Rob

My name is Rob Hale; most people know me as “Chief” and I am 53 years old.
My first taste of CrossFit was at Michaels gym over 2 ½ years ago when he was still in the old gym. I had spent 20 years in the Navy as a diver and daily exercise was the way of life during that time. When I retired from the service as a Chief Petty Officer, I pretty much became a couch potato for 10 years. I figured since it took 20 years to get into my current shape, it should take 20 years to “get out of shape. Boy, was I wrong. I have three sons who are into CrossFit, and they convinced my wife to join. After a while, they persuaded me to join and I figured two birds with one stone: quality family time and maybe shed a few pounds.

My first meeting with Michael was goal setting; what did I want from this experience. My goal was simple, after reaching 225 lbs at 5’9”, it would be nice to be able to tie my shoes without holding my breath. Then, I jumped in with both feet. My first CrossFit class was intimidating, at first, but Michael and Kyle made me feel at home. The hardest part for me during that initial time was learning the technique of the skill before loading the bar up. After I got over that learning curve, the progress began, the pounds came off, and I could tie my shoes without holding my breath. Score big time! I got down to 190 lbs. After some eating habit adjustments, tracking my workouts (LOG BOOK as Michael preaches), and setting new goals, I am now hanging out at 200 lbs and feeling great. I can’t seem to get enough to eat now to maintain the energy.

I love the atmosphere the X-Project provides. Well, maybe not the Bieber songs. This year I am participating in my first CrossFit OPEN, and I’m finding out I can do more than I thought I could. I have met so many interesting and diverse people, and I have made a lot of new friends at the gym. I really appreciate the support and guidance the coaches and my friends have given me. I wish I would have started CrossFit as soon as I retired from the Navy. I continue to set new goals as I reach the old ones. Maybe one day this old man will achieve a muscle up.

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MICHAEL GAINES

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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