1. What was life like before you became a member?
Before I became a member of Keystone Crossfit, I was a member of another CrossFit gym that unfortunately had to close its doors. I don’t want to say that I was a yo-yo dieter, but I definitely tried a lot of diet plans to keep my shape. After I turned 35, I felt like I was losing control of my body. It was literally changing overnight.
2. At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness?
Before I enrolled at KCF, I was a member of Steamtown Crossfit. We focused heavily on hero WODs, running, and weightlifting, so I felt like I was in pretty good shape, especially doing cardio. Before that, I attended and taught cardio kickboxing at two local gyms that offered group classes. In grade school, high school and early college, I was not athletic at all. When I was a kid, my mom did not have the time or money to enroll me in activities like dance or softball. High school and college, I was heavily into their theater departments.
3. What originally prompted you to seek us out?
In a way, Keystone was the one that sought me out. When Steamtown was closing, a few CrossFit gyms reached out to us to say “Come try us out.” A group of us went together to take a class. I loved it! Tim continued to invite us and because of that generosity, I not only joined, but also Dawn and Jen A.
4. What was your goal when you originally signed up?
My goal when I joined KCF or any gym has always been “I just want my pants to fit.” It sounds so petty, superficial, and immature, but it drives me to exercise. Over the years that has softened a bit due to learning about nutrition, understanding that weightlifting can and should be your friend, and accepting the fact that it is ok and healthy not to be wearing the pants size you were wearing in your twenties and thirties.
5. What have you liked best about working with us?
Primarily, the coaching at Keystone is top notch. I really like that every class, each lift is consistently broken down into every little movement to help it become muscle memory. I also like that there is a stimulus for every WOD and the coaches give advice about the best way for you to hit that stimulus. That was very hard for me in the beginning because in my mind, I felt like a failure if I couldn’t complete the WOD as written (minus RX) – time did not or should not matter. Now for the most part, I’ve come to accept, embrace, and appreciate the stimulus.
6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started?
Since I started, I am happy that my pants still fit. More importantly, I am most proud of the fact that I’ve learned how to properly and efficiently row, I am more open to getting on the assault bike, and I have a better relationship with the barbell. My background was heavy cardio and weightlifting was high reps with low weights (5-8lb dumbbells). Because the barbell movements are explained so well in class and what muscles and body parts should be moving when, I am not as afraid and feel that I have more control of that barbell, especially when it goes over my head.
7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?
For me, I’ve realized that I do not need to do 4-5 CrossFit classes a week to stay fit. As long as I stay on top of my nutrition it is ok and healthy to take day(s) off. I missed 6-8 weeks in late winter due to the flu. I thought I would die my first days back. It was hard, hot, and had to sit down some, but I survived. Two months off is an extreme break, but that made me realize that I will not lose all I’ve gained with a couple of days off.
8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?
Hang on, plow through, and do the best YOU can. Try to keep a consistent gym schedule which really helps if you thrive on routine like I do. As I am writing this, I have not been to the gym in two weeks partly from laziness, but mostly because life happens. If you get out of your routine, just start again. Be open minded to new things, and don’t cherry pick workouts. There is a scale for everything.
9. Do you have any special moments/memories?
My most special memory was the 2023 Holiday Throwdown. It was my first crossfit competition and I did not know what to expect. My partner was Dawn. We did not place, but I had a blast. My favorite part was the people, mostly whom I have never met before, were cheering me on which helped me move some heavy weight.
I also had a great time doing the Open the last two years. Those were some of the hardest workouts I have ever done, but having my own personal cheerleader in my judge got me through. I hope I did the same for the athletes I judged.
Very recently, I completed a WOD that had double unders in it. I had to do single-single-double to complete it, but did it and got the Rx next to my name. One of my goals for 2024 is to get solid dubs. I am not there yet, but close.
10. What is your favorite movement/lift?
My favorite lift is the deadlift. I am rarely the strongest person in any room, but I feel like I can lift some really heavy weight with the deadlift. My deadlift technique and weight has only gotten stronger and higher since I joined KCF. My goal by the end of the year is to deadlift 200lbs.
My second favorite lift is the power clean. This is the first lift I learned in crossfit, so it is a little nostalgic for me. Besides the deadlift, it is the only lift that I have hit triple digits – once.
Finally, August 1 is my two-year anniversary at Keystone CrossFit. Thank you to the coaches and all the members for making me feel so welcomed and accepted. I have learned so so much and never once have felt judged. I am excited to continue my journey at Keystone, accomplish more goals, and meet more people!
