thing; a test of mental and intestinal fortitude.

The workout was:
-1 mile run,
-Crossfit workout "Fran" (Thrusters with 30-lb dumbbells, and Jumping Pull-ups, 21, then 15, then 9 reps each exercise),
-1 mile run
-5 deadlifts @ 80 kg with 10 burpees, done for 5 rounds
-1 mile run

I did not expect him to finish it all in one hour, or for that matter, finish at all! By the deadilft and burpee section of the workout, he looked dazed. With some coaching, he made it through. Without hesitating, he went directly into the last mile. Some of the Crossfit clients took notice of this nonstop workout, started cheering him on, and actually joined him on his last mile of the workout! Total time for the workout was 1 hour and 1 minute! To witness this as his trainer was inspirational to say the least.

However, no matter how much he has accomplished, he is not done. We are always plotting and scheming his next bunch of accomplishments. He's happy with his results, but is never content to rest on his accomplishments. Way to go, Jeff, we are proud of you!