The CrossFit Silver Fox Journey of Ralph Esten

Ralph Esten’s CrossFit Journey-by Ritchie Kirkum

Part 1: The Beginning

                “I am 36 years old and on September 23, 2011, at the age of 31, I was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, which is an aggressive cancerous brain tumor," Ralph told me today.  Ralph was given 8 to 15 months to live with treatment. Without treatment, much less.   This moment was obviously a life-changing moment.  I remember this time. I had known Ralph since High School and we played football together. He worked at Santino’s Pizzeria in Oakfield. Everyone knew Raphie! He was the life of the party, a nice guy and a lot of fun.  This couldn’t be happening to him.  Ralph is married to my cousin Michelle (engaged at that time) so he’s family. It shook our close-knit family to the core and clearly his own family too.  Ralph made the decision to have treatments.  He had brain surgery, 33 radiation treatments, 2 different kinds of chemotherapy and countless MRIs.  Ralph also suffered a stroke during month 23 of chemo and couldn’t move much of his right side.  “My wife worked and I spend most of my days with not much to do besides eat and watch T.V., "Ralph said. The fallout from all of the treatments left him unable to return to work.   

                Ralph had to say this, “I watched how CrossFit changed the lives of Ritchie & Jen Kirkum. I asked Michelle to ask them if it was something I could try. It seriously was the best thing I have even done for myself. I have a reason to feel good about myself.  I felt like if I could fight cancer, I can accomplish anything.  My workouts are scaled and changed to fit my needs.  My right side is still not as strong as my left, due to the stroke I suffered, but I am getting stronger every day.  My wife and I have changed our eating habits and we both are leaning on one another.”

                When Ralph started at CrossFit Silver Fox on August 9^th, he was 309 lbs. As of today, only 1 month in, he has lost 30lbs and weighs 279 lbs.  He told me about so many diets in the past that he has tried and failed on…countless times. “Jason and Jen are fantastic trainers” Ralph said. “They are always right there keeping an eye on me.  They always come up with so many different workout options for me.  Sometimes my brain will not allow me to perform certain movements and they help change the movement so that I can still do a variation of it, and still get a great workout.”

                Ralph’s main goal is to get down to 225 lbs. This is just the beginning.  He can do it. He has overcome so much in such a short period of time, who’s counting him out?  Not me, and neither should you.  We’ll be checking back in with Ralph in a few months to track his progress.  Congrats Ralph on a great beginning!!  

 Here is a little bit more about Ralph

1.       Why are you doing this? To get in shape! I was tired of sitting around doing nothing.

2.       What were your previous diet attempts? Atkins, some low fat.

3.       What makes this time different?  Results were fast with CrossFit, so it kept me on track!

4.       What was your light bulb moment that pushed you to lose weight? When I was over 300 lbs

5.       How much did you lose so far? How long did it take?  30lbs in 30 days

6.       What do you think hitting goal will be like?  Tremendous accomplishment

7.       Are you more energetic? Yes! Definitely!

8.       What is your biggest accomplishment so far?  I couldn’t jump with both feet and before CrossFit 

Silver Fox, I couldn’t squat down without falling over.  Now I can do both!!!

9.       What is the hardest park for you? Struggles? Social gatherings are tough with temptations to eat bad. 

High Quality Everything

  

Why choose CrossFit Silver Fox?  There are many reasons why CFSF is the premier fitness establishment in our area. CrossFit Silver Fox is designed to promote health and prevent injury.  If you're looking for a place to work out that has all workouts laid out in a program designed based on your goals and aspirations, this is it!  You will not have to worry about thinking of what workouts you will do each day or spending too much time in the gym, our classes flow very well and are done within 60 minutes.  60 minutes and you are in and out with a great work out, ready to get back to your life without having the gym be a chore. Quality isn't always quantity, so if you think 60 minutes is not enough, come try it...I defy you to find a better workout.  Our gym is a place where you can truly get away from the every day grind and have fun with people who are looking to improve health, fitness, strength  and have a great time.

