"I have been an athlete my entire life, playing sports from soccer, to softball, to snowboarding and currently I play D2 softball for Southern CT State University. Since joining Crossfit, a mere 3 weeks ago, I can honestly say I have never worked out with such intensity in my entire life. During my off season I have strength and conditioning 3 days a week at 6am for an hour and a half and with all the 6ams I have done in the past, I would trade them all in for the three weeks of Crossfit I have completed. I've accomplished more, and learned more, in my three weeks of CF.

As for SECT Crossfit they are awesome people who are there to help anyone and everyone. I'll admit I was a little intimidated, and nervous, starting crossfit, but I was welcomed with open arms. In just three weeks I absolutely fell in love with Crossfit. Yes, it's brutal and intense, but lying on the ground after a workout feels like such an accomplishment. I have SECT to thank for that."

- Chrissy Bourgoin

Randy,

My journey to SECT Crossfit was a bit lengthy, like many of your current athletes I'm sure. I first found out about Crossfit about a year ago. I told my friend (personal trainer at the "Globo Gym"!!) about Crossfit and he found your facility right in our back door here in Southeastern Connecticut. Well after alot of persistence, I finally made the decision to check out SECT Crossfit.

My first impression of your training facility, was, wow, this place means business. I love the whole warehouse back drop. It was as if I was in East Germany during the cold war preparing for the 1980 Olympics. I simply knew that this place meant "work". A four letter word that the fitness industry just doesn't get in my opinion.

I decided to sign up for your foundations class. Over my foundations sessions, I had a chance to meet many from your family, and other gym members. I found it so damn invigorating that there were no egos. Period. No one walking around in their winter hat, with an ipod in trying to bench 275. For what? I don't know. Because he looks cool?? Hell, the way we work at SECT Crossfit, if you are wearing a hat, you ain't working hard enough.

Keep in mind, I've been working out for over 20 years. I've done Army Physical Training, "Globo Gym" training, and everything else in between. You even taught me numerous techniques that have improved my workouts, and taught me what I'd been doing wrong for over 20 years. If I could roll back the clock, and be 20 years old again, I'd pay you 10 times what you charge. I think that you should charge more for the foundations class. People should be lined up at the door for the low price you are charging.

The Top 10 Reasons I like SECT Crossfit:

1. Every day is different. Never the same routine. I'm bored easily, this workout is not boring.

2. 80% of the workouts are done in 20 minutes!!

3. As my coach, you push me beyond my own expectations. You train me like an athlete.

4. I'm getting you as a coach for about $15 per session. How can you beat that? Go to the Globo Gym and they not only charge you a membership fee, but then you have to pay up to $75 for a trainer, (with about 10% of the results that you provide, I might add). I mean come one people, you are getting a coach of athletes for $15!! Are you kidding me??

5. I love the white board with my name, and scores for everyone to see. It pushes me to get better. (I don't want Marc Nee to beat me)

6. The workouts can be scaled for anyone's ability. My 12 year old daughter does it with me.

7. You care about all of your athletes, regardless of their skill set they bring to the table.

8. I have not met one "jackass" at your training facility, everyone is nice, with no ego

9. There are no TV's, magazines to read (leave those for the dr's office), tanning booths, smoothie machines, plush carpeting, and so on.....I think you get my drift. When I enter that door, I know I'm there to work, and get it on.

10. You and your wife know each and everyone personally that comes through that door. You want to make them better athletes. Not only are you guys the owners, but the coach, mentor, and drill instructor when needed.

As I prepare for the beautiful country of Afghanistan for round two, I'm looking forward to serving under you as your student. I expect you to test me like I've never been tested. I don't want to be at 8,000 feet in the mountains, wishing that I'd pushed myself a little harder. My soldiers and my family deserve better.

In closing, you and I will be working together closely over the next year. It is my goal to get more people in Southeastern CT to "drink the kool-aid" of SECT Crossfit. You are a hell of a coach, you have a great wife, and your facility is like no other I've ever seen. (I've seen alot in the US, and outside the US) So, with that being said....3, 2, 1, GO!!!

