Testimonials

“Thank you! These little victories are so satisfying. I am extremely grateful for the coaches and family at RRCF. Cliché…but this CF family has changed my life. In addition to my wellness gains, I have developed confidence and determination that transcends into my personal and professional life. Patience, reliance, and self-respect are just a few characteristics that have evolved within me. Forever Thankful.” – Brit Kromer

“I’m struggling to find adequate words to describe how incredible Railroad CrossFit is to me. It’s not just the coaches- who are top notch. They’re knowledgeable, caring, & attentive. They have this amazing ability to get you to believe in yourself, even when you haven’t a bit of self-confidence. They’re hard working- striving to be the best they can, which is inspiring to us as athletes. But, while I don’t think you’ll find many boxes with coaches that compare to ours, I think most of all, it’s the community. I think the best way to describe it would be as the most diverse family possible.

Shawn has created a platform which has enabled us to have athletes from all walks of life working out side by side, encouraging each other, rooting each other on. Husbands and wives, parents and children, siblings, friends, people who start as strangers but become some of the best friends ever- all coming together. Sure there’s some friendly competition, but in the end, cheering each other on and genuinely celebrate each other’s successes. I’ve been blessed to be a part of this awesome community for 4+ years. RRCF has gone from being I want in my life to something I NEED in my life. As far as I’m concerned – there’s no better gym in the world. My only regret? Not starting sooner.”

– Bonnie Smith, 46 years young, Nurse

“When I got to Railroad I was 343 pounds, I could not run 100 meters, and I had a “bad back.” I use quotes here because, while my back isn’t 100%, I certainly don’t have any crippling damage. Being a former athlete it was frustrating and upsetting seeing how far I let myself go. At no point did the coaching staff let me feel sorry for the state I was in. Constant pushing and encouragement helped me drop over 40 pounds.

I rarely have back pain and when I do I know I need to move my hamstrings not take pain meds. One of the main things the coaching staff did was teach me about my own body. If this is painful stretch here, roll out here, mash out this. Everything thing the coaches preach help you learn and know your body, from nutrition to stretching to lifting technique. I went from flopping through 200 meter walk/runs to knowing, “Man, I really need to get better at using my legs to explode through my snatches.” Everything here is a family and everything comes out of love. I love my Railroad family because they saved my life. Oh, and by the way I can run for miles and deadlift 405 now….so the gainz are real!!”

– Mike Bogdanowicz

“RRCF is an amazing community of athletes and coaches! When I joined one year ago, I had no background in sports or weightlifting. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. Now, one year later, I’m stronger and faster than I ever thought I could be.

I’ve lost weight, but more importantly, I’ve lost fat and gained muscle. I’ve gained mental strength and self-confidence that spills outside of the gym into other areas of my life. In this first year, I’ve achieved strict pull-ups, double unders, the rope climb, and toes to bar – all things I never thought were possible for me until RRCF. I’ve become a faster runner and have fallen in love with rowing. I think of RRCF as my second home, and I love the community that fills his gym. I can’t wait to see where another year at RRCF gets me!”

– Tiffany Hansman

“When I told coach Shawn about me joining the United States Air Force he was ecstatic! Him being a former Airman and an amazing trainer, he knew what it took to get me in shape before arriving to boot camp. Coach Shawn, Coach Elena, and Coach Nolan got me into the best shape I’ve ever been in before I left, and I can’t thank them enough for that.

The coaches at Railroad CrossFit don’t only care about getting you in shape. They take the time to make sure you’re eating right, create workouts that are best for you, and they make sure you keep your body healthy and injury free. They take the time to get to know you as a person, and that is what I love the most about going to Railroad. If you’re looking to make a life change by getting into shape, getting rid of a pain or ache in your body, overall bettering your health, or just wanna look good going to the Beach, Railroad is the place to go!
Before I left for boot camp I wanted to be in the best shape I could possibly be in. The coaches at the gym worked with me one on one to get me in the shape I needed to be in by doing a variety of different and challenging workouts. Every time I wanted to give up, the coaches were there to push me beyond my limits helping me get through the workout. The coaches at Railroad help you get past the mental tick in your head that make you wanna give up. The atmosphere in the gym is positive, motivating, and inspirational. After all the hard work, tears, and a lot of sweat in the gym it helped me achieve a 98% on my final Physical Training test in basic training. My next goal in my Air Force career that I want to achieve is becoming a Phoenix Raven which includes a lot of physical training and I know keeping in contact with Coach Shawn and the other coaches, I have no doubt in my mind that I will be able to accomplish it. Even though I am stationed in Tampa Florida, they still provide me with help and support on my journey through the Air Force. So if you’re looking to go into any branch of the service I promise you if you walk into Railroad CrossFit you will be physically and mentally prepared upon arriving to boot camp. So finally, thank you Coach Shawn, Coach Elana, and Coach Nolan, for all of the positivity and training that you’ve provided me and the other athletes at the gym!”

– Airman Derek DeLamater

“It’s not about exercise. Its not even about “CrossFit.” With Shawn, it’s about living your potential.

I travel a lot. I’ve done WOD’s (Workout of the day) at over 20 different “CrossFit” gyms. RRCF is separate from the rest in that Shawn and Elena deeply see each person who walks through the door of RRCF.

They see each person’s potential almost always beyond what that person sees in themself.

At 37 years old, under Shawn’s coaching, I’m in better shape than I ever have been in my life. I’m lifting more, running faster, doing acrobatics I didn’t even know existed – and I was very active before railroad. I have more energy, and I’ve barely been sick in the last 4 years I’ve been WOD’ing 5 days a week, even while others in my family, in the same house, have had colds and flus.

RRCF is a huge part of my life to which I am seriously grateful.
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– Rob G. – Hudson, NY

“I started Railroad CrossFit about year and half ago. I didn’t know what I was getting involved in, I just knew I wanted to try it. The atmosphere was/is amazing. As a male athlete, ex-football/baseball/basketball player, I was humbled the first day in the gym.

The people at the gym are amazing, hard working human beings….The coaching staff is/are one of a kind…I feel like it’s a family atmosphere…. The love you get is priceless…Truth be told, WORDS CAN’T EXPRESS, EXPLAIN HOW I FEEL ABOUT THE LOVE, COACHES, THE RAILROAD ATMOSPHERE, WORKOUTS, ETC…. “

– Kalik Blanks

“The accessory work and corrective programming are both fantastic. I feel stronger, especially going overhead, and in my midline and hamstrings. The most notable difference is a reduction in hip pain. My left hip used to become extremely painful after a short time sitting or after some workouts. I can now sit for long periods of time (if i have to) and not be in pain or concerned if I could even accomplish sitting without hip pain. My first thought regarding meetings or training classes was, “Oh great! Im going to be in pain the whole time.” No more! My increased shoulder/midline/hamstring strength directly transfers over to my lifts. My lifts are heavier and I don’t have to sacrifice technique. Working with Coach Elena is amazing. She is always open to hearing my concerns, my ailments and adjusts the programming as necessary. She genuinely cares about my success and it shows. Its apparent in all you guys and its rare to have such a great group of people in your corner. I’m incredibly grateful.” – Sarah Mickelsen