member of month

Each month, we will profile a Grand Trunk CrossFit member who has seen incredible results since joining our “box”.

It is our hope, that by showing you what can be accomplished through regular workouts and a commitment to fitness, you will be encouraged to take the leap and come in for a workout.

This month’s spotlight is on Adrienne, a member since November of 2016.

When did you join Grand Trunk, and why?

Adrienne: I started at Grand Trunk in November of 2016. I wanted to run a Tough Mudder in the summer of 2017 and knew that if I was going to run ten miles and do a bunch of obstacles I needed to change something drastic in my life. I called Brooklyn one day to find out what was “CrossFit”? He told me to come over and try a class that day. I am so glad I did because the rest is history.

What do you enjoy most about GTCF and CrossFit?

I know that everyone keeps saying this, but it is the people! I love my Grand Trunk family. I love that Tony (my husband) and I have made amazing friends.

What is your favorite movement?

Handstand push-ups.

What is a CrossFit goal you have achieved that you are most proud of?

I was able to Rx all the WODs in the Open this year! I had to scale some of the workouts last year so I was excited when I didn’t have to scale them this year.

What is a current goal you are working on and hope to accomplish?

Bar muscle-ups and getting more comfortable with the barbell. I would love to finally figure out the snatch.

What advice would you give a new member or someone who is thinking about trying CrossFit?

Come try it out because you will love it. I love having the WODs programmed for me so I don’t have to figure out what to work on. The coaches are wonderful and always ready with guidance and encouragement.

How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?

CrossFit has become a family thing in our home.

Our kids get to see that exercise and challenging yourself is important and fun! I have been able to use strength and skills I have gained at GTCF to complete not just a Tough Mudder but over seven Spartan races (two Trifectas and a Stadium).

This year, Tony and I will participate in a Spartan Trifecta weekend in Hawaii! The kids will do their own Spartan races in Hawaii, too!

What is a fun fact that people might not know about you?

I think many people know that I love to swim, but I’m not sure how many know that I swam for the Big Ten at Indiana University. I swam with and against many Olympians. Most recently, I have found my way back to the pool and it feels great!

If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?

It would definitely include running, sandbag over the shoulder cleans, handstand push-ups, pull-ups or T2Bs.

Fill in the blank: I CrossFIt (because/so I can):…continue to create new adventures and memories with my family.

To see past members we’ve spotlighted, click here!

Photo courtesy of Lex Artis.

Each month, we will profile a Grand Trunk CrossFit member who has seen incredible results since joining our “box”.

It is our hope, that by showing you what can be accomplished through regular workouts and a commitment to fitness, you will be encouraged to take the leap and come in for a workout.

This month’s spotlight is on Ben Creekmore, a member since October of 2016.

When did you join Grand Trunk, and why?

Ben: I joined in October of 2016. I was getting bored with just running and going to the gym. I wanted something that would challenge and push me. Plus, it was something I could get Jessica to do with me.

What do you enjoy most about GTCF and CrossFit?

I like the community. Jessica and I have met a lot of good friends through the gym. Everyone is always encouraging and motivating. I like the variety in the workouts and movements, as well. It is something new every day, even though I think Brooklyn likes to see me limp in after three days of nothing but legs.

What is your favorite movement?

Hang power clean, sand bag throws, and slam balls are the best.

What is a CrossFit goal you have achieved that you are most proud of?

Bar muscle up. I’d stay after class and practice for 15 every day at the beginning of the year. Took about four weeks for me to get my first one.

What is a current goal you are working on and hope to accomplish?

I’d like to hit 185 pounds on snatches. Getting better at gymnastics would be nice, too.

What advice would you give a new member or someone who is thinking about trying CrossFit?

Give it a try. CrossFit is hard and challenging, but you won’t regret it. You’ll start to feel better about yourself and see the results quickly.

Also, don’t buy into the rumors about CrossFit. It’s not all about people throwing weights around, making loud noises, and trying to lift as much as possible regardless of form. There are a lot of other lifts out there that CrossFit introduces you to other than the one the “broskies” do at a regular gym.

Plus, our coaches are great and do an awesome job teaching people to lift correctly.

How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?

I feel healthier and stronger. It’s a great way to relieve stress for me.

What is a fun fact that people might not know about you?

I was in the Navy for six years and stationed on a submarine for four. But something more fun is I’m a huge Gwen Stefani fan, especially No Doubt Gwen.

If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?

Four rounds of: Eight bench press, 12 sandbag throws, 16 slam balls, grass run. Cash out would be 20 strict pull-ups.

