Member stories

Real people.
Real change.

These are Excel members in their own words. Weight lost, strength built, confidence found, and a community that shows up. People tell us they watch every one.

Alex, Member of the Month at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Alex, Member of the Month

How Alex went from bouncing between gyms to the top of the leaderboard at Excel.

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Alex spent years bouncing between gyms without anything really sticking. Then an ad for Excel showed up in his inbox, and in January 2025 he walked through the door. He grew up in Tracy playing sports, moved to Manteca with his wife about eleven years ago, and spends his free time on the water or out riding dirt bikes in the winter.

He will tell you the first day was intimidating, watching people do handstand push-ups and walk around on their hands. That passed fast. "I instantly became addicted. Just the amount of endorphins that consumed my body after hitting a PR was just unreal." These days Alex sits at the top of the leaderboard, and he does not think of it as a workout he has to get through. He wants to be there.

Care for Every Body. That is how we coach at Excel, whether you have competed your whole life or have never touched a barbell.

Think CrossFit looks too intimidating? Alex would tell you to give it a shot.

Lieta, Athlete of the Month at 87 at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Lieta, Athlete of the Month at 87

At 87, Lieta is proof it is never too late to start. You might surprise yourself.

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Lieta Hobby is 87 years old, and she is our Athlete of the Month.

Born and raised in Manteca, Lieta taught school here, raised her kids here, and spent years doing Jazzercise with friends before deciding it was time for something new.

Now she is in the gym with us, deadlifting, modifying what she needs to, and doing the best she can. In her words: "You don't have to be Arnold Schwarzenegger. You can just be yourself and do the best you can, and you might surprise yourself."

That is what Care for Every Body looks like. Our coaches meet you where you are, whether you are 18 or 88.

Think you're too old, too out of shape, or too far behind to start? Lieta would tell you to give it a shot.

Darren lost 60+ pounds at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Darren lost 60+ pounds

How Darren dropped more than 60 pounds and rebuilt his health with coaching at Excel.

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Darren's journey at Excel Health and Fitness is one of real change, for himself and for his son.

He started as a mechanic and now sells tractors. When he saw his weight hit 312 lbs, he knew something had to change. For himself, but also to inspire and keep up with his 10-year-old son, who wrestles and plays football.

Since joining CrossFit Excel in Manteca, Darren has lost over 60 lbs, made new friends, and ran his first 5K and 10K this year. He says CrossFit is one of the most rewarding things he has ever done.

If you are ready to stop thinking about it and start doing something about it, Darren's story is proof that it is never too late to start.

Jim and Hope, Members of the Month at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Jim & Hope, Members of the Month

Married 13 years and training side by side. For Jim and Hope, Excel is a whole family.

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Jim and Hope are our Members of the Month.

Married 13 years with three boys, celebrating their anniversary this month, and training side by side. Joining felt intimidating at first, but it became one of their best decisions, including more than 20 pounds lost along the way.

For them, Excel goes way past workouts: friendships, Valentine's parties, and a place that feels like theirs. "It's a whole family, a community." That is Care for Every Body: couples, parents, and beginners all coached together.

Think you're too nervous to walk in? Jim and Hope would tell you to give it a shot.

Tam, Athlete of the Month at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Tam, Athlete of the Month

Tam had no idea what CrossFit was when she walked in. Here is what changed.

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Tam moved to Manteca at the end of 2024, searched for a gym with great reviews, and walked into CrossFit Excel with zero sports background and endurance she calls "terrible." Fourteen months later, she is our February Athlete of the Month.

"I had no idea what CrossFit was, but I gave it a shot. It was very intimidating at first, but the coaches helped a lot." Now her goal is simple: keep showing up, chase her first RX movement, and have fun with the 6:30 crew. That is Care for Every Body: meeting you exactly where you start.

Think you're too out of shape to try? Tam would tell you to give it a fair shot.

Rambo, Athlete of the Month at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Rambo, Athlete of the Month

I came from a work world. This is a fun world. Rambo on training he actually looks forward to.

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After 33 years maintaining Caterpillar equipment and 13 years of retirement, Ronnie "Rambo" Webb is our Athlete of the Month.

He spends five months a year in Alaska, loves his boats and water skiing, and still shows up to train alongside members decades younger.

The gym carried him through more than workouts. While caring for his mother for 10 years, this was his outlet. "This place gave me an escape and people stood behind me and believed in me." His health is way better than it was, and he'd be the first to tell you. That is Care for Every Body: every age and every season of life, coached with the same attention.

Think you're too retired for this? Rambo would tell you to give it a shot.

Amanda's story at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Amanda's story

Amanda on what changed when she found a gym that actually coached her.

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After taking a few years off, Amanda came back to CrossFit Excel. It is now a part of her routine, and she feels amazing. Check out her incredible story about confidence and growth.

Yeni's story at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Yeni's story

Yeni on strength, confidence, and finding her people at Excel.

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Yeni went from wanting to work out to making it a keystone in her life. Check out her awesome transformation.

Gilbert's story at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Gilbert's story

Gilbert on showing up, getting coached, and sticking with it.

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Gilbert has been at Excel for 9 months. His progress has been much more than the physical changes.

Alan, stronger at 60+ at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Alan, stronger at 60+

It is never too late. Alan's journey with CrossFit Silver at Excel.

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Alan is proof that age is just a number. At 65+, he is thriving in our CrossFit Silver program, building strength, staying active, and inspiring our entire community.