Respectfully,

Corey Lewis, SFC, United States Army National Guard

"Just wanted to say thanks for letting me get a workout at SECT Crossfit. You have a true CrossFit facility there. You can really get after it, especially on that pullup bar. I wish I was sticking around so I could get more workouts in, especially on your rings. You are a motivated trainer and I'm sure SECT CrossFit is gonna grow big and strong and spread some pain!"

Keep training hard,

Brian H.

"The Crossfit philosophy has totally changed the way I workout and view exercise. I will never go back to the old conventional way of training. CrossFit's intensity and workout variations will absolutely blow you away. All your old 3X10's turn to shit once you are facing a timed, brutally hard "Fight Gone Bad". It gives you a great sense of pride just finishing a CrossFit workout."

Dave M.

"My endurance, strength, flexibility, stamina and overall fitness have increased exponentially as a result of CrossFit. The benchmark workout, Fran, was a highly idealistic, seemingly unattainable goal for me when I first heard about it. I finished Fran, unmodified for the first time in under 10 minutes the other day and I realized that I have gotten in better shape (I'd say the best shape of my life) in the past 5 months doing CrossFit than in the past 10 years of tirelessly lifting weights and working on cardio machines at other gyms. Randy and his team of instructors at SECT CrossFit offer the best product around in terms of overall fitness. Randy is an amazing trainer with only the best intentions for his clients. For those who truly want to maximize their potential - begin working with Randy and his team immediately!"

Ceren K.

Dear Randy,

It has been approximately three weeks since I started personal training with you. I am amazed at the results I am already experiencing. As you know I had a total knee replacement done a year ago. Since then I have been trying to get back into shape. Although I have been active and worked out all my life, I was finding it difficult to get back into shape in spite of regular yoga, Pilates, water exercise. weight training and cardio work on the treadmill, stepper and recumbent bicycle.

I tried working out with a personal trainer at another gym in the spring, but couldn’t seem to get motivated. When I joined the Y in September, I was lucky enough to have you orient me to the fitness room and equipment. I was really impressed with your knowledge, personality and ability to motivate. You understood that at 62, with osteoarthritis and a knee replacement, I would have to work with limitations.

I must admit that at first I was a bit skeptical about the Cross Fit program. But the more I work with it and learn about it, the more I understand how it is adaptable for any age, gender, and fitness stage. It is really a functional program that has already made me stronger and increased my balance. I have particularly noticed that I am able to maintain yoga asanas (poses) with better balance and strength. In everyday life I have found it easier to bend and squat without hanging onto to things as well as lift boxes overhead. I am going up and down stairs more and more without using the railings.

I have more energy and stamina and feel my core structure is much more stable. I have noticed a lot of similarities to the emphasis on core strength to both yoga and Pilates. During the extensive rehab I underwent after my knee surgery, the physical therapist emphasized the need for strong quads, hamstrings and calf muscles. The squat was an important part of my rehab. I am impressed that Cross fit incorporates the squat into its program. I also like the use of the rowing machine. Although I never used this machine before, I really like it. It seems to give a good overall workout.

Although I have not lost any weight, my clothes already fit better. Just this morning, I found that a bathing suit I have not worn to water class in a while is actually big in the midriff area. My abs, triceps, and thighs seem to be tighter as well as stronger.

My friends have already noticed a change. They say I look leaner and healthier. When I told them I was working out with a Cross Fit trainer, they told me to stick with it, which I fully intend to do since I am really seeing results in a fun and functional way.

I am extremely happy that I can do these exercises at home as well as the gym. And even when I am traveling. But I am surprised that the Y does not have any lightweight bar bells and wooden dowels so I can do them on my own in the fitness room.


Again, thank you so much for introducing me to this fitness approach. Your knowledge, skill, concern with safety and form are inspiring and will continue to make you a good trainer. I look forward to more sessions with you as you prepare me to work out on my own. I hope that in the future, you will offer group sessions as well as individual sessions. The Y is really lucky to have you!


Sincerely,

Marge L.