Or

Four rounds of: Hang power clean (one minute), sand bag throws (one minute), slam balls (one minute), rest (one minute).

Fill in the blank: I CrossFIt (because/so I can): I like it. I like going to the gym and skipping around, seeing people push past their limits, and waking up sore. But also so I can drink beer.

If you’d like to schedule a free, no-sweat intro, sign up today!

Each month, we will profile a Grand Trunk CrossFit member who has seen incredible results since joining our “box”.

It is our hope, that by showing you what can be accomplished through regular workouts and a commitment to fitness, you will be encouraged to take the leap and come in for a workout.

This month, we’re putting the spotlight on the husband & wife duo, Dan & Maria Varitek. They have been members since 2017.

When did you join Grand Trunk, and why?

Dan: June of 2017. Simple, my wife nagged me to do it and said I’d like it. She was right (as usual).

Maria: I was working on a trauma surgical ICU in downtown Detroit and I would leave work feeling physically exhausted. I was totally out of shape and taking care of incapacitated patients was becoming more difficult. I also worked on a unit where patients would become physically aggressive and I knew if I didn’t get stronger I would get hurt.

What do you enjoy most about GTCF and CrossFit?

Dan: I like the family mentality. Everyone is supportive and do what they can’t to help you improve. Plus there is nothing wrong with a little healthy competition.

Maria: Couldn’t come across a better group of people. The members and coaches are all super helpful. Another perk, I don’t have to plan my own workout.

What is your favorite movement?

Dan: I love me some wall balls.

Maria: Overhead squat. Sorry, guys. J

What is a CrossFit goal you have achieved that you are most proud of?

Dan: Nothing specific. I just like to see that I have made progress and continue to have improvements in everything we do. It makes me feel good to see my progress in every WOD.

Maria: I have two things: pull-ups and rope climbs. I was NEVER able to do a pull-up or rope climb as a kid and now I can!

What is a current goal you are working on and hope to accomplish?

Dan: Increasing my aerobic endurance.

Maria: I have many, but probably chest-to-bar.

What advice would you give a new member or someone who is thinking about trying CrossFit?

Dan: Don’t think. Just do it. I guarantee you will have a positive experience.

Maria: Yes, it’s hard, but it’s hard for everyone in the box. Don’t be afraid. No one is judging you because we are all pushing our bodies as hard as we can (and trying not to die during the workout.) We have no time to stop and critique you.

How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?

Dan: Besides being sore all of the time? I feel really good. I had back problems in the past and have not had any issues since starting.

Maria: I have more energy for my kids and everyday life. I don’t leave work feeling like I got hit by a bus.

What is a fun fact that people might not know about you?

Dan: I am one of five Dan Variteks…all related.

Maria: Dan answered this for me: “You have fingerlike toes.” I love him, guys. He is so romantic.

If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?

Dan: Something fun…shoulder-to-overhead, wall balls, bike, walking lunges, and something nasty, like burpees.

Maria: Nothing timed. Lots of variety in the movements and low rep counts. (Pull-ups, farm carry, box jumps, etc.)

Fill in the blank: I CrossFIt (because/so I can): 

Dan: Eat tacos, pizza and drink beer. But on a serious note, so I can be a healthier husband and father to my family.

Maria: When I started CrossFit I loved it, but always said, “I will never do…pull-ups, rope climb, double-unders, etc.” I have proved myself wrong time and time again. Even when I am being my own worst enemy, I have made progress and done things I never thought I could!

If you’d like to schedule a free, no-sweat intro, sign up today!

Each month, we will profile a Grand Trunk CrossFit member who has seen incredible results since joining our “box”.

It is our hope, that by showing you what can be accomplished through regular workouts and a commitment to fitness, you will be encouraged to take the leap and come in for a workout.

This month’s spotlight is on Jessica Creekmore, a member since October 2016.

When did you join Grand Trunk, and why?

Jessica: My husband, Ben, and I joined in October of 2016. I was bored at my other gym and not making any progress. I found I wasn’t able to motivate myself to the potential I knew I had. Ben convinced me to try CrossFit. The first workout was handstand push-ups, dips, push-ups, and some other stuff that made me not feel my arms for a month. Diana was surprised we came back, to say the least. But we did and I have never regretted it.

What do you enjoy most about GTCF and CrossFit?

Not having to come up with the workout. It’s a different workout every day, so you don’t get stuck in a rut. And you actually work your entire body. Most importantly, it’s a very positive environment. There isn’t anything you can’t push through when you have an entire class rooting for your success.

