- What was life like before you became a member?
Before I became a member, I could find a lot of excuses for why I didn’t want to or didn’t have the time to exercise. So naturally, I would often find myself with all the classic ramifications of that; lack of energy, negative attitude, loss of excitement, self image issues, trouble falling asleep, or unhealthy snacking. I was unhappy with how I felt overall and never felt like I could tone up after two pregnancies.
- At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness?
The last few years my fitness was very sporadic. I would use a stationary bike occasionally, go for a run when the weather was just right, and maybe do some sit ups before I put on a bathing suit. But never anything consistent. Maybe once a year I would sign up for a 5k and train 2 weeks before it. I was a distance runner from 8th grade through college. I know what being very fit feels like and how to get there, but I struggled to do that on my own. It also never involved a lot of weights.
- What originally prompted you to seek us out?
I needed a distraction and some new focus after a death in the family. I wanted to commit time to myself and my health. If I put the time in for myself, I could be better for everyone else in my life that needs me. I want my girls to see fitness as something that is just naturally a part of their lives too.
- What was your goal when you originally signed up?
I wanted to tone, build muscle, and learn something new. I knew nothing about weight lifting before I signed up. I also thought I would enjoy being a part of the community aspect of crossfit.
5. What have you liked best about working with us?
That no matter where you end up on the board or what weight you’re lifting, you always leave feeling like you did something big. It’s a combination of the great instruction, the confidence you feel lifting here and along side others, it’s helps push you further than you think you can go. So I always leave feeling really good about what I did. Even the days I wish I would have added 5 more pounds or made it one more rep. I still feel very accomplished and exhausted when I leave.
6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started?
I’m just proud that I can feel myself getting stronger, lifting heavier, and moving faster. So overall just proud of showing up and getting results.
7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?
Yes, physically and mentally I love how I feel. It’s nice to actually see results on your body. It’s really awesome to feel results mentally. When you can do a workout and know that you didn’t just get through it because of physical strength but because your brain is changing how it perceives pain. That mental strength carries through to all aspects of your life. I found that with running at times so I’m enjoying finding that again with a different sport.
8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?
If you want to feel better, you have to commit and put the time in. It’s so easy to say you don’t have the time, but anyone can make it work if you want. There’s always an extra hour in your day if you shift things around. It’s worth it in so many ways! I felt so much of that daily sluggishness almost go away instantly. Getting to the gym has become the highlight of my day.
9. Do you have any special moments/memories?
I’m not sure they’re really special but I’ve had some beautiful disaster days at the gym I won’t forget. I have one large scar I’ll carry with me because I couldn’t give up climbing to the top of the rope when I knew it would rip my skin apart, a chipped a tooth from slamming myself in the chin with the bar on the last rep in a WOD, and the countless bruises are just a bonus. I think all the battle scars that I’m taking away from this experience is pretty special to me.
10. What is your favorite movement/lift?
I still feel like a newbie with all of the lifts but I think I’m coming around to thrusters. They’re fun. But really I could do box jumps and burpees all day.