Testimonials
Last winter, at age 77, I realized I was starting to walk like an OLD person and not feeling stable on my feet. Before I retired and moved to Frankfort, I worked out with a trainer; so I knew I needed to find something to strengthen my core. I also knew working out alone doesn't work for me.
In January, Amanda Moore posted on Facebook "bring a friend week" at CFSF. I had no idea what CrossFit was, and from watching the videos, I wasn't sure I could do it. Amanda encouraged me to talk with Key and give it a try. Key understood my situation and showed me he could scale activities to where I could be successful. By the end of 3 classes, I was hooked, and my body was telling me, "I've missed that." When I leave class, I always feel good. By the end of my first month, I realized I even felt younger. CrossFit has motivated me to change my diet and stick to it. Now I'm seeing weight loss, and my blood sugars have dropped significantly.
I credit Key's excellent coaching for my success. He is AMAZING!!! The added BONUS is the wonderful camaraderie I've found in the CFSF family. I love working out with these people. They are the BEST, and I was privileged to join them in the recent MURPH challenge. Their support and encouragement, along with Key's coaching, keep me coming back for more." - Miriam Curts
Just over a year ago, back when I was 50, I noticed a group of people working out in a warehouse next to my business. When I walked in, I had no clue what was in store for me. I met Coach Key, who entuiastically introduced himself and gave a quick rundown of what he is promoting, including The Murph, which I will complete this year.
I went in because I needed something and had been thinking about ”working out”, but didn’t feel at home at a traditional gym. I had visited anytime the week before, but didn’t sign up, and after doing CrossFit, I KNOW I would NEVER push myself that hard. I noticed the simplicity of the gymnasium, which I soon would consider a torture chamber in the best way possible.
What I have found is a community. I have found friendships in suffering. I have found a group of like-minded athletes who gather to sweat and push and try like hell to keep getting better. I have found a great way to get an incredible workout run by a professional who enjoys your successes as much as, or maybe more, than his own.
I must add, at 51, this sport can be done by anyone. You can scale your workout to suit your abilities and work yourself into better and better shape, and Key is very helpful guiding you to reach your fitness goals.
Thank you, Coach, thank you, fellow CrossFitters…my only suggestion is to rename burpees to throwupees!"
Cheers,
Joseph Bookwalter
"Hi, I’m Jessica Doyle! I’m the CEO of the Doyle household aka a stay at home mom to the best little girl in the world, Kennedy Laine. I’ve been married to Grant Doyle for 5 years this September and we have one very anxious dog named Boo. I’m a lover of coffee, shopping trips, traveling and now CrossFit."
"I joined CrossFit Solar Flare in May 2023 and I’ve never looked back. Never in my life did I think I’d be capable of half the things we do each day in class. I’ve gained so much mental and physical strength, life long friends and a hobby that keeps challenging me. I’m so thankful I joined when I did."
"My biggest goal in life is to be the best role model for my daughter that I can possibly be. I want her to grow up knowing that there is beauty in strength and that she can be whoever she wants to be."
"A goal I’d like to reach within the gym is to become better at gymnastics. I struggle with this but I know if I can get out of my own head I can accomplish anything!"
"Hello, I am Dave Johnson. I am having a hard time realizing I am 62, even though I don’t feel like it. I have always been very active and never shied away from work. I am primarily a cyclist. I put in a lot of miles each year. I have also learned that keeping fit needs to include flexibility and weight training.
I had been in CrossFit for a short time years ago. When CrossFit Solar Flare opened, I wanted to be a part of it. I can’t tell you I love waking up at 4:00am to go sweat, but at 6:00am after a workout, I don’t ever remember saying, “I wish I hadn’t gone to workout.” I feel so much better mentally and physically after being abused by Key, the owner/instructor. That is the reason I go as often as I can. The reason I stay is Key. He takes everyone where they are, me included. I have watched him with old, young, super fit, super strong, as well as people who just started. He treats EVERYONE the same. We may never be world-class athletes, but if we keep getting better, we are improving. That is his goal that we improve and don’t get injured in the process!! I recommend anyone who wants to get stronger, more flexible, and in better condition to try CrossFit Solar Flare."
Hi!
My name is Britney. I’m 24 years old, I have 1 dog, and I’ve been a dental Assistant for 4 years. I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I 100% would have never thought about doing CrossFit, let alone joining a CrossFit gym if it wasn’t for my boss, Kristen. She convinced me to try it, and I never thought I’d enjoy working out so much.
What do I enjoy about CFSF?
I really like the atmosphere at CFSF! My first week I learned so much and everyone was so nice and welcoming.I enjoy pushing myself everyday.
Goals:
My goal for inside the gym is to continue going consistently and working on getting 1% better everyday.
Hello everyone! I have been a member of Crossfit Solar flare since Nov 2023. CFSF has redefined my fitness journey, ignited a passion/drive that keeps me coming back for more! What truly sets CFSF apart is the incredible community that feels like family. Since day one, i have been greeted with open arms from all walks of life who share a common goal for personal growth! Whether you're an experienced athlete or just beginning. CFSF is a place where everyone belongs! Coach Key helps drive this initiative because he's not just a coach, but a mentor, motivator, and catalyst for success! I have experienced incredible physical and mental transformation, becoming stronger, more resilient, and brimming with self-confidence! CFSF and its community has empowered me to overcome my limitations and set new standards for myself and my life --- Alex Risse
Hi. I’m Dena Lukasik-wife, mother, grandmother, business owner. I was raised in Clinton County and grew up “playing” with 5 boy cousins which is where my love for sports started. After graduating from Purdue I taught school for six years and coached numerous girls sports. I had no personal experience in competitive sports because girls sports didn’t exist in the public schools then. But back then if you could spell the sport you got to coach it and since I taught Language Arts it seemed a ‘logical’ fit. I’ve been married to my husband Michael for 45 years and at this stage of life have learned that in order to thrive at anything in life it takes continual growth and perseverance.
I began working out 1 1/2 years ago to regain muscle mass and strength that had declined with aging (I’m 70). Although running is my main sport (I took that up when I was 40) CrossFit Solar Flare has been such a good experience because of the overall conditioning that one gets from a cross fit philosophy. What I’ve enjoyed most is meeting new people and learning new ways to challenge myself physically. I’ve learned that hanging out with the younger folks can make me feel young-trying to keep up with them -not-so-much. Trainer, Key Taulbee makes it fun and attainable for everyone regardless of skill level.
My goal for cross fit is to increase my upper body strength to be in proportion with my lower body to support my running activities.
My focus outside the gym is to enjoy this stage of life where it is just my husband and I, continue to run a successful Mary Kay business, to support my kids wherever they need me and to continually challenge myself to learn new things. Life is very rewarding when you have something to look forward to everyday.