What is your favorite movement?

Power cleans and squat cleans.

What is a CrossFit goal you have achieved that you are most proud of?

1. Chest-to-bars
2. 30” box jumps (although I haven’t done many of them)
3. Squatting more than 200 lbs

What is a current goal you are working on and hope to accomplish?

Flipping over for a handstand hold. I can only do it with Diana, FYI – she is the magic sauce. (I have a terrible fear of flipping my body over itself – I can’t do a cartwheel.) I also want to string together more than 5 double-unders in a row.

What advice would you give a new member or someone who is thinking about trying CrossFit?

CrossFit won’t make you throw up (as I originally thought before trying). It’s more than going to the gym. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a community. It’s a family. It’s a support system for every part of life. It’s so much more than a workout. Plus, the Halloween party is on point.

How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?

I make my husband feel my muscles, haha. More energy. More confidence. I know what I am capable of and I eat better!

What is a fun fact that people might not know about you?

I love British & Russian history and I can’t stop reading books. I was also a Girl Scout for 11 years. That’s a lot of cookies.

If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?

15 minute AMRAP:

12 box jumps

8 chest-to-bars

1 grass run

12 power cleans

Fill in the blank: I CrossFIt (because/so I can): I don’t want to be that girl at the Planet Fitness who jogs the treadmill every day and does some machine movements. I want to be more than that. I am more than that. I can and I will.

If you’d like to schedule a free, no-sweat intro, sign up today!

Each month, we will profile a Grand Trunk CrossFit member who has seen incredible results since joining our “box”.

It is our hope, that by showing you what can be accomplished through regular workouts and a commitment to fitness, you will be encouraged to take the leap and come in for a workout.

This month’s spotlight is on Bryan Johnston, a member since February 2015

When did you join Grand Trunk, and why?

Bryan: Powerhouse workouts were just not getting me what I was trying to accomplish: muscular strength, endurance, and overall better physical performance.

What do you enjoy most about GTCF and CrossFit?

CrossFit exposes your every weakness. There is always something that needs work.

What is your favorite movement?

Thrusters, cleans and bench presses.

What is a CrossFit goal you have achieved that you are most proud of?

There isn’t one specific thing I’m most proud of…just learning the techniques and getting them down was a huge success. Also, double-unders and muscle-ups. Now I’m working on getting my butterfly pull-ups…

What is a current goal you are working on and hope to accomplish?

Continue to improve my cardio conditioning as well as butterfly pull-ups.

What advice would you give a new member or someone who is thinking about trying CrossFit?

Check your ego at the door. Trust the process and put in the extra work.

How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?

CrossFit gives me confidence to do my job and handle difficult situations at work.

What is a fun fact that people might not know about you?

I used to race District 14 Motocross and raced in the Pontiac Silverdome. I also snowboard out West and heli board. I have one million safe miles driving tractor-trailers before my career in law enforcement.

If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?

100 reps of body weight bench press for me…just kidding. Probably box jump over, calorie Assault bike, thrusters and push-ups. Yeah, that sounds about right.

Fill in the blank: I CrossFIt (because/so I can): Possibly save your life if it ever comes to that. Also to protect my family and brothers in blue at all costs.

If you’d like to schedule a free, no-sweat intro, sign up today!

Each month, we will profile a Grand Trunk CrossFit member who has seen incredible results since joining our “box”.

It is our hope, that by showing you what can be accomplished through regular workouts and a commitment to fitness, you will be encouraged to take the leap and come in for a workout.

This month’s spotlight is on Melissa Christensen, a member since August 2015.

When did you join Grand Trunk, and why?

Melissa: My husband Chad and I joined in August of 2015 upon moving to the area. I recently started CrossFit because Chad said I would like it. I guess he was right (did I just admit that?)

What do you enjoy most about GTCF and CrossFit?

It’s been said before…THE PEOPLE! I come for the workout but I stay because of the awesome friends.

What is your favorite movement?

Power clean.

What is a CrossFit goal you have achieved that you are most proud of?

Breaking the 200-lb. mark on my deadlift.

What is a current goal you are working on and hope to accomplish?

Pulling myself up on the rig. When you have a husband that can butterfly with ease, it only seems fitting that you can, too.

What advice would you give a new member or someone who is thinking about trying CrossFit?

Try it and you’ll love it! Everyone and every skill level can do CrossFit and continue to grow and have achievements. CrossFit is a group sport with individual results…there is an “I” in CrossFit!

