How CrossFit helped me get in shape after testicular cancer

I have always been an athletic guy. I played football in high school and college. But after my testicular cancer treatment, I was overweight, and I wasn't leading a healthy lifestyle. I knew I needed to get stronger to prevent my cancer from coming back.

CrossFit turned out to be exactly what I needed. It helped me do a lot more than just get back in shape. It helped me find my confidence and connect with others.

Starting CrossFit after testicular cancer treatment
My testicular cancer treatment included three cycles of chemotherapy and a surgery. It was tough, but following the surgery, I was declared cancer-free.

Two years later, I learned a CrossFit gym would be opening in my hometown. I was so excited.

I missed the competitiveness and locker room feel I had known playing football in high school and college. This was going to be how I would become healthy again. The first day I went, I knew I was hooked. My gym is like a big diverse family. We would do anything for each other, inside the gym or out.

I know that if I don't take care of my body, it will not take care of me. I have cancer scar tissue in my body, and I need to do everything in my power to strengthen it and build it up so the cancer won't come back. 

CrossFit was difficult initially, but I've come a long way since then. I remember my first day. I couldn't do a full range of motion sit-up. But that's all in the past now. Since starting CrossFit I've lost 84 lbs., and I've become a CrossFit level one trainer.

Inspiring others through CrossFit
Am I an elite athlete? No, and I probably never will be. But I have fun, and I am in the best shape of my life. After cancer, I knew my life had to change. So, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and made one of the best decisions in my life.

Many of my friends from CrossFit didn't know about my cancer journey, but that changed when my gym posted my story on their Facebook page. The outpouring of support I received was amazing. My story provided many with motivation, although that wasn't my intention. I wasn't just a big guy going to the gym to get in shape. I was working out to increase my chances of living a cancer-free life. It's really made both myself and others consider why and how we do things. 

Before cancer, I, like many other people, just went to the gym because I thought I had to. I wanted to look strong, but I had no other motivation. Now, when I go to the gym, I am going to make my body stronger than anything that could try to take me down again. I look forward to going every single day because I have been blessed with the ability and knowledge to live every day to the fullest.