Sue DeMaria, RN CrossFit Exchange owner
sue@crossfitexchange.com 919-865-0392
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- CrossFit Olympic Lifting Trainer
- CrossFit Kettlebell Trainer
- WKC (World Kettlebell Club) Trainer
I am a 40 something year old wife and mother and for most of my adult life I worked as a registered nurse. I have seen first hand what the ravages of bad diet, poor choices, and lack of fitness could do to the human body. My interest in exercise and nutrition began around age 13. I convinced my mother to stop frying foods and have our family start eating low fat, lots of vegetables and good proteins.
I was always active having cheered in middle and high school, played recreational sports and participated in water sports. For many years I was a gym rat maintaining 105 ± pounds on my 5’2” frame. I would spend two to three hours five or six days a week doing cardio and lifting weights. I thought I was fit.
In 2006 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. The chronic fatigue and pain took its toll and my weight increased to 135 while my body became less and less able to do all the daily activities much less consider working out. I had a membership to the local YMCA and if I did any kind of intense exercise it would land me in the bed for hours after to recuperate.
I first heard about CrossFit in early 2008 through my then 21 year old son. He could not praise it enough and was constantly asking me to come watch him do a WOD (workout of the day). When I finally made it in to watch him, the class was doing Dirty Thirty. My son had been after me to consider joining for some time but after seeing that WOD I thought there was absolutely NO way I could EVER do that. I had no idea how wrong I was.
CrossFit seemed intimidating but more importantly I was worried that the Fibromyalgia would not “let” me participate. After getting up the courage to join, I took it slow and easy only working out three times a week for a while. There were still occasions that the workout sent me to bed but over time I became able to do more over a longer course. Eventually the neuroendocrine adaptation of my body allowed me to get off all my Fibro medications except one. I was working out 5 to 6 days a week and feeling stronger and healthier than I EVER had. While I still have Fibro issues, there is a big difference between Fibro pain and muscle soreness from a workout. I’ll take the muscle soreness every time!
In 2011, I received my CrossFit Level 1 Certification and opened CrossFit Exchange with the intent on sharing the benefits of CrossFit to any and all who want to become all that they can; to live a strong and healthy life for as long as they can. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals of health and wellness.
Tony Sperlazza CrossFit Exchange Trainer
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- CrossFit Olympic Lifting Trainer
- Mark Rippetoe Starting Strength Seminar Attendee
- Tony is available for personal training – $50 per hour. Please contact him for details.
I am 25 years old and currently feel I am in the best shape of my life. I last told myself I was in the best shape of my life at the end of senior year of high school. I compared this to my inability to do a single pull up or complete a 1 mile run at the beginning of high school. I played hockey and wrestled through middle/high school and thrived on how physically fit I became through wrestling. A year and half into college I was already telling myself, “That was the best shape I’d ever be in.” Those words were a bit unsettling to think about at the age of 20. What would my future look like?
I was introduced to CrossFit in 2008 and haven’t looked back. I believe the functionality of CrossFit benefits you in not only your everyday life, but the future life that you are about to lead; It is unmatched by any other system. I thrive off of competing against my fellow CrossFitters in class as well as the mental battle I embark upon to push myself to become better every day.
It is a family affair here at CrossFit Exchange. Shortly after I started CrossFit I was able to get my Mother and Stepfather interested. Not only watching the transformation of myself, but watching the transformations of the body, mind, and spirit of two people I’ve known for so long is inspiring.
Come see us at CrossFit Exchange! We are here waiting for your to join our CrossFit family and become the better you. Better than yesterday and better than ever before!
John Prescott - CrossFit Exchange Trainer
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- CrossFit Kettlebell Trainer
I have spent the past 13 or so years of my life enriched in the emergency services community, from riding on an ambulance to fighting fires and even working as a 911 dispatcher. I have certainly had my share of life changing experiences, none more prevalent however, than walking into the box on that first day and checking my ego at the door. I learned quickly how to adapt my mind into realizing its true potential and that the words “strength and determination,” had nothing to do with the weight I was lifting or the times I would make. True strength and determination come in the form of dedicating yourself to change your life.Only two years ago, I was weighing in at 250 lbs. I was a heavy smoker and would eat anything that was either fried or wrapped in some form of delicious dough. I realized this was not the way I wanted to live my life. I took a really hard look at who I was and how my choices played into the rest of my life, not only in the long term but also for what was right in front of me.
I decided to pass that feeling that I was given to you, the athletes. Whether I am coaching a WOD or just goofing around, you are always welcome to come to me with questions, comments or constructive criticism. They say, the student always becomes the best teacher and the art of growing is not something we can tangibly hold a value to, so I welcome you to push me to be better as I push you to do the same.
Today I stand in front of the class 50 lbs lighter, leaner, and in the best shape of my life. I will coach you, I will help you, and I will be there to guide you, but ultimately you have to do the work. I make only one guarantee: Results are only based on your will and determination.
My name is John, and I am a CrossFitter.
Energy and persistence conquer all things. ~Benjamin Franklin
Gus Arevalo – CrossFit Exchange Trainer
Education/Certifications:
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America)
- Group Exercise Instructor (2007-2011)
- Kickboxing
- Yoga Essentials
- ACE (American Council on Exercise) Personal Trainer
- Intelligent Training Systems: Biomechanics Trainer
- Nautilus Institute Schwinn Indoor Cycling Instructor
- TRX Group Suspension Trainer
- Reebok University Reebok Core Pilates
- Mindy Mylrea’s Gliding Basic Training and Cardio Crazy
- BOSU Complete Workout System Specialty
Gus made the decision to become a personal trainer while working for NC State University as a fitness instructor. He realized that he truly looked forward to work because of the satisfaction in helping others improve their overall health. Over the last few years, he’s dedicated extra effort to expanding and developing his training knowledge and abilities in order to better serve a diverse clientele, honing both a drive to become better at what he does as a personal trainer and what he offers his clients. It’s all about a passion to serve a greater purpose in someone’s life.
As a trainer, Gus has experience with a variety of training methodologies giving him the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients of varied ability levels. He has been a follower of CrossFit for some time now (late 2008) and is enthusiastic to have the opportunity to help anyone make progress towards their goals, himself included.
Training Philosophy:
I believe everyone regardless of age, physical condition, mental health, and emotional well being deserves to feel and enjoy the freedom of movement. My training is designed to follow the capabilities of the individual body and engage it to move efficiently, healthfully, and functionally. I design sessions to meet the demands of each client and make progress towards their goals. The desired outcome being: a working knowledge of the fundamental tenets of good alignment and posture, a better understanding of body mechanics through proper exercise form, a visceral experience of breathing techniques, increased mobility, and fluid control of balance.
Favorite Exercise Quotes:
“Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” ~Plato
