KS Athletic Club
2026-02-19T00:13:29.212Z
I've always been what I call an "old man weight lifter" — three sets of ten, mostly chest and upper body, nothing fancy.In 2017 I started feeling discomfort on the right side of my back, like someone had lodged a hockey puck under my skin. It's possible I did something wrong doing lateral raises with too much weight, but I'm not sure. I tried yoga and manifestation — neither helped. So I sought professional help. The local pub was closed, so I went to the family practitioner instead, who told me that sometimes people just have chronic pain. At that point I gave up sleeping on my right side since it provoked the pain.I tried a chiropractor, who loosened up my neck but didn't help my shoulder at all. I went back to the doctor and was referred to a back and spine specialist. X-rays showed my bones were fine, and he sent me to physical therapy. That helped a little, but I still couldn't sleep on my right side, and the pain always came back.By 2020 I had accepted my fate — chronic discomfort under my shoulder blade was just part of life. I gave up sleeping on my right side, my favorite side, which made cuddle logistics awkward since I had to sleep on the left side of the bed if I was going to be a proper big spoon.In late 2023 I started dating a CrossFit girl who made it clear that if I wanted to continue seeing her, I'd need to join the cult. I figured it couldn't be that bad, and I'd probably impress her given all the old man lifting and jogging I'd accumulated over the years.My first day at KSAC, everyone was incredibly kind. It was more of a family atmosphere than a gym bro scene. I've made some great friends there, but these are working professionals — the type who'll share ideas on how to start a business, not just how to chase max gains. That first workout was humbling. I got smoked by every woman in the room, including my hot CrossFit girlfriend. But just like her, everyone there gave positive feedback and encouraged me to come back. They said I did well for my first day — I think they say that to everyone, and I think they mean it. These are genuinely upbeat people.I kept going. About six months in, I realized I could sleep on my right side again. The chronic pain was gone. I believe the secret is the varied, high-intensity programming that CrossFit provides. Whatever I originally injured may still be imperfect, and if I stopped, the pain might return. But why quit? It keeps me healthy. I'm almost 50, my last checkup came back with great vitals, and I'm the only one of four brothers without high blood pressure.This is supposed to be a review of the great staff and members at KSAC, but it's more than that. This is a testament to what CrossFit can do. The workouts have changed my life in a real and positive way, and the people at this gym may have inadvertently changed my trajectory for the better. I may never watch the CrossFit Games or know all the big names, but I love CrossFit for what it's done for me — it brought great people into my life, made me a healthier person, and gave me the ability to sleep on my favorite side again.