- What was life like before you became a member?
Before I became a member, I wasn’t as active as I wanted to be. I was super unhappy with my body, and I was honestly disappointed that I had let myself get to a point where I was unhappy with myself. I was eating so much junk food and drinking a lot socially. Overall, I was just not very conscious about what I was putting into my body. I felt tired all the time, out of shape, and my self-confidence was at an all-time low.
- At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness?
I was always super active growing up; I did several sports in high school. I always loved going to practice and working hard to get into shape and be a better player. Once I got to college, I stopped playing sports, and started going to the gym. I quickly fell out of being as active and became inconsistent with going to the gym. I would be really good at going for a few weeks then stop for a month, and this pattern continued throughout all of college. I just graduated in May, and I decided I would join Crossfit to become more consistent with my fitness journey.
- What originally prompted you to seek us out?
I did Crossfit elsewhere for a month on one of my winter breaks years ago and loved it. However, as a broke college student I wasn’t able to continue once the semester started again. Once I graduated, I knew something needed to change with my lifestyle, and I also knew that going to the gym on my own with no coach was not working. I figured that having a coach and a set workout would make me want to go and stay consistent. One day, my boss (shout out to Tina Howe) threw it out there that I should give Keystone CrossFit a try. The rest is history!
- What was your goal when you originally signed up?
My goal when I signed up was to become healthier. I wanted to look and feel better. I also wanted to become consistent in the gym and with healthy eating.
- What have you liked best about working with us?
My favorite part about Keystone CrossFit is having a team of awesome coaches and fellow members that push you to be the best version of yourself.
- What are you most proud of achieving since you started?
I am most proud of my progress. It definitely isn’t easy at times to stay consistent, but it definitely is worth it. It is amazing to see how my strength has progressed throughout my first few months here, and I cannot wait to see where I am in the time to come.
- With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?
Absolutely! As I previously stated, I was so unhappy with myself—my body and lifestyle habits. Now I am so happy with myself and the progress I have made both physically and mentally. Not only am I happy, but I am proud of myself too! I am stronger and healthier.
- What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?
I could write a 10 page paper about this. I think it isn’t talked about how difficult it can be to watch yourself become out of shape and gain weight through college and life. It happens! The most important thing is what you do to help yourself. You can either sit there and feel bad about yourself or you can make a change. It isn’t always going to be easy, but you will be so glad you did it. You just have to start somewhere… anywhere.
- Do you have any special moments/memories?
A really cool moment I will remember is coming in second at the holiday competition with my partner Jamie. It was so fun to compete!
- What is your favorite movement/lift?
I definitely am a fan of cardio, I always loved running. But I also do enjoy lifting more than I used to. My favorite lift is the front squat and the deadlift. My lower body is stronger than my upper body, so I find those movements more enjoyable because I am more comfortable lifting heavier with them. I also just like the motion of them as well.
