- What was life like before you became a member?
Before joining, I was active but not gaining any muscle. I ate healthy but didn’t understand how to properly fuel my body. I lacked confidence in my body and my abilities. I had completely lost sight of who I used to be. I went through the day to day motions of raising a family, cooking 3 meals a day and running a business. I would feel depleted by the end of the day. My energy levels were horrible and my kