As CrossFit Sunnyside approaches its 10th anniversary in October 2025, I’m reflecting on the winding path that led me to open this gym and the profound impact it’s had on my life and our community. The decision to start CrossFit Sunnyside was more than just opening a fitness facility—it was about creating a space where people could discover their strength, purpose, and community, just as I did when I found CrossFit in 2012. My journey to this moment was shaped by a decade of adventure in post-Iron Curtain Eastern Europe, a pivot to corporate life, and a deep desire for a more fulfilling path.
An Entrepreneurial Adventure in Post-Iron Curtain Eastern Europe
After the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, I arrived in Eastern Europe during a time of extraordinary transformation. For 11 years, I lived in Prague and Bratislava, diving into the uncharted waters of entrepreneurship in a region bursting with opportunity and uncertainty. The Velvet Revolution had just opened the door to new possibilities, and I seized the chance to build businesses in this dynamic landscape. Those years taught me resilience, adaptability, and the courage to take risks in the face of ambiguity—qualities that would later fuel my decision to open CrossFit Sunnyside.
Navigating the post-communist world wasn’t easy, but it was exhilarating. From launching ventures to building networks across borders, I learned how to create something from nothing, a skill that became the bedrock of my entrepreneurial spirit. Yet, after over a decade abroad, I felt ready for a new chapter. I returned to the United States, eager to refine my skills and explore new opportunities.
Retooling and Searching for Purpose
Back in the U.S., I decided to pursue an MBA to formalize my business experience with a structured education. It was a chance to retool my toolbox, blending the gritty lessons of Eastern European entrepreneurship with strategic frameworks and business acumen. The MBA opened doors, leading me to a role in corporate marketing for “Big Beer.” On paper, it was a dream job—socializing, buying rounds of beers on the company card, and representing major brands. The late nights and lively crowds were fun, but something was missing.
I wasn’t feeling my best, physically or mentally. I was overweight, and my health was trending in a direction that concerned me. More than that, I felt unfulfilled. The corporate world, while exciting, didn’t align with my deeper desire for purpose. I wanted a career that made a tangible difference—not just in my life, but in the lives of others.
The Turning Point: Discovering CrossFit
In 2012, CrossFit entered my life and changed everything. It wasn’t just about the workouts; it was a complete paradigm shift. The high-intensity, functional movements challenged me physically, but it was the community and mindset that truly transformed me. CrossFit taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of showing up for yourself and others. I started shedding pounds, gaining strength, and rediscovering a sense of confidence I hadn’t felt in years.
More than that, CrossFit gave me a sense of purpose I’d been craving. The gym became a sanctuary where I could push my limits, celebrate small victories, and connect with a community that felt like family. I knew I wanted to share this transformative experience with others. I wanted to create a space where people could find the same strength, health, and sense of belonging that CrossFit gave me.
Why I Opened CrossFit Sunnyside
By 2015, I was ready to take another leap of faith. Opening CrossFit Sunnyside in October of that year was the culmination of everything I’d learned—from the entrepreneurial hustle of Eastern Europe to the strategic insights of my MBA to the life-changing impact of CrossFit. I chose Sunnyside, Queens, as the home for this venture because it’s a vibrant, diverse neighborhood filled with people who embody grit and determination. It felt like the perfect place to build a community rooted in hard work and mutual support.
My vision for CrossFit Sunnyside was clear: create a gym where anyone—regardless of age, background, or fitness level—could walk through the doors and feel welcomed. I wanted to make fitness accessible and inclusive, a place where people could not only improve their health but also discover their potential and find deeper purpose. The lessons I’d learned navigating uncharted waters abroad and in corporate life gave me the confidence to take on this challenge, but it was my own transformation through CrossFit that gave me the conviction to make it happen.
A Decade of Transformation
As we approach our 10th anniversary, I’m filled with gratitude for what CrossFit Sunnyside has become. Over the past decade, we’ve watched members achieve incredible things—hitting personal records, overcoming injuries, and transforming their physical and mental health. We’ve celebrated life’s milestones together—weddings, babies, and new careers—and supported each other through challenges. This gym isn’t just a place to work out; it’s a community that lifts each other up, day in and day out.
Opening CrossFit Sunnyside was my way of paying forward the change I experienced. The risk-taking spirit I honed in Eastern Europe, the strategic mindset from my MBA, and the purpose I found through CrossFit all converged to make this dream a reality. But it’s our members, coaches, and supporters who have made it truly special.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 10 years, I’m more excited than ever about the future of CrossFit Sunnyside. My journey—from the post-Iron Curtain streets of Prague and Bratislava to the corporate world of “Big Beer” to the heart of Sunnyside—has been one of constant reinvention. CrossFit gave me the tools to rebuild my health and rediscover my purpose, and I hope CrossFit Sunnyside continues to do the same for everyone who walks through our doors.
To our incredible community: thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another decade of sweat, growth, and unstoppable spirit.
With gratitude,
Michael Seewald
Founder, CrossFit Sunnyside