CrossFit Virtuosity

I worked with Keith for over a year. He is a consummate professional who brings a mastery of the Crossfit approach to his training as well as his broader knowledge of nutrition, flexibility, yoga and other disciplines.  Beyond his skills and experience, he is just a great guy. Sometimes I've worked with trainers where there is no rapport or bond -- it's just training and the smalltalk can even be a bit wearing--but with Keith I looked forward to our discussions as much (or more given the intensity of Crossfit!) as the training.

I would also note that Keith is able to tailor his approach to the level and fitness of his clients.

I recommend him 100%.

I started training with Keith in June of 2007. As a personal trainer myself I was looking for a way to spice up my workouts and an old boss at a gym where I worked turned me on to Crossfit. I was so enticed that I immediately found the NYC affiliate where I met Keith and thus, our friendship and my personal growth as an athlete began. My fitness background began at a very young age with dance and as a teenager, I became interested with lifting. I attended the University of North Texas and majored in music with a minor in kinesiology with hopes of one day teaching. As the years went on and I taught group fitness, as well as one-on-one personal training, I began running and Muy Thai fighting. I ran the 2006 NYC marathon and soon after I was experiencing typical dancer/fighter/runner injuries that forced me to get lazy and disenchanted with working out all together.

Sarena in 2006

Sarena in 2007

As a new yoga teacher I was intrigued with Keith Wittenstein's methodology when teaching yoga. His particular brand of yoga seemed more strength based than esoteric! Then one day, he was sporting a Tshirt that read CrossFit and I asked what is CrossFit. That simple question led him to invite me to a class. Man was I shocked at what the people were doing. I had never, ever seen the likes of this type of fitness. I didn't even know what a barbell was, let alone a deadlift, a clean or a snatch!

Yet a few weeks later, I was up for the challenge and began working with Keith privately. There was no way in hell I would join a group workout as I was so out-of shape and unfit! Keith was patient with me (!!!) and encouraged me to give up my 14year obsession with vegetarianism. That step was most difficult but helped me to eventually adopt a whole new lifestyle that led to dramatic weight loss and a newfound relationship with my body, fitness and nutrition.

Sam in 2008

Sam in 2007

When I first met Keith in September 07, I was uncoordinated, inflexible, weak and unfit. Keith gave me invaluable amounts of great advice on how to improve myself across all areas. Through his help and guidance I am quite literally a changed man now. His passion for "virtuosity" and his enthusiasm are infectious and I although I have come far, I am inspired to keep pushing further. Thanks Keith.

What can I say, but before meeting Keith, I thought I knew pretty much all there was to know about Crossfit and training. Turns out I was all wrong. Not only did he teach me about true fitness and help me "unlearn" all the bad things that I thought I learned before (while getting me in great shape despite all my bad habits), he has taught me what it means to be a great trainer and coach, inspiring me along the way to go down that road as well. I can't thank him enough for everything he has taught me since I have known and worked with him.

If you think you're strong, I challenge you to put that to the test with Coach Keith. As a serious recreational runner, I thought myself modestly fit. Imagine my surprise when after one session with Coach K, I found myself drained beyond belief. His challenging, effective workouts can be deceptive in their simplicity, but don't be fooled!.

During the 2.5 years I've known and trained with Keith, he has consistently shown an ability to bring out the absolute best in his athletes. He is the rare coach who has vast knowledge, patience, an unwavering demand for perfection of form, and attention to detail that allows him to work with anyone from rank beginners to well seasoned athletes. His enthusiasm is infectious and his desire for constant improvement feeds him as well as his athletes. I would encourage anyone, regardless of skill or experience to try out a class with Keith.

To put it simply, Keith is a great person. Since I met him two years ago he has been an invaluable source of training advice as well as a great friend. Not only does he possess great coaching skills (both being able to coach the uncoachable as well as explaining why this works) but he possesses great people skills as well.

I remember the first time watching a video of what people were doing in CrossFit classes and my jaw dropped. I wanted to do all of it and at that time, knew I couldn't do ANY of it. But now I have been working with Keith for almost a year and I cannot believe the progress!!! I'm doing things - deadlifts, pull-ups, kettle bell drills - that I never thought I could do. If you are even remotely attracted to what you see, you ought to go for it. Keith is a perfect blend of inspiring, professional, attentive, strict, tough, funny, caring, and is completely knowledgeable in so many areas.

I came into Crossfit at a time of my life when I was going through a bad breakup and hated work. I was going to the gym to "lift weight" but wasn't happy with my results. I came into Crossfit and you put me through "Diane" the first day and I've been hooked ever since.