As part of our new customer story blog segment, we want to highlight some of the amazing transformations our customers are getting with the Crossrope system.
Today, we're really excited to share Tim's story. Tim reached out to us to let us know about the incredible weight loss transformation he has experienced using our fitness jump rope system.
We were inspired by Tim's story - a journey full of ups and downs.
He had a successful career with the US Air Force, but an addiction quickly derailed him from his normal routine. After making some big changes in his life, Tim was able to turn things around and lose over 50 lbs in the process.
We wanted to share Tim's story because it can be a source of inspiration to those struggling to get back into a routine, lose weight or overcome a major life hurdle.
Before we Get Started
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Crossrope Update (Feb 10, 2017)
Our initial interview with Tim was conducted back in March of 2016. We recently caught up with Tim again to see how he's progressed since then.
Tim's Story
Tim has always enjoyed being physically active.
Apart from the fitness maintenance required during his successful 8-year career in the United States Air Force, he’s had a long-time passion for hockey and snowboarding.
In 2013, a gambling addiction derailed Tim from his normally healthy routine. Blackjack took a front seat alongside fast food, lack of sleep and a sedentary lifestyle. As his weight continued to climb, he found that his work performance was declining.
Eventually, he became so out of shape that he was unable to pass the physical fitness test required by the Air Force.
In 2014, Tim decided to part ways with the Air Force when his enlistment came to an end. He hit a real turning point in April 2015 after accruing major debt from his gambling. He sought help and enrolled in an addiction program.
In the process of his recovery, Tim decided to clean up his diet and start exercising again. He also discovered a new-found love for jump rope workouts, which eventually led him to the Crossrope Jump Rope Community.
Three months later and 50 pounds lighter, Tim is thriving again. He’s working toward paying off his debt, has plans to get his Bachelor’s degree and continues to use his Crossrope set to lose weight and achieve his fitness goals.
CR: How did you find out about Crossrope?
Tim: When I started using the jump rope at my gym, I began researching jump rope circuits on Google and incorporating them into my training. In my search, I came across the channel Bloom To Fit and was inspired by his videos, mostly notably this one.
I began communicating directly with Srdjan Popovic on Facebook because I was serious about progressing in my fitness jump rope journey, but the jump rope at my gym was just not cutting it. Srdjan Popovic suggested trying Crossrope.
CR: What convinced you to try the Crossrope system?
Tim: One of the main frustrations with the (old) jump rope I was using was that it kept getting tangled after a few minutes of jumping. It would coil up, hit my feet and I’d have to unwind the rope every two minutes. It was very annoying and it was getting in the way of learning and improving skills, like double unders. So on my birthday, I decided to treat myself with a high-quality jump rope set - the Crossrope Starter Set.
The Crossrope Get Fit Bundle is the perfect introduction to weighted jump rope training.
CR: What was your experience like the very first time you used Crossrope?
Tim: Actually, when I first used the 1/4 pound Agility Rope, and couldn’t do more than 10 single unders. It was pretty frustrating. But then I started jumping with the 1-pound Intensity Rope and the feedback from the extra weight really helped me with my fundamentals. Once I starting watching the basic single under instructional videos from Crossrope, things began to improve rapidly and I fell in love with the ropes.
CR: How many times a week did you use Crossrope?
Tim: I used the ropes approximately 3-5 times a week. Some days, used the jump rope to warm-up and cool-down (in conjunction with another workout). Other days, I just focused on jump rope circuits alone. Sometimes, I even trained twice a day since the 9-minute template blog makes jumping sessions very easy to complete during my lunch break. I also varied the length of my jump rope workouts, alternating between 5 minutes, 20 minutes and occasionally 45 minutes.
CR: What kind of results did you get?
Tim: I’ve dropped over 50 pounds in the past three months by incorporating changes within my nutrition and fitness. I remember the first time I tried a workout I found on Bloom to Fit’s YouTube channel (this one), I barely completed 3 rounds in 21 minutes. I felt really dizzy afterward and exhausted. Almost 30 days later, I improved to 4 rounds in 19:40. As time progressed, I was able to do even more rounds (or do them faster).
I’ve also noticed an improvement in my agility, focus, coordination, endurance, and stamina. When I first returned to playing basketball and hockey, I would wake up with horrible knee and back pain and get winded really fast.
Now, I rarely get winded, I have no soreness and I went from being one of the last team picks to one of the first. I really feel like I have an impact on the outcome of the game, and it’s a great feeling.
CR: What other exercises did you do as part of your training?
Tim: I’ve recently started doing more dumbbell workouts. In the beginning of my fitness journey, I was using the elliptical and stationary bike in addition to free weights and machines. I also did yoga once a week and tried following the Insanity videos with my workout partner and friend, Gina.
On weekends, I typically play pickup basketball or hockey. I’ve also made it a point to be more active in my daily routine: I take the stairs instead of the elevator, park my car further away from the store, take more walks, and live a less sedentary lifestyle.
CR: Did you have a nutrition plan that you followed?
Tim: In December 2015, I started using the S Health app to record everything I eat, and kept my daily calorie intake around 1,700-1,800. After a month or so, I allowed myself to have a cheat meal on occasion.
For drinks, I stick to water, unsweetened tea, and sometimes milk. My meals primarily consist of vegetables and lean forms of protein, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. I increased my fiber, minerals, vitamins, unsaturated fats, and almost completely removed all sugar, saturated fats, and high-cholesterol foods. I also consumed beans, nuts, fruits, and low fat dairy.
CR: Why do you think you got better results with Crossrope than with a regular jump rope (or other training tool)?
Tim: The jump rope I was previously using would constantly getting tangled, which prevented me from improving skills like double unders. The Crossrope solved that problem. The varying weights of the ropes also make my workouts super versatile and they’re convenient for traveling too because I can pack them in my suitcase and do the workouts in my hotel room.
I like that Crossrope is a simple, uncomplicated tool. I don’t need a spotter or a workout buddy to jump rope, and can be completely self-reliant in my fitness journey.
CR: What advice would you give to someone else considering Crossrope for his or her fitness goals?
Tim: My advice would be to set goals, both long-term and short-term. Don’t get frustrated with setbacks because they are inevitable and you’ll just need to push through them. As you improve, always set new goals because there is no end goal. If you don’t believe me, just watch the Firecrackers Jump Rope Team. Lastly, have fun and enjoy the process and journey.
Thank you for sharing your story, Tim.
Catching up with Tim (1 Year Later)
It’s been over a year since we’ve caught up with Tim.
Back in August of 2016 when he first shared his weight loss story with us, he was down to 195 pounds from 245. Flash forward 5 months later, and we’re thrilled to find out that his weight loss success has continued. And he’s even done some fitness modeling!
Here's Tim's update -
CR: Since we featured you in our Spotlight series, have you continued to see progress/improvement with your Crossrope training? If so, in what areas?Tim: Everything that the Crossrope promises has helped with the transformation of my mind and body. Endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, and agility are just a few to name.
CR: Have you lost additional weight since we published your Spotlight? If so, how much?Tim: At the time of the story, I believe I went from 245 to 195. I peaked at around 182. When I returned to college I returned to around 200 before working real hard in December and January to get back to 185. Today, I fluctuate comfortably from the mid to high 180s.
CR: What continues to be your biggest hurdle in reaching your fitness goal(s)?Tim: The biggest hurdle is myself. I continue my battle with depression and anxiety. Trying to compare myself to others is another bad habit that I have to let go. Health, fitness, jumping rope, and yoga are many aspects I have included in my life to become a healthier a stronger person.
CR: Any major life events/changes since your Spotlight?Tim: I enrolled Utah State University, majoring in Environmental Engineering, and completed my first semester with a 4.0 GPA. I also got a part-time job working as a group exercise instructor at the campus’s recreation center.
This job actually led me to having an opportunity in December to work as a fitness model to shoot iFit videos for Icon Health & Fitness. Just so many amazing things have happened, which I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be a part of if it weren’t for the amazing things Crossrope has done for me.
Also, in the beginning of 2017, I made so new changes within my diet and have been a vegan ever since. By the way, vegan ice cream tastes 100 times better than regular ice cream!
CR: What was your favorite Crossrope product of 2016? Tim: Easily the Limited Edition Crossrope Set. I have been regularly using the 3/4-pound Rush Rope. The Limited Edition Rugged Handles are definitely of a higher quality and I am a strong advocate of bringing them back.
CR: What is your favorite new Crossrope workout or skill you've learned in the last few months?
Tim: I have been doing a lot of interval training lately, and have built up the strength to do 30-second intervals of consecutive double unders.
Another new skill I’ve learned (unrelated to jumping rope) are headstands, which you can see me doing on my Instagram page.
CR: What are your favorite jump rope workout songs?
DJ Eco - Tonight is Forever (Martin Roth Edit) - Listen Here!
DJ Tiësto - Bright Morningstar - Listen Here!
Start your jump rope transformation today!
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