CrossFit Silver at Excel Health and Fitness in Manteca is designed specifically for adults 55+ who want to move better, feel stronger, and stay independent for life.

If you are looking for safe, smart, and empowering fitness in a supportive environment, this is it. Come see what you are capable of.

Leo's comeback at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Leo's comeback

Retired, recharged, and stronger than ever. Leo's CrossFit comeback.

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Leo is a retired correctional officer, proud grandfather of 9, and living proof that fitness has no age limit.

He started at Excel Health and Fitness in 2018, took a short break, and came back stronger than ever. Why? A supportive, encouraging community, expert coaching, and real results that make it worth every dollar.

At Excel, he found more than a gym. He found purpose, friendships, and a challenge that keeps him coming back.

If you are looking to stay active, feel energized, and be part of something meaningful, Leo's story is your sign to get started.

Madelein, 13 years strong at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Madelein, 13 years strong

Thirteen years in. Madelein on community, strength, and mental health.

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For over 13 years, Madelein has found more than just fitness at Excel Health and Fitness. She has found purpose, community, and mental clarity.

CrossFit Excel is not just about workouts, it is about connection. For Madelein, it is the best way to start the day: surrounded by friends, supported by teammates, and empowered to push beyond her limits. Physical strength, mental health, and lifelong friendships.

If you are looking for a gym that feels like home, with expert coaching and a team that lifts you up, come see what Excel Health and Fitness is all about.

Micah, 4 years in at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Micah, 4 years in

Four years of consistency and real results. Micah breaks it down.

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After 4 years of CrossFit at Excel Health and Fitness in Manteca, Micah's results speak for themselves.

What started as just a workout became so much more: real community, lasting friendships, and consistent progress.

At Excel, we build more than just strength. We build habits, relationships, and confidence through expert coaching and a supportive atmosphere.

If you are looking for a fitness program that delivers results and keeps you coming back, come see why Micah and so many others call Excel their second home.

Cristy & Bethany at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Cristy & Bethany

Two sisters who train side by side and push each other every session.

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For sisters Cristy and Bethany, fitness is more than exercise. It is quality time, shared goals, and an essential part of daily life.

With 8 and 7 years at Excel Health and Fitness in Manteca, these two moms of two have built strength, energy, and a sisterhood inside and outside the gym.

They show up together, partner on workouts, and push each other through every WOD. And when there is a partner workout, you know it is sister time.

They love the atmosphere, the support, and how CrossFit Excel welcomes every fitness level with expert coaching and smart modifications.

If you are a parent, a sibling, or just looking for a fitness family that gets it, you belong at Excel.

Travis & Lindsey, 12 years at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Travis & Lindsey, 12 years

A dozen years of training together. Travis and Lindsey's Excel story.

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Meet our December Members of the Month: Travis and Lindsey. This inspiring couple has been part of the Excel Health and Fitness family for 12 amazing years.

Travis, a dedicated firefighter, and Lindsey, a respiratory therapist at UCSF, balance their demanding careers while crushing their fitness goals together. Their commitment to health, teamwork, and each other embodies the spirit of our community.

The Arroyo Family at Excel Health and Fitness▶

The Arroyo Family

A whole family training together and getting stronger at Excel.

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Meet the Arroyos, a family who turned fitness into a shared lifestyle at Excel Health and Fitness in Manteca.

Katie originally joined for yoga, but soon found herself craving more strength and started CrossFit. That inspired Hector and their daughter Abby to jump in too, and now they are stronger, more connected, and thriving together.

Katie, a teacher, broke through a weight loss barrier she struggled with for years. Abby loves lifting and feeling strong. Hector, a business owner, appreciates that each class is structured, coached, and set up for success.

They love the coaching, the community, and the way Excel feels like an extension of their home.

Wendy, Member of the Month at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Wendy, Member of the Month

Wendy on finding strength and a community that feels like home.

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Meet Wendy, our Member of the Month at Excel Health and Fitness, the home of CrossFit Excel and Excel Yoga in Manteca.

Wendy's commitment to her health and the community is next level, and if you have been thinking about starting your own journey, this is your sign to take action. Whether you are looking for high-intensity CrossFit workouts, strength training, or rejuvenating yoga sessions, we have it all under one roof.

Come train and practice where Wendy does.

Raj, Member of the Month at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Raj, Member of the Month

Consistency pays off. Raj on showing up and lifting the whole room.

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Raj is proof that consistency and hard work pay off. As our Member of the Month at Excel Health and Fitness, he shows up, puts in the work, and inspires those around him to do the same.

If you have been looking for a gym where you can push your limits, train with expert coaches, and be part of a supportive community, this is it. CrossFit Excel and Excel Yoga offer everything you need to build strength, improve endurance, and feel your best.

Come train where Raj trains.

Daisy Diaz, Athlete of the Month at Excel Health and Fitness▶

Daisy Diaz, Athlete of the Month

Daisy on her progress and what keeps her coming back.

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Daisy is a member of the Excel Health and Fitness community. She has gotten amazing results at CrossFit Excel, and she has a great story.

George, Athlete of the Month at Excel Health and Fitness▶

George, Athlete of the Month

September's Athlete of the Month on the work behind the wins.

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A combination of yoga and CrossFit in Manteca have helped George's back pain, along with his weight loss and fitness. Keep up the great work George.

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