Testimonials and success stories
Below are some testimonials and success stories from our clients regarding their transformation and inroads to weight loss and better health.
These people, along with many others we have worked with, took the time to buckle down and make the effort to change their lives. It was hard work, but it has been worth it for each person.
This is proof that our system, training and constant badgering are done for a reason – we know you can succeed and we want to help you do it! It won’t come overnight, but the fact remains that it will come. You all have made the first step towards better health and fitness by getting involved with CrossFit and our dietary recommendations – that say’s a lot of great things about your character and attitude.
You’re in control. There’s nothing you cannot do. If you want a particular goal, you can reach it with dedication, desire, and determination!
Nothing is easy, but in the end it is all worth it!
Kelly D Bumgardner
Thank you Rebekah McCarthy for encouraging me to try CrossFit Fort Dobbs! 6 weeks in and it’s the most consistent I’ve been with any fitness in a long time! Sissel Svenkerud and Nicole Michelle Kevwitch are #goals and make me wanna get better each day! If you need a gym family, come check it out! 
Leigh Brown
Late check-in, but had to share this. I’ve been doing CrossFit for 10 months now and am certainly stronger than I was in August! Sometimes I feel like I’m not making much progress, but I have to remember where I started. Tonight I did a handstand on my own and didn’t even fall on my head! I hear that handstand push-ups are next! Yikes!!
Simon Davis
. Like a lot of you I originally dreaded the Murph as this could potentially be a loooong workout and the fact that there is a bunch of running. (#1 You know how I love running!) Well this year I approached it a little differently, 7 years is a lot when you are in the ‘classics division’. I decided not to do this in the morning with the rest of you. For me, I have to have my head and body in the right place. (#2 You know how I love morning workouts!) so I came in on my own Saturday evening, put the game face on and went for it. I ran the whole 1st mile as I needed to bank as much time as I could for the rest of the workout. I then kept my breaks to a minimum, I just kept on moving knowing every second counts and braced myself for that second run…. We all felt it…. Legs said nope! But I loosened up and was actually able to sprint the last part in a desperate hope of not totally embarrassing myself.
Tracy Skeens
Did my first full Murph today. Mine looked a little different with 2000 meter rows, ring rows, and elevated push ups but I did it. Thanks to the coaches and community at CrossFit Fort Dobbs – I couldn’t have done it without them. I am thankful for a God who gave me a body that can move, no matter what it looks like, and loved me enough to give his life for mine. I’m also forever indebted to those men and women who gave their lives in service to their countries.
Courtney Dickson
Today I did my first murph; never in a million years did I think I do such a thing. I did scale down the push ups to “girl” push ups, and the pull-ups to ring rows, but I’m so proud Of how far I’ve came since I started my CrossFit journey back in October! I’m getting stronger everyday and I can’t wait to see how much better I will do next year! 
Dale S.
You are the only one I have EVER worked with in my 60 years. I had never stepped into a workout environment / gym in my life until last April with you.I´m still here. – Dale S (one of Coach Sissel`s one-on-one clients).
Matt G.
You guys care about people and their well being. People should choose you as their gym because you truly care about people and their well being. Since the first time I was introduced to you guys, on my first day to the gym, Coach Sissel were very encouraging and have treated me like family ever since. Very inspiring to me to never give up and to always push myself and believe in myself more than what I do. Your positivity is contagious to others and your love for people and their health is amazing!
Addie Haywood
You never let anyone give up! People should choose you because you push people beyond what they even think they`re capable of, you are so encouraging and tough at the same time. You never let anyone give up even when they feel like it`s impossible. You really put time and thought into the workouts you plan for your clients that are specific for each individual and it goes a long way in their progress. One-on-one client to Coach Sissel
Anna Johnson
Coach Sissel got me back up and running 5 miles without any pain
When I came to Sissel for help, I was frustrated because for 8 years I´ve been sidelined off and on from running due to pain from plantar fasciitis, my knee, or ankle. It had gotten so bad that I couldn`t run a mile without pain in one place or another. Within just a few months, Sissel got me back up and running 5 miles without any pain. It has had benefits beyond my original goals for coming to see her. She`s helped me set and reach strength, balance, and overall fitness goals I never thought were possible.
One-on-one client to Coach Sissel
Natalia Zapata
You really are like no other trainer
You really are like no other trainer. I have seen trainers care about their clients but you go above and beyond. Not only are you a trainer but you are also a friend and every workout you do, you take the time to make sure it is specifically for that specific client.You take you`re time and you are patient. You do not rush and you act like they are your family to you. Not only do you say you care, you show you care. It just apparent that personal training is your passion and you love doing it.
Previous member at CFFD about Coach Sissel
Kim Brady
Sissel care about her clients!
You are very knowledgeable about the body and how it works. You know what movements and exercises are needed to improve areas of weaknesses. You look at every client as an individual and seek to train him/her in the way that they need! You CARE about your clients! And you live what you teach!!
One-on-one client to Coach Sissel and regular CFFD Squad
Carey Austin
Sissel can handle all aspects of having a healthy lifestyle
Sissel pays attention not only to her clients abilities but to how they are feeling in a particular day so she can push them without injuring them. She is knowledgeable about the body and nutrition so she can handle all aspects of having a healthy lifestyle. She can adapt her workout for a client`s particular limitations.
One-on-one client to Coach Sissel
Michele Woldman
Finally making some progress in my performance! The coaches pay close attention to your form to make sure there are no unnecessary injuries. Great atmosphere and very welcoming. The gym has a good supply of equipment with lots of space to move. I recommend giving CFFD a try as your new gym or just as a drop-in when in town.
Keith H.
Coach Sissel focus on the clients needs/goals and are always making sure they are safe
Because she is FREAKING AWESOME!!!
seriously though…
I feel that you focus on the clients needs/goals and are always making sure they are safe. You work closely to identify a clients weak area and adjust the future workouts to target those areas. You also keep a watchful eye to make sure a good technique is always used, especially when people are tired and their attention is not there. You push people when they need it but are careful not to go too far. You also provide positive and constant feedback to the client.
One-on-one client to Coach Sissel
Katie Harknett
Knowledgeable, encouraging, flexible and available
There is a lot I like about you. Many of the things are givens- You`re knowledgeable, encouraging, flexible and available. But what stands out to me is your commitment to each person. You`re approachable and accessible above and beyond the usual. You really listen to what I´m saying and help me to make goals and push towards them. And there is something about your style that drives me to push myself past what I thought were my limits. I always feel encouraged, never belittled or beat down. I feel like you create a partnership for my fitness.
Was one-on-one with Coach Sissel, now regular CFFD Squad
Anne Bell
It`s the most individualised training ever
Because you train your clients based on THEIR goals vs what you think they should achieve. You teach proper form to avoid injuries. You encourage based on what you learn works best for them. It`s the most individualised training ever.
One-on-one client to Coach Sissel