Blog

Since she started with us in October, Loni has truly exemplified what it means to commit to personal progress. In just a short time, she’s attended an impressive 137 classes! Despite juggling a full-time job and raising two kids, Loni never misses a chance to hit the gym. Her dedication is paying off big time, as she’s recently hit personal records in multiple lifts and continues to see improvement across the board. Her secret? It’s no secret, just her unwavering consistency in each session. I always preach consistency trumps intensity, and Loni is proof of that. A standout moment for me was during the open when Loni completed workout 24.1 RX’d under the time cap, showcasing her incredible progress just five months into her journey. Loni, keep kicking ass! – Richard Loni O. Athlete Spotlight When did you start CrossFit/BWCF? October 2023 How was your first workout/experience at BWCF? I...
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Whey protein is one of the most well-studied supplements in the fitness industry, and if you’ve been around the gym, you’ve likely heard of it or even used it yourself. Despite its popularity, many still overlook its critical role in post-workout recovery. Here’s why incorporating whey protein, particularly whey protein isolate, into your routine is essential. Whey protein is a derivative of the cheese-making process. Once milk is curdled, the liquid whey is separated, filtered, and dried into a powder. This supplement contains all the essential branch-chain amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. It’s a perfect choice for your post-workout shake. Exercising, especially resistance training, is catabolic; it breaks down muscle. Consuming whey protein post-workout quickly switches your body from this state of breakdown to a state of building and repairing muscle. This rapid transition is vital for effective recovery and muscle growth. While often stereotyped as a...
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Life in 2021/2022 felt insurmountable. Like many, my struggles were mainly of my own making, a series of decisions that led me down a path I hadn’t intended to travel. I lost sight of who I was and, in the process, let myself go. This isn’t a unique story; it’s a human one. Yet, acknowledging that didn’t make the experience any less daunting.

Taking that initial photograph wasn’t about vanity or self-pity. It was a promise, a reminder of where I refused to stay. It marked the beginning of a relentless quest not just for physical transformation but for a total overhaul.

The journey was anything but linear. It was punctuated with highs and lows, moments of unwavering dedication in the gym and the kitchen, and periods of relapse into old habits. Yet, each setback was a setup for a comeback.

BayWay CrossFit isn’t just a gym; it really is a sanctuary for me. Here, I am surrounded by positive people who believe in me, reminding me of my worth. Without that, my journey may never have started. 

Although I’ve always done CrossFit, and BayWay CrossFit has always been the best, I wanted to add something to my routine to be sure the monotony didn’t hit while on this comeback. So I started jiujitsu. Practicing two challenging disciplines like, CrossFit and jiujitsu, turned every day into an opportunity for small victories. Even on days that seemed tough, finishing a session meant I had won. It was proof of my progress, both mentally and physically. This combination kept my workouts exciting and my mind sharp, transforming my daily routine into anything but routine. More than just shaping my body, it strengthened my mental health, pushed away the darkness, and filled each day with a sense of achievement.

Reflecting on the person I was in 2021/2022 a shell of my potential, unhappy and broken, it’s almost surreal to confront the person I’ve become by 2024. This transformation journey underscores a vital life lesson: no matter how deep the abyss is, there’s always a way out. The climb may be taxing, fraught with obstacles and moments of despair, but it’s unequivocally possible.

This story isn’t just about losing weight or gaining muscle; it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit. It’s a reminder that we are all works in progress, capable of rewriting our stories, reshaping our futures, and reclaiming who we thought we were and who we thought we could be.

To those who find themselves in the throes of their own battles, remember: transformation is within your grasp. It demands resilience, patience, and a relentless commitment to yourself. 

At Bayway CrossFit, we’re more than just a gym; we’re a community of survivors, dreamers, and warriors. Your transformation story is waiting to be written. Are you ready to take the first step?

