This month's recognition goes to Carl Apelizan, a member who has inspired us with his strength, determination and commitment to his fitness and overall health! If you don't find him at the tennis courts working up a sweat against his opponent with his killer forehand and backhand swings, you can find Carl and his daughter at Drop Box getting served the Workout of the Day!

I am honored and humbled to be selected as Athlete of the Month. I am usually the person in the back trying not to be noticed. There are a lot of individuals in the box I know that are much more worthy of this honor. I am very happy to be a member of Drop Box CrossFit because it has changed my life. The box is a place where I can go to escape the chaos of the world and where everyone is welcomed with a smile. It is nice to come in and have people call you by your name and cheer you on. I have always wanted to try CrossFit ever since I saw the CrossFit Games on ESPN. Just like most people that watched the games, I wanted to have the physique of the athletes I saw. My wife would always say that those athletes “stole my body". I researched on-line and noticed many boxes nearby, but I never went to check them out for four years. A few of my friends started posting on Facebook about a new CrossFit box opening in January 2015. It so happened that it was located in the Pembroke area, not too far from my home. I told myself that this is my chance to finally try it out. I believe the grand opening was on Saturday, January 25, 2015. I walked in and was hoping to recognize one or two people there. To my surprise I noticed a few people from my old neighborhood in Norfolk. One of those people was Alma. Alma’s family and my family have known each other since we were kids. I used to hang out with Alma’s brothers all the time. Talk about peer pressure, everyone that I knew there was asking me “Have you joined?” My response was no, and that I was there to just check it out. They responded,"You should join now!” as they pointed to Anna (Chevalier) sitting behind a table. Alma got her hands on me and escorted me to Anna. That day, I signed up for the 3 month Introductory/Fundamentals Class.

Center: With his wife Lisa and daughters Maylea and Grace at DBCF's Grand Opening

I should have said that my CrossFit journey started a couple months prior to me signing up. You see, in November 2014, I had my annual check-up at my doctor’s office. My lab work came back abnormal, but that was no surprise to me. Ever since 2000, my labs had been abnormal. Around 2010, my labs were getting worse. By 2014 my doctor prescribed the right combination of medications for me to take to control my high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My doctor and I had noticed that I had gained a few pounds every year during my check-ups. According to the BMI scale, I was 2 pounds from being categorized as obese. I thought she was going to say overweight, but she said obese. An image of a typical Filipino dad with a big beer belly popped into my head. My doctor at that time suggested more exercise. I told myself there was no way in HELL I am going to be obese. I wanted to join a gym, join the YMCA, join the VA Beach Rec Center, anything so I wouldn’t be categorized as obese during my next check-up. Thank goodness Drop Box CrossFit came into my life.

I told myself that at the end of my 3-month trial, just like every other gym membership that I had, I would stop going. I was going to settle being the dad with the beer belly. Well 3 months have turned into 1 1/2 years. Within that time, I have participated in two nutrition challenges, two Opens, one competition, a few drop ins in California and Georgia, and a few PR’s.

Team Grit 2016, 2nd Place-Scaled Division/Drop-ins

Ever since I joined, a lot of people I know have told me that I look better and look physically fit. I have lost 20 pounds and three inches off my waist since joining the Drop Box. I owe all of my success to all the coaches and people at the box. Without all of you, I wouldn’t be the person you see today. Looking back at my CrossFit journey, joining was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I have made some new friendships and reestablished old ones. I’ve told everyone that the Drop Box has changed my life, because it truly has. At my last doctor’s appointment (November 2015), my doctor did a double take when she saw me. She was surprised at the way I looked. She asked what I was doing and I told her CrossFit. She smiled and told me to sit down. We went over my lab results and she said she wanted to retake my labs, but after looking at me she said there was no need. My blood pressure and cholesterol were below normal. She said I could stop taking my prescribed medications and see if I could get my blood pressure and cholesterol within normal limits. I’m happy to report that my blood pressure and cholesterol are within normal limits without the need for meds. CrossFit has given me a better outlook on life and a much needed slimmer wardrobe to my wife’s delight. Thanks goes out to all the coaches for instructing and encouraging me during and after each WOD. Thanks also goes out to those who walk through those box doors and share the same excitement, encouragement, and exhilaration for CrossFit. I have come to the realization that the DropBox has become a second family to me. Thank you again for choosing me for this great honor.

Mylan WTT National Championships, Indian Wells, CA/Billy Jean King

Carl Apelizan-September Athlete of the Month