Name: Andrew McFarlin
Age: 31
Occupation: Engineer at ONE Gas
When did you first start CrossFit? May 2020

 Tell us about your sports & fitness background.

I grew up playing soccer then after high school my fitness revolved around lifting weights at the gym or running. I’ve always been an active person when it comes to fitness, but have never been as fit as I’ve become since joining CrossFit Eclipse.

 How did you first get into CrossFit? How did it go?

I had already known for years that I wanted to join a CrossFit gym. I finally joined at Eclipse a couple weeks after our second child was born.The exercise and socialization at Eclipse were a great way for me to decompress from the typical stresses that come with newborn babies. I remember loving it right away but being terribly nervous and anxious my first few weeks since I didn’t know anyone and wasn’t sure how well I would handle the CrossFit style workouts. That anxiety was short lived though as I quickly developed friendships with the coaches and the people who worked out in the same classes with me. I also saw how quickly I progressed in the first few months with the help of the excellent coaches which got me even more excited about CrossFit and Eclipse specifically.

 What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting CrossFit?

I have been the skinny kid my whole life so I’ve always tried to gain weight but wanted to do so by putting on muscle. I could put on weight in the past but it would fall off sooner or later. Since starting CrossFit I’ve not only matched my al-time-high weight but also been able to maintain it. I also couldn’t imagine being able to gain and maintain the weight that I have put on while also doing so much cardio work at Eclipse. In the past, I would neglect cardio because it would make me lose weight. So, from an appearance side, I look bigger and more toned with muscle, from a health perspective my aerobic capacity is through the roof from when I first started, and from a fitness perspective I have so much more mobility and am able to handle application of real-life needs for fitness like picking up kids, squatting down, etc. Overall, I’m much more confident with both my image and fitness ability.

What impact has CrossFit had on your life?

CrossFit has given me friends, fun, fitness, and a great outlet for stress. Overall, I’m so much happier since starting CrossFit.

What is your advice for people getting started or thinking about starting CrossFit?

My advice would be to not get intimidated by what is seen on the outside looking in to a CrossFit gym. Most people I talk with about CrossFit are concerned about starting because they can’t deadlift 300+ lbs, can’t do hand-stand walks, have a shoulder injury from the past, a bad knee, or feel they are out of shape in general. My advice would be to understand that the coaches at Eclipse (or any CrossFit gym) will meet you where you are at in your personal fitness level and help you to grow from there. Understand that every workout will be scaled and modified so that you don’t hurt yourself and have a good, realistic starting point with realistic goals. So, don’t let thinking you’re not good enough get in the way of you starting today!

What are your hobbies, interests, and other talents outside of CrossFit?

I play electric and acoustic guitar and sing at my church in our worship band, I like cooking new recipes with my beautiful wife, Chelsea, I enjoy working on the lawn at or house, and I love getting outside with my kids. I can also juggle. 😊

What’s the wallpaper of your phone?

My Lock Screen is a family photo of my wife and I reading a book to our kids and my Home Screen is a photo of the four of us at my brother’s wedding.