I am Chad Edwards and the owner of CrossFit Local. After completion of high school, I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science degree. Upon graduation, I began employment as a personal trainer at a local gym. I trained from before sunrise to past sunset most days of the week. Over the course of my experience working as a trainer, I felt an element was missing. Training was fun, but had become repetitive and lacked excitement. Competition, an environment in which I thrive, is the component that was lacking. As a result, despite their best efforts and mine, my clients were not meeting their personal fitness goals.
Around 2006 a movie called 300 was released which changed my life in a variety of ways. The actors were really strong and I developed a strong desire to achieve that level of strength. I scoured the internet for workouts used in training for the movie and found the “300 workout.” Eager to achieve Spartan-strength, I did the workout and it proceeded to demolish me. As a personal trainer I was shamed. This seemingly simple workout made my athletic ability questionable. After doing more research, I read a comment stating that the workout “looked similar to CrossFit.” I discovered CrossFit.com and gave it a read. “Helen” appeared simple: 400 meter run, 21 kettlebell swings, and 12 pull ups; repeat three times. Panting on the floor, 20 minutes later, I was thinking that CrossFit was anything but simple!
After experiencing the revelation of CrossFit, I was dissatisfied working in the traditional gym setting. I have since left that arena to help others experience the true satisfaction of achieving personal fitness goals. I attained my Level 1 CrossFit certification and devote myself wholeheartedly to this program. I am proud to call myself an athlete because of the changes I have seen in my life, both in performance and in overall well-being. The most important reward I have gained since implementing CrossFit is assisting clients in realizing not only their fitness goals but goals that allow them to grow personally.
My wife, Kelly, has also seen amazing results from CrossFit. She had never been able to consistently exercise and was feeling fatigued until starting CrossFit. Ever since, she has been filled with energy and always happy to share her story. It makes me proud to see my wife’s self-esteem and confidence level so high.
CrossFit Local is an incredible, supportive community. I am honored to call it my box. Being a CrossFit affiliate owner is a dream I have harbored for so long and am thankful that it has been realized.
CrossFit Local is thriving as a community of friends and athletes. Being able to provide a facility for members to train hard and meet new friends is deeply satisfying and rewarding. Thank you CrossFit for creating such a powerful, life-changing program. I hope you will come join us!