https://baywaycrossfit.com/get-started
This story isn't just about losing weight or gaining muscle; it's a testament to the indomitable human spirit. It's a reminder that we are all works in progress, capable of rewriting our stories, reshaping our futures, and reclaiming who we thought we were and who we thought we could be.
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How to Take Charge of Your Well-being Life is hectic. I get it. I’ve got two amazing kids, a supportive partner, and a demanding full-time job of running a gym that makes finding a moment alone feel like a luxury. Maybe you can relate. Take Sara, for instance, juggling two kids, a spouse, and a demanding job. Or Jeff, the hardworking lawyer is burning the midnight oil to provide for his family. And then there’s Jon, tirelessly caring for elderly parents, shuttling them to doctors’ appointments and checking in regularly. But here’s the thing – we all have time amidst the chaos. We just need to claim it. I’ve been thinking about self-care lately, inspired by the wisdom of airlines. You know the drill on the plane – when turbulence hits, the masks drop, and you’re supposed to secure your mask before assisting others. It’s a metaphor for life. If...
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Navigating the waves of inflation and recession has become a regular part of our daily conversations. Money is tight, and the escalating prices at the grocery store certainly don’t help. It got me thinking: Is there a way to outsmart inflation and still afford healthy food? Absolutely! Here’s a trick I’ve found to save some bucks: compare prices on your essential items. It’s easy to fall into the routine of visiting the same store and grabbing the usual items without glancing at the price tags. But guess what? There’s a surprising amount of variation even among stores just a stone’s throw away. Look at this little comparison I made using online shopping systems from two nearby stores. The distance between them is negligible – about a five-minute bike ride or a two-minute car drive – so the extra time and fuel for a second stop are minimal. ItemStore 1 (Mega...
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Let’s talk about something that hits home for a lot of people: falling off track. Whether it’s your workouts, your routine, your mindset—or even your creative projects like mine—it’s easy to slip into a rhythm of doing nothing. And once that rhythm sets in, it gets more and more comfortable to stay there. I hadn’t recorded a podcast in weeks. Each time I didn’t hit record, it got easier to not plan, not edit, not publish. Life just kept moving forward, and I let it. But recently, I decided to break that cycle—and I shared the whole story in a new episode of my fitness podcast. 🎧 Listen here:👉 Break the Cycle – Podcast Episode on Spotify The Most Popular Excuse? “I Don’t Have Time.” As a gym owner at BayWay CrossFit in Baytown, I hear this excuse almost daily: “I just don’t have time.” And honestly, I say it myself. On paper, my days...
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Rope climbs are one of the most rewarding (and humbling) movements in CrossFit. But if you’re relying only on upper body strength, you’re doing it the hard way — and your arms will let you know real fast. That’s where the J-Hook comes in. At BayWay CrossFit in Baytown, we teach our members how to climb smarter, not harder by using their legs efficiently. In this week’s Technique Tuesday, we break down the J-Hook foot clamp that will help you conquer rope climbs with control and confidence. 🎥 Watch the Video Here’s our Technique Tuesday breakdown of the J-Hook Rope Climb:👉 WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE Why Rope Climbs Feel So Hard (If You’re Doing Them Wrong) Most people try to pull themselves up the rope using just their arms. It might work for the first rep or two, but without proper technique, you’ll fatigue quickly and risk missing the workout’s stimulus. The secret to sustainable rope...
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Life happens. Whether it’s a family vacation, a work deadline, an illness, or just plain burnout, we all go through periods when the gym takes a back seat. At BayWay CrossFit, we get it. Missing a week — or even a few — doesn’t make you lazy or a failure. It makes you human. But what actually happens to your body and mind when you take that time off? And more importantly, how can you bounce back without feeling overwhelmed? The Truth About Missed Workouts Let’s clear up the biggest myth first:You don’t “lose all your progress” in a week or two.Sure, you might feel a little sluggish or tight when you return. Your conditioning may dip slightly. But your strength, muscle memory, and long-term gains are still there, waiting for you. In fact, your body may benefit from the rest, especially if you’ve been training hard for months. What hurts more...
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At BayWay CrossFit in Baytown, we believe that fitness isn’t just about the weights you lift or the time on the clock—it’s about the people standing next to you. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, one thing is true: you’ll go further, faster, and stay more consistent when you’re surrounded by others who want the same thing. If you’re looking for gyms in Baytown, you’ll find plenty of options. But what sets BayWay CrossFit apart is our unmatched fitness community. The people in this photo aren’t just members—they’re teammates, accountability partners, and cheerleaders. They’re the ones who show up when it’s hard, push you when you need it, and celebrate every rep, every PR, and every milestone with you. Why Group Training Works 1. AccountabilityWhen you work out alone, it’s easy to hit snooze or skip a session. But when you know your crew is...
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If you’re searching for the best way to stay strong, mobile, and energized as you get older, strength training should be at the top of your list. At BayWay CrossFit one of the top-rated gyms in Baytown we’ve seen firsthand how lifting weights and staying active can help people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond feel better, move better, and live stronger. CrossFit in Baytown isn’t just about high-intensity workouts. It’s about smart, functional training that meets you where you are and helps you stay healthy for the long haul. Whether you’re brand new to lifting or getting back into it after a break, here are three big reasons strength training is key to aging well: 1. You Can Stop Muscle Loss in Its Tracks Most people don’t realize how much muscle mass they lose with age up to 8% per decade after age 30. Less muscle doesn’t just mean...
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