Steve Zipf

Collecting my thoughts for KOP’s 10th Anniversary Members of the Decade, the KOP testimonial I wrote nearly 5 years ago remains true.

Those experiences were really personal, but I’m sure many of our members feel the same.
KOP is rare and special. Together we share a generosity of spirit, forged by smiles, kind words, discipline, hard work, self discovery, friendships and respect.
Thank you to all. Our community has a great future ahead.

Aimee, I want to express to the world my thanks and appreciation to you and CrossFit KOP community for all you have done for me. When I came to meet you in June, 2009, with my US Marine son, Kit, it had been over 2 years since I even took a walk for exercise. Kit knew that I was both unmotivated and out of shape after two surgeries, an 8 month viral illness and the diagnosis of diabetes type 2. You listened and you understood. It didn't matter that my age (60+) (now 70+) was a long way from the elite athletes who trained at CrossFit KOP every day. We started CrossFit slowly -- first privately one on one and built up to two or three Workouts of the Day (WOD) each week with the KOP community. Those sessions weren't easy, but you and your coaches made it fun and adjusted (scaled) the workouts to my personal level of fitness. A wonderful bonus was the great support from my fellow KOP CrossFitters (except on my birthday when they had to do an unmentionable number of burpees equal to my age). Every week was better than the last. The results speak for themselves: lower weight, better strength, lower blood sugar and much improved balance. Renewed health gave me back my daily functional activities of life and appreciation for the things I missed. You saw it too.

I wrote this to be a testimonial, so I want to share a whole list of the qualities you bring to all your training: planning every workout; educating us with new skills and a new vocabulary in every session; patience as those skills begin to acquire "muscle memory"; boundless enthusiasm; encouragement at the right physical moment; and the focus and discipline to help us all achieve our "Personal Best".

Aimee, in our workouts we talk together and agree that doing CrossFit is a journey, not a goal. That road goes further than I can see. With your help, I know I'll keep moving forward.