January Member(s) of the Month, Scott Jiroch and Curt Haarsma

Scott Jiroch

Curt (left) and Scott (right) spend time on the
weight machines and the basketball floor

Four days in the hospital gave me plenty of time to figure out that I needed to get back in shape....

In 2012, I was 222 pounds with a 38” waist – along with four broken ribs and 10 stitches in my head from a bicycle accident.

Those four days helped me decide to join Razor Sharp to start the process. I was under the direction of several trainers, and learned from them the importance of not just working out, but working out the right way. Now, two years later at 59 years old, I’m down to 180 pounds and my waist is 36”.

I especially enjoy the front desk staff and the atmosphere. But most of all, I have a renewed motivation and dedication to work out daily with all of the new friends I’ve made at Razor Sharp who share the same goals.

Curt Haarsma

I wanted to be around to see my son grow up....

Eight years ago, after my divorce, I decided it was time for a life change. I began to eat healthier and started a workout routine. Part of my motivation has been my son, who is now 16 years old. I realized that I wanted to be around to see him grow up, get married, and someday to take my grandkids to Door County and be able to enjoy the outdoors together with them.

Curt and Scott with, left to right, Personal Trainer Krystal DeBaker, Front Desk/Daycare
Director Marianne Lawson and Membership Director Laurie Swanson.

Now, at age 45, I have lost 40 pounds and 4” from my waist, and gained 3” on my arms and chest. I also just feel better and have more energy. This was a really important change for my life and health.

None of this would be possible without the wonderful trainers and staff at Razor Sharp. They really make the gym a family atmosphere. Special thanks go to my work-out buddy, Scott Jiroch. I would never have been able to accomplish this without him.

December Member Of The Month, Maria Steffen

On November 16, 2013, in my own mind, I was in pretty good shape. But, I wanted to try something new...

I realized, shortly into my very first CrossFit class, how my perception of fitness was significantly off-target. It was truly a humbling experience.

Through the first week, each workout was physically and mentally more challenging than the previous day’s. I was actually scared to go work out! But, I thought, “I signed up for six months, so I have to give it at least that much time to see if this was what I wanted.” And so, my journey began!   

The intimidation, anxiety and fear that I originally felt was replaced within days with feelings of inner strength, passion and the desire to become stronger. I realized that the worry I had felt was because CrossFit forced me to step outside of my comfort zone.  Once I had accepted that, CrossFit became an addiction!

I am very pleased with what I have learned in a little over a year as a member of Belle City CrossFit. But, I’m not done! Every day is a learning experience. Every day is an opportunity to push my own limits. 

I participate in CrossFit classes five days a week, minimum…most weeks, six days. I’ve learned that in order to truly make a difference in my performance, I must stick to this regimen. At first, I did it because I felt I needed to. Over time, I realized I do it because I love it.  In my opinion, if you’re going to have an addiction, this is a good one with positive results!

My success is not just because of my hard work. My success is a combined result of the dedication and motivation of my coaches and all the other CrossFit athletes.

We’re like a family.

Seasonal Reminder -- Won't You Be a Neighbor?

It's that magical time of year with a cool snap in the air and the hint of impending...well...snow, slush and salt.

The latter part is less magical.

In order to keep the facility clean and safe, and preserve the floor surfaces of the track, the weight area and, really, anywhere that people work out, please change into clean, dry athletic shoes as soon as you can. When entering at the back door of the Washington Avenue club, there are chairs in the vestibule to make it easier to keep from tracking water and salt into the common areas.

You can then stow your bag, boots, gear, etc. in the locker room as usual.

Would you, could you, be a good neighbor and change your shoes? That's great -- we knew you could!