We have so much love for our community, and want to take the chance to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work – if you haven’t met Darius yet (or even if you have), make sure to give him a hello and high five next time you see him at the gym!
Here is a little about Darius’ journey through CrossFit so far:
Fact. In January of 2013, my weight was 265lbs and I was wearing a size 42 in pants. I went to the doctor for a routine check and my PCP “tried to” diagnosis me with hypertension. I refused that diagnosis. My PCP basically threatened me with losing weight or else he was putting me on meds. He gave 3 months to lose weight and get my blood pressure in check. I worked out on my own and returned to the doctor only to find out that I had lost 7lbs. BP was still abnormally high. He tried to put me on blood pressure medication again. After asking for another shot, he gave me 2 months. I came home began playing with my one year old son to make me feel better. He was just learning how to run at the time. After about literally 10 minutes of play time, I was done. I mean exhausted. When I said let’s go in the house, he cried because he still wanted to play but I just didn’t have the energy to keep up with him. At that moment, my son’s cry changed my life. I felt so bad. I had to get in shape. My wife suggested CrossFit because that is what she did for years before we met. At the time, CF West Cobb had just opened and so I tried it. One workout and I was hooked. The weight literally started melting off. Two months later I was about 230lbs, my doctor stated that my BP is not where he wanted but he saw that I was trying. Fast forwarding a bit, we moved which forced us to switch boxes. Once we met Emily and the coaching staff, I was like let’s get it Coach. You ever heard the saying be careful what you ask for? It was like everyone here knew exactly what I needed. I mean from the WODs, to peer support, and even the coaches checking on you when you don’t show for a few days. I have to admit I have never run, rowed, AB, run, run, and did I mentioned run so much in my life. However, when I went back to the doctor for a check up my BP was perfect 118/68. Now that my son is 5 years old, when he wants to play I have more than enough energy to keep up with him. When people ask me why I CrossFit, I tell them because I want to be around for my family.
Q: Where are you originally from?
Milledgeville, Ga.
Q: What class do you attend?
6a but recently switched to 5am
Q: Do you have a favorite workout or movement? Least favorite?
Favorite movement is tie between WB and Rowing
Least favorite Burpees
Q: What’s your favorite hobby, pastime or interest outside of work (other than CrossFit)?
Riding my Harley and coming soon running 5Ks
Q: Favorite music to work out to or just listen to in general?
Lil Jon “What U Gon’ Do” it’s my coffee in the morning LOL
Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I love to Fish & Grill
Q: Favorite Atlanta Restaurant?
Bricktops long story behind it
Q: Favorite moment at CF Terminus?
The day I was complaining about having to run in a WOD to my partner and didn’t know he was a Coach at Terminus. Priceless Thanks Chase
Q: How has CrossFit affected your life (inside/outside of the gym)?
I feel like CrossFit gave me that swag like I got this no matter what I’m doing in life. You have to consider that CrossFit helped drop me from a size 42 down to a 32. I got my blood pressure in check and lost over 50lbs in the process. As a result, I am more energetic which shows at work, home, and in the gym when (we are not doing burpees).
Q: Any advice for someone considering trying CrossFit for the first time?
If you trust the process, CrossFit will change your life. Take if from me 118/68. Numbers don’t lie.
Thank you for continuing to be a part of our Terminus family! Your laugh is contagious and you bring an amazing energy to the people around you in class (even at 5am). You can achieve anything if you’re willing to work for it – and you’ve proven that!