How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?

The Grand Trunk CrossFit community helped us make friends since we were new to the area. It’s also given me the energy to be the best mom taxi I can be!

What is a fun fact that people might not know about you?

While living overseas, I successfully used charades to get the maintenance men to unlock my townhouse when I locked myself out. Never forgot my keys again!

If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?

AMRAP 12

10 Power cleans

20 wall balls

30 slam balls

Fill in the blank: I CrossFIt (because/so I can): As a parent, I love the example I set for our children. I also enjoy that it’s something Chad and I have in common and we can do as a couple. Saturday morning partner WODs are my favorite workout of the week!

If you’d like to schedule a free, no-sweat intro, sign up today!

Each month, we will profile a Grand Trunk CrossFit member who has seen incredible results since joining our “box”.

It is our hope, that by showing you what can be accomplished through regular workouts and a commitment to fitness, you will be encouraged to take the leap and come in for a workout.

This month’s spotlight is on Brent Widlak, a member since December 2016.

When did you join Grand Trunk, and why?

Brent: I joined December 2016 to get back in shape so I could play sports again at a competitive level and a seven-year break after shoulder surgery and chasing the kids around the USA.

What do you enjoy most about GTCF and CrossFit?

The people. I LOVE the competitive spirit, the passion and the desire to improve ourselves and to help push and improve each other, all while smiling, complaining, laughing and sharing.

What is your favorite movement?

Overhead presses. We all generally love what we are best at!

What is a CrossFit goal you have achieved that you are most proud of?

Since I didn’t have ANY goals when I started, and they seem to change every week as I get better and stronger, I would still have to say going from the 2017 CrossFit Open and scaling everything, to RX’ing everything in 2018, was an awesome feeling.

What is a current goal you are working on and hope to accomplish?

I want to butterfly pull-ups and chest-to-bar, and generally I want to really work on proper form and technique.

What advice would you give a new member or someone who is thinking about trying CrossFit?

As everyone says, just try it! CrossFit is such a great community. Not only will you improve how you look and feel, but you can become part of a “family” with similar goals and similar problems that we all help each other to get through.

How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?

Too many ways to list but I am so much happier about myself in so many ways that I feel I am a better person, husband, father and friend!

What is a fun fact that people might not know about you?

I sang in a choir that traveled and competed across the United States, and another choir that traveled to Korea, Japan and Hawaii. I enjoy karaoke and singing in the shower nowadays.

If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?

It would include the movements that gave me the most problems to learn. Rowing to buy in, with double-unders, bar muscle ups and handstand push-ups. Now that I am looking what I wrote down, don’t ever do this workout or nobody will like me!

Fill in the blank: I CrossFIt (because/so I can): Stay healthy, push myself to be better, have some healthy competition, and have a TON of fun.

If you’d like to schedule a free, no-sweat intro, sign up today!

Each month, we will profile a Grand Trunk CrossFit member who has seen incredible results since joining our “box”.

It is our hope, that by showing you what can be accomplished through regular workouts and a commitment to fitness, you will be encouraged to take the leap and come in for a workout.

This month’s spotlight is on Celeste Forman, a member since 2017.

When did you join Grand Trunk, and why?

Celeste: I joined in August of 2017 after months of stalking the website. My friend does CrossFit in Port Austin and she suggested it for the accountability.

What do you enjoy most about GTCF and CrossFit?

I get motivated watching what everyone else can do. It’s nice to have that push.

What is your favorite movement?

Any type of squat.

What is a CrossFit goal you have achieved that you are most proud of?

Well, rowing 1,600 meters without dying, I guess.

What is a current goal you are working on and hope to accomplish?

I’m so far from this goal but toes-to-bar. I think that’s the coolest move and I wanna do it!

What advice would you give a new member or someone who is thinking about trying CrossFit?

Just do it! And don’t quit any workout because you’ll just be quitting yourself.

How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?

First, it’s made my son want to be active and exercise, which I love. And it kind of gives you a confidence boost. When you tell people you work out at CrossFit, they think you are insane and a badass, which is so fun.

What is a fun fact that people might not know about you?

Instead of going to college right after high school, I traveled. I moved to Maryland to be a live-in nanny. Then went to Mexico to build houses and to Guatemala to help get school supplies to the village kids that lived in the mountains. The kids sat on dirt floors and used rocks to do their schoolwork, so we brought them tables and chairs along with other school supplies. It was the most amazing experience one day (hopefully soon) I want to take my son there.

If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?

I feel highly unqualified to answer this question, so I’ll just say something with squats, ring rows, and toes-to-bar.

Fill in the blank: I CrossFIt (because/so I can): Relieve stress, be healthy, lose weight, and be an example to my son.

Interested in trying out CrossFit? Schedule a free, no-sweat intro today!

Each month, we will profile a Grand Trunk CrossFit member who has seen incredible results since joining our “box”.

It is our hope, that by showing you what can be accomplished through regular workouts and a commitment to fitness, you will be encouraged to take the leap and come in for a workout.

This month’s spotlight is on Bridget McRell, a Grand Trunk member since 2017.

When did you join Grand Trunk, and why?

Bridget: As a Type 1 diabetic who was worn out of chain gyms and solo workouts, I was trying to find a fitness option that would hold my interest and help me manage my health.

What do you enjoy most about GTCF and CrossFit?

The variation of the WODs keeps you mentally and physically engaged and the environment at GTCF, the encouragement from the coaches and members, it’s an awesome feeling to be part of such a great group of people.

What is your favorite movement?

Back squat or chest press.

What is a CrossFit goal you have achieved that you are most proud of?

As I round out my first year of being here, I am proud of each progression, whether it is moving from box steps to box jumps, being able to do a handstand hold (finally), all those positive steps, big or small, motivate me to see what else I am capable of.

What is a current goal you are working on and hope to accomplish?

Getting my kipping pull up / C2B; I am seeing progression and am hoping to knock this one out.

What advice would you give a new member or someone who is thinking about trying CrossFit?

Don’t underestimate yourself; it all seems big and scary coming in but the beauty of it is that everything is scalable; and before you know it you are doing things you never thought possible.

How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?

CrossFit is teaching me to carve time out for myself. Amazingly, the house isn’t going to fall down if I go to the gym after work instead of going home; and a little less “mom-guilt” goes a long way.

What is a fun fact that people might not know about you?

That even as a late forty-something, my dream job would be a cowboy: horses, dogs, being outside, what’s not to love?

If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?

Back squat or chest press, followed by:

7 squat cleans

9 push ups

11 wall balls

7 C2B pull-ups

Fill in the blank: I CrossFIt (because/so I can): I want to live a long and healthy life that is not defined by my medical challenges but is enhanced by the combination of CrossFit and my stubborn attitude.

If you’d like to schedule a free, no-sweat intro, sign up today! 

Each month, we will profile a Grand Trunk CrossFit member who has seen incredible results since joining our “box”.  

It is our hope, that by showing you what can be accomplished through regular workouts and a commitment to fitness, you will be encouraged to take the leap and come in for a workout.  

This month’s spotlight is on Terry Newman, a Grand Trunk member since 2015.  

When did you join Grand Trunk, and why?  

Terry: I joined Grand Trunk CrossFit in January 2015 to get out of a rut and try to develop a healthier lifestyle. 

What do you enjoy most about GTCF and CrossFit?  

My favorite part of GTCF is the atmosphere Brooklyn and Diana Netherton have created and the people I have met. I can honestly say I have never had a bad day at the gym regardless of what I did or didn’t lift that day. The gym is a happy place for me. 

What is your favorite movement?  

Deadlifts. I pick things up and put them down. 

What is a CrossFit goal you have achieved that you are most proud of?  

Without a doubt, 500 lb. deadlift was pretty sweet and unexpected. 

What is a current goal you are working on and hope to accomplish?  

I am pretty content with where I am at, but knocking out a muscle up would be pretty sweet. (Lots of work to be done there.)

What advice would you give a new member or someone who is thinking about trying CrossFit?  

Do it. I got into a CrossFit because my friend and his wife were raving about it and that peaked my curiosity. Shortly after GTCF opened next door to my work, Brooklyn walked over and said I should give it a shot. Best thing I’ve done for myself in a long time. 

How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?  

I like to think it has helped me break out of my comfort zone and become more social. It has helped give me more confidence outside of the gym and I try to carry that daily. It has helped me achieve goals I never would have thought about a few years ago. 

What is a fun fact that people might not know about you?  

In a former life I was an all-county swimmer and took first place at a conference meet my senior year of high school in the 500-yard freestyle. I’m also an Eagle Scout.   

If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?  

Wall balls or slam balls, deadlifts, and the assault bike. I’m also a fan of pull-ups now. When did that happen?  

Fill in the blank: I CrossFIt (because/so I can): I CrossFit so I can be healthier and happier.   

If you’d like to schedule a free, no-sweat intro, sign up today!