Adam Peterson - Member Testimonial

Six weeks ago I decided to take part in the 2012 CrossFit Bolton Paleo Diet Challenge. The first information session with Alex was truly eye-opening. It was there that I not only learned how to carry out the diet properly, but also how foods affect the human body, and just how detrimental bad eating habits are to overall health and well being. Before I started out, I had no idea just how essential the Paleolithic diet would be to achieving optimal health, physical composition, and overall state of mind. I came out of that initial meeting certain that I would notice some improvement if I followed the diet and continued to work out regularly as prescribed. I noticed more than just some improvement. I noticed that my life had drastically improved in just six short weeks.

I began working out at CrossFit Bolton in March, and at the outset, I was as weak as a kitten. With some determination and training I was able to make relatively large strides in overall strength and endurance with the help of the amazing trainers, as well as phenomenal support from my fellow members. Despite my improved physical abilities, I was not seeing very much improvement in terms of weight loss or body composition, and my energy levels were still lacking. I was 191 lbs and not eating a healthy diet. I was someone that woke up feeling drained; I was moody and not sleeping well. I suffered from fatigue throughout the day and my overall unhappy disposition owed a lot to ongoing discomfort with my physical appearance. I once had an athletic build, but had slowly but surely allowed myself to turn into someone who could no longer fit into clothing that was once comfortable, who did not want to be approached before a morning coffee, and who had lost much in terms of concentration and mental focus. The cause of all of this was my terrible eating habits. As I would learn from Alex, I was depriving myself of essential proteins, healthy fats and vitamins, while eating way too much sugar, dairy and bad carbs. My diet was wreaking havoc on my body!

With all of this in mind, I began eating a strict paleo diet. Alex had armed me with all of the knowledge and tools that I needed to successfully take on the challenge, and it was up to me to implement the necessary lifestyle changes. As someone who drank too much beer on the weekend, and ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted it; initially, the task seemed daunting. How would I be able to make such a radical change? Would I have the will power to deprive myself of all the sugar and salty snacks that I loved so much? With my trusty paleo handbook in tow, I began eating lean meats, and an abundance of healthy fruits and vegetables, with some nuts and seeds thrown in here and there. I cut out coffee, juice and pop entirely, and drank only water and green tea. I was amazed at the ease with which I was able to carry this out. The cravings for bad foods were no match for the amount of energy and balance that I was getting from eating paleo. The changes were immediate. I quickly became addicted to sleeping like a baby through the night and waking up feeling rested and full of energy. I was no longer moody or unhappy and I became excited to put my new found energy to work in the gym in attempting new personal records. I found myself enjoying my meals, feeling nourished and full instead of bloated and tired. After the first week, I had lost 9 lbs, and my physical appearance continued to improve over the course of the challenge. I was shedding more weight and inches with each passing week, and by the end I had lost 20 lbs and over 8 inches. I am now 171 lbs and my body feels like I have relieved it of an enormous burden. It feels clean and energized, and I have gained plenty of lean muscle along the way. I cut the time it takes for me to do fifty burpees by fourty-three seconds, and I added fifteen pounds to my max deadlift, increasing it to 315 lbs.

Additionally, my mental focus has increased tenfold. During week four of the challenge, I was actually promoted at my workplace and I owe it all to paleo. The confidence I had gained, paired with my increased concentration and energy landed me a new job. I found myself presenting and communicating at work with more vigor and enthusiasm than ever before. My ideas were more concise and creative, and it made me stand out in a positive way. I no longer feel groggy or require coffee to get me through the afternoon. I have never felt better and I owe it all to eating a clean, healthy paleo diet, and CrossFit Bolton.

I have made some great progress over the last four months in my pursuit of optimal fitness and health. I still have a long hard journey ahead of me, but I would not have been able to achieve any of the progress that I have made already without the fantastic group of people at CrossFit Bolton. The six week challenge was made far more rewarding and enjoyable through the support and motivation offered by all of the trainers and members. I want to thank everyone for helping me set my life on a new path, based on healthy eating and striving for elite fitness. I have made so many new friends at the gym, and I want to thank all of them for inspiring me to get better every day. Thanks to my sister Lisa and my brother-in-law Jay for convincing me to join the gym and consistently helping me to get better with each W.O.D. I want to say a special thanks to all of the trainers, Jimmy, Tony, Dillon, Kat and Elora for always providing awesome coaching and incredible support. And lastly, a huge thank you to Alex, all of your knowledge, guidance and training has literally been life changing for me. I can’t thank you enough.

I want to assure anyone who is considering taking on the paleo diet that it is the best and most efficient way to dramatically change your body composition and energy levels. Whether you are taking part in a paleo challenge at the gym, or just trying it on your own, you will find the results to be staggering.

Now let’s go crush some W.O.D’s, and in the words of Jimmy, “Stay rock solid tight”