Listen HERE on Spotify: The Proudly Different Podcast – Episode #1 Why I Opened a Gym: The X After almost two decades in the fitness industry, one question that has come up recently from our newest clients is, Why did I want to open a gym in the first place? The answer is simple and direct: I […]
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“We need to put you on Blood pressure medication.” At age 32, during my annual physical, those words cut through me like a long, sharp sword. I felt like I took reasonable care of myself, played pick-up basketball three to five times per week and had a relatively good diet. The reality was that I
Let me start off by saying that I love The X-Project and trainer, Michael Gaines! I am a 45 year old, full-time working mom, who is close to bench pressing 100 pounds, front squatting 125 pounds, doing double under, pull ups, box jumps, burpees and much more. At The X-Project, I currently hold the female
The X-Project is a fitness training and performance center and the home of the CrossFit Affiliate in Frederick MD, East Frederick CrossFit. Our main focus is on teaching and learning. We emphasize quality first and educate each and every member on the what, how and why we do everything that we do. The X-Project mission
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Founder & Head Coach
My career started as a personal trainer at your typical “big box” gym franchise. Although it was a challenge from day 1, I was ready for it – clients at 5 am, clients at 9 pm; clients who aspired to be collegiate athletes; clients who had never exercised; clients who wanted a “quick fix” and crash diets; clients who were lost; and clients who were stepping into the gym for the first time.
It was a daily challenge working with a “one size fits all” program and platform created by executives focused on profit over people. Everyone is so different, so why is the program the same for each person?
I became continually frustrated – how was anyone supposed to hit their individual goals with a program created for an “average” person. How were my clients ever going to feel encouraged when their progress and success was based on impossible standards? It was wrong, and I was determined to do something better.
There needed to be a genuine collaboration of long-term strategies aligned with our member’s unique goals and lifestyles. Couple that with a safe place where they are heard, seen, and understood. Where programs for exercise, diet, lifestyle changes, conquering health battles, and gaining control are creatively designed, individually prepared, intelligently managed, and continually monitored. It took some time to get it right, but I finally curated a program in a place where each member is individually recognized, yet part of a like-minded community. A place we call The X…and a program that is Proudly Different.
My name is Michael Gaines, and I am the proud founder and head coach of The X. Before you ask…the answer is yes – I hold numerous certifications and have put in years of research that serves as the backbone of every individual program we curate. Our members are my family, and it’s hard to articulate the joy I get watching them triumph over their health, fitness, and diet battles. The results are real, long-term, and rewarding. Stop in and say hello. Tell us how you define success and we’ll help you get there!
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