Blog – Bayway CrossFit in Baytown, TX

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Athlete Spotlight: Loni O.

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...

•May 2, 2024

Burn Fat with Whey Protein

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...

•April 26, 2024

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

A Coaches Transformation

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.

•April 9, 2024

Think of You First

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...

•March 1, 2024

How to Save Money On Groceries

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...

•February 27, 2024

Technique Tuesday: Mastering the Air Squat

BayWay CrossFit | Gyms in Baytown | CrossFit for All Levels When it comes to foundational movements in CrossFit, few are as important—or as commonly done incorrectly—as the air squat. Whether you’re brand new to fitness or a seasoned athlete in Baytown, this movement is the cornerstone of strength, mobility, and injury prevention. Watch the Technique Tuesday on The Perfect Squat here Why the Air Squat Matters Air squats teach body awareness, improve lower body strength, and build the flexibility needed for more complex movements like back squats, cleans, and wall balls. At BayWay CrossFit, we emphasize proper mechanics over speed or load—because moving well leads to long-term gains. 5 Keys to a Perfect Squat ✅ Feet shoulder-width apart✅ Weight in your heels✅ Knees tracking over toes✅ Chest upright✅ Hips below parallel These simple cues can dramatically improve your squat form and performance. And if you’re training at one of the top gyms in Baytown,...

•July 15, 2025

Training as Therapy: Why the Gym Might Be the Most Underrated Mental Health Tool

In the world of fitness, we talk a lot about building muscle, burning fat, and improving performance. But there’s another benefit that often gets overlooked: training as therapy. At BayWay CrossFit, we see it every day. Members walk in carrying the weight of work, parenting, deadlines, stress, and sometimes grief. And they leave lighter, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise Are Real Science backs it up: movement releases endorphins, lowers cortisol, and helps regulate dopamine and serotonin, all the stuff your brain craves when you’re feeling anxious, angry, or overwhelmed. But beyond the brain chemistry, there’s something powerful about what happens in a CrossFit class that can’t be replicated on a therapy couch. You disconnect from the chaos. You push through something hard. You surprise yourself. You connect with people who actually get it. “I Just Feel Better After Class” We hear that all the time....

•July 14, 2025

You Don’t Need Motivation – You Need Momentum

How many times have you said:“I’m just waiting to feel motivated again.” We hear it all the time at BayWay CrossFit. People think motivation is the key to fitness. That once they “get it back,” they’ll be ready to crush workouts and eat clean again. But here’s the truth:Motivation is a spark. Momentum is the engine. If you rely on motivation to show up, you’ll always find reasons to skip. Life is busy. You’re tired. It’s hot. The kids are crazy. Your schedule’s packed. Motivation won’t always be there. But you can build momentum that carries you through. What is Momentum in Fitness? Momentum is: Showing up even when you’re tired Putting your shoes on and walking into class because it’s your routine Hitting that third workout this week, even if you didn’t feel like it Momentum is built on consistency, not excitement. It doesn’t require hype.It requires action. 3 Ways...

•July 3, 2025

Stop Chasing the Scale – Here’s What to Focus On Instead

If the scale decides your mood every morning… it might be time to have a little breakup. We get it. That number can feel important.But if you’re constantly stepping on the scale and letting it define your progress, you’re missing the bigger picture. At BayWay CrossFit, we coach people in Baytown every day who want to feel better, move better, and live longer—and none of those goals depend on a number on the bathroom floor. The Scale Can’t Measure Progress That Matters The scale won’t tell you: How much stronger you’ve gotten How much better you sleep How many new clothes fit better How your energy lasts through the day How confident you feel walking into a room All it shows is your gravitational pull on Earth—not your worth, your work, or your wins. What to Chase Instead If you’re ready to feel better and ditch the mental rollercoaster, here’s what to...

•July 2, 2025

The Comeback Is Greater Than the Setback: How We Train Through Injury at BayWay CrossFit

Injuries are not the norm—and they shouldn’t be. At BayWay CrossFit, we build strong, resilient athletes by focusing on smart, consistent training. But if you’re putting in the work—3 to 4 workouts per week, over 150 sessions a year—it’s realistic to expect a few bumps along the way. That doesn’t mean something is wrong. It just means you’re moving your body, growing, and sometimes adapting. So when someone online sees a post about a minor knee tweak and comments, “That’s why I don’t do CrossFit,” we have to laugh a little. Because chances are, they don’t do any exercise at all. Meanwhile, our members are stacking hundreds of workouts a year, improving their health, confidence, and longevity in the process. In our latest podcast episode, Richard breaks down exactly what to do when injury does show up—and how the comeback is often stronger than the original plan. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here:👉 The Comeback > The Setback –...

•July 2, 2025

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