Rik Today

“Having played rugby since I was a young kid, I was looking for something new to try that would satisfy my competitive nature and help me get back in shape. With plans to move back to Chicago from Northern Ireland, I started researching online and luckily found CrossFit at Atlas. The more I read about it, the more I couldn’t wait to get started. I was in for a shock!

I couldn’t believe how unfit I was and how exhausted I could become after a few minutes of exercise. This was completely different to any training I had done in the past and I was loving it! I was doing things I never thought possible and pushing myself harder than before. The staff and coaches at Atlas are great in terms of providing support to do this whilst making sure you continually challenge yourself.

In terms of exercise it has probably been the hardest year I have ever had, but definitely the most enjoyable and ultimately the most productive. I lost 70lbs in 10 months and I have seen dramatic changes in my body measurements. CrossFit has definitely given me confidence and belief in my abilities which I demonstrated last year running the Chicago marathon. I had never ran more than 10 miles prior but I knew I had to treat it the same way as any WOD and rely on mental strength and determination to get me over the finish line.

I owe Atlas a massive thank you for everything over the last year!”

Lisa Today

Lisa Before

I took a big breath and walked into Atlas for the first time in March 2011.  I was overweight and uninspired but curious.  I had run the Chicago Marathon and trained with a personal trainer and I was bored with it all.

My first visit was an eye-opening day.  I had convinced myself that I was in “ok” condition.  I was wrong.  Standing on the corner after that first WOD, I thought “what just happened?”.  I was exhausted but energized, nauseous yet smiling.

I signed up for more immediately.

Since then, I have happily put in the hours at Atlas, listened carefully to each of my coaches, changed my diet and lost 30 lbs.  I may still be the last one to finish but it’s alright, the support is always there.

Thank you, to all of my coaches, for helping me create this body I hardly recognize as mine.

Kristy After

Kristy Before

“Atlas CrossFit has transformed me both physically and mentally.   I will never approach fitness, nutrition or my life in the same way again.  I feel like for the first time I am doing something that really makes a difference and has made me an overall better person.”

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Outside of playing tennis growing up, I’ve never been much of an athlete. Since college, I’ve struggled to find an exercise routine that not only produced results, but was also fun…something I knew I would stick with. And I’ve tried them all Tae bo, Hula Hooping, Ab Roller, Step, Treadmill at gym, etc. for the most part, all of those items are gathering dust in my attic! I was always finding excuses as to why I wasn’t able to get into a workout routine and instead sat on my couch, watched television and drank wine.

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Constantly pushing myself to new levels has brought about significant change for me. I’ve lost weight, decreased my body fat, gone down a size and am stronger and faster than ever. Continue reading »

I’m stronger than I’ve ever been in my life, and I’m doing things I used to fear – like overhead squats and thrusters! I’m more confident than I’ve ever been, and I’ve stopped avoiding things I struggle with and instead work harder at these weaknesses. Continue reading »

Since joining Atlas, I’ve noticed a huge change in myself, though it came along gradually. In the past year and a half, I’ve lost about 15 lbs. and have gone down two pants sizes.

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I have never felt more powerful and motivated. I am in the best shape of my life! CrossFit has motivated me to face any hurdle or fear head-on and dominate it to the best of my ability. Continue reading »