- What was life like before you became a member?
Before I was a member, I was taking care of my granddaughter. I had custody of her since 2018. I worked a lot and I would eat out several times a week.
2. At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness?
It was hard to go to the gym once I received custody of my granddaughter. She was 3 when she came to me, and I did not have a sitter. Prior to this, I would workout at Planet Fitness a couple days a week. When I was in my mid 30’s I would train with a coach and do body building and toning. I did this after having four children and losing over 100lbs. I needed to get toned. Losing weight was much easier when I was younger.
3. What originally prompted you to seek us out?
A few months prior to signing up for the 6-week challenge at Keystone CrossFit, I started dieting and took off a few pounds, but it wasn’t enough. I needed to get healthy and add exercise to my regimen and relearn how to eat to live and not live to eat.
4. What was your goal when you originally signed up?
My goal when I signed up was to lose weight, get healthy and set a good example for my granddaughter. I had let myself go and it was time to take my life back.
5. What have you liked best about working with us?
The best thing about working with KCF is the support of the members and coaching team. It is a very positive environment and I look forward to kicking my own butt each day and pushing myself to be stronger. KCF is like a second family.
6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started?
Reaching a deadlift 1RM of 265#. Also, I get so excited when I can RX my workout.
7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?
My accomplishments have boosted my self-esteem and I feel healthier and stronger. My physician supports my decision to do CrossFit and feels it has made a huge impact on my health.
8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?
Don’t give up. Take small steps to reach your goals. Admire your accomplishments and only compete with yourself.
9. Do you have any special moments/memories?
On my second day, Tim took us outside and it was 86 degrees out. He had us run 100 meters and walk back, I believe 10 times. I was sweating and wanted to throw up. I could only run a few feet and then I would have to walk. I was so winded, and I thought it was going to be my last day. Then I remembered a colleague laugh at me when I joined KCF and said I would never make it. I decided to continue to push myself and it is now my addiction. A couple other special memories is Andy encouraging me to finish a workout with a large number of burpees in it and Nish and others cheering me on to keep going. I finished it! Not to mention my first RX workout last January and my granddaughter cheering me on during the 2021 Open!
10. What is your favorite movement/lift?
My favorite lift is Deadlift and Back Squat. They give me an adrenaline rush. I feel strong as “F” when I am lifting even on my bad days.
I feel lucky that I found KCF. It has given me my health back and I feel part of a community that is friendly and supports our goals and helps us achieve our accomplishments. Don’t let anyone say you can’t. Say, “I can, I will, and I am!” I asked my granddaughter Evelyn, while we were out for a jog (that by the way she initiated), if she was embarrassed because Grandma does CrossFit. She had been telling me her friend in school told her she was lying and said, “Grandma’s sit around and Knit, they don’t do CrossFit”. She said, “No Grandma, I am so proud of you!” That made me smile and giggle.