We do have a lot of fun at the gym, but at the same time, you're here for a reason. We take our workouts seriously too.  We have timed efficient workouts and are able to customize workouts to anyone of any fitness ability, age, and physical limitation. We have teens who are in sports, to teens who just want to do something active. We have grandparents & retirees who are looking to stay/get healthy and enjoy their golden years. From Fire Fighters, EMT Personnel, Police Officers, to HR reps, nurses, factory workers...everyone is represented at CrossFit Silver Fox.  

FOCUSED ON QUALITY, SAFETY & TECHNIQUE

At CrossFit Silver Fox, we make a point, and take pride on focusing on proper movement mechanics and technique.  We make sure that going into each workout, you understand what you're doing, how to do it, and why you're doing it.  It's not just about getting the lift done with the best weight and time.  We'd rather you do a perfect lift with a PVC pipe than a bad-form personal best lift.  We start out with NO WEIGHT when teaching you these movements.  This is to keep you safe!  CrossFit & Olympic Lifting are extremely safe as long as you are coached correctly.  

In each class, we go over the technique of the lifts prior to the workout beginning. This will help the coaches asses where you're at, and to aid you in the amount of weight you should be using. Again, proper movement and technique keeps you strong and safe. As you can see below, PVC pipe, before the weights. What you'll also see is the progression of the movements. 

COACHING, COACHING, COACHING!

When choosing a CrossFit Box, this is where you should start first.  CrossFit Silver Fox has 2 amazing coaches.  First and foremost is Owner & Head Trainer Jason Harasimowicz.  Jason has been training for 4 years now.  Jason has a CrossFit L1 Certification. He is a USAW Level 1 Sports Performance Coach, and ISSA personal trainer and a degree in Fitness & Recreation Management. Jason has competed in numerous CrossFit Competitions, placing first among RX competitors at times, and placing in the top 5 in team competitions. He has and currently competes in Olympic Weightlifting where he is excelling.  You will not find a more technically sound coach, CrossFiter or lifter in our area. With Jason, you will be doing it with proper form!  

Jason is a lifelong resident of the of Batavia. 

 

Our 2nd trainer on hand is Jennifer Kirkum.  Jen has been training people for about 2 years now. She has been doing CrossFit for 4 years.  Jen has a degree in Fitness & Recreation Management and is CrossFit L1 Certified. She is First Aid, CPR and American Red Cross AED Certified.  She is currently studying to take her ACE Certification in the new year. Jen has also competed in CrossFit competitions for a few years now, and recently, a modified team with Jason, Jen, and two other CFSF members took 3rd place in The Catalyst Games in Rochester.  Jen is very high energy and also very particular in her coaching. Along with Jason, she gives you her best, and expects your best in return.  

 In conclusion, if you want to get healthy, stay healthy, tone up, lose weight, gain weight through muscle, compete all while having a great time.  CrossFit Silver Fox IS the place to go.  It's the best quality gym in our area and we are RESULTS DRIVEN.

CrossFit Silver Fox is the ONLY CrossFit Affiliate in Genesee, Orleans, Livingston & Wyoming County. Our 4,000 sq ft facility is located in The Harvester Building across from the historic Batavia Cemetery.  The gym is equipped with top of the line equipment from Rogue & Hammerhead Fitness to name a few. We have enough equipment for all. From Rowers and SkiErgs to Wall Balls and Kettlebells....we have it all!

 At CrossFit Silver Fox, our two trainers help everyone from all walks of life get in shape and feel better.  Athletes, moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, desk jockeys, students, firemen, law enforcement, military...EVERYONE can be found here at CrossFit Silver Fox. We are a tight knit community of like minded individuals who come together to accomplish our fitness goals. Our members know each other's names, kid's names, root for each other in the workouts and in life. We socialize outside the gym and CFSF has created many friendships that will last a lifetime!