-By Lisa Berman
"Do you remember your first workout? Was it 10 min., 20 min. the full hour? I bet every single police officer who participated in Ryan’s “3 months of hell” (or
“Operation Sheepdog” as Ryan calls it) will forever remember the first long, brutal workout he put them through…but wow, what progress they all made in 3 months time!"
They had absolutely no idea what they were getting into. What good sports, I say. Ryan did not ease into it with this group of men and women; he went full speed ahead. But it didn’t matter. Every one of them gave 100% and got back that and more.
I was fortunate to sit with this last group of officers (this is the second group to go through the special program) in the gym after one of their intense CrossFit workouts. They were kind enough to take time to share some of their experiences with me. Each one told of marked improvement.
Rochelle thought she was in great shape (sound familiar), but realized she really wasn’t. She runs all the time but couldn’t believe how CrossFit improved her strength, performance level and recovery. Rochelle also went from rings to unassisted pull-ups in 6 months time (she started with the first group)!
Way to go, Rochelle!Steve has been on bike duty (and I don’t mean motorcycle) for 7 years now. Although he has amazing lower body strength, he felt he had reached a plateau using the same muscles over and over again. Once he started CrossFit he felt stronger overall, increased energy and a more positive attitude-that he could take on what ever was thrown his way.
Congrats, Steve!Eric also started with the first group 6 months ago and decided to continue with CrossFit. He said it is by far the best training he’s ever had. He pointed out that everyone is on the bandwagon; the UFC fighters use CrossFit to condition, the local high school sports teams, fire departments, and more incorporate some form of CrossFit into their workouts. He’s on the SWAT team and said he can now catch the guys on foot without getting winded. All of his lifts have improved since he started. AND he won a t-shirt for the most unassisted dead hang pull-ups (32).
Yahoo, Eric!
Ken told me he noticed an overall improvement in his performance, intensity and strength. He also believes (as do the others) that CrossFit is the best overall workout around; working different muscles every time (ones you didn’t know you even had) and alternating cardio for a complete fitness program. He feels the workouts don’t get boring or tedious because there is such variety.
Keep it up, Ken!Bill (he wasn’t there that day, but I got the scoop from Ryan) said he made such improvement that he can now keep up, on foot, with his partner who is 10 years younger.
Soon, Bill, he’ll be trying to keep up with you!
Liz also felt her overall workout was greatly improved, but what she really excels at are the squats! She went from being able to do, well, “diddly squat” in the squat department (ugh, I know…) to showing the greatest improvement in range of motion of the entire group.
Get down, Liz!Last, but definitely not least, Lori showed amazing improvement in her coordination; especially her push jerks and cleans. And that’s in only 3 months time! She can actually do them and properly. That gives the rest of us who are “coordinationally” challenged (no, it’s not a word but it fit) hope…
Thanks, Lori!I think I can honestly speak for all of us in saying thank you to all of the police officers who have gone through Ryan’s CrossFit “training from hell” (
Operation Sheepdog). By all of you becoming and staying healthy and fit, it keeps you safe and all of us safe as well.