Shane M. - Training for the Fire House

My first experience was great and just walking in I knew Crossfit was for me. Everyone was friendly, the workout beat me up and I felt physical challenge I had not felt in a long time. I had considered trying CrossFit for years and always thought just an hour workout wouldn’t be enough since I usually spent a few hours in the gym. A few other firefighters and friends told me to come check out City Line and I haven’t looked back since.

I have seen changes in my body, my energy level and my mindset. I have never been in as good of shape as I am today thanks to the daily workouts. I am able to come off 24 hour shifts, regardless of how busy we are, straight to the gym and get a good work out in while I used to go home and nap for a few hours. I am always thinking of how I can improve on my nutrition and keep moving in a positive direction as I am motivated by any gain I make.

I have been taking civil service fire exams since I was 18 (I am now 30) and for each exam every two years there is a physical abilities test. I used to run and work out for months before the exam in preparation to pass the physical test. Once you get the job you have to retake it again to prove you are still in shape for the job. This was the first test I took since I started CrossFit and I have never been so confident going into the test nor have I passed the stations as easy and quickly as I did.

Every firefighter and police officer should be coming to CrossFit. The movements and exercises we do at the gym mirror what we do day to day at the firehouse. Carrying people down stairs, carrying hose over our shoulder into a building or even as menial as jumping on and off the truck. I use more core muscle than ever before while I used to depend on my back and would come home sore more days than I would like to admit. Since I started CrossFit I have found myself moving quicker at emergency scenes and do not come home sore anymore. This lifestyle has changed my life for the better and my goal has always been to have a healthy/long career and leave the job someday on my own decision, not because I am injured or can’t physically do it. I think CrossFit will help me attain that goal just like it did to get the job in the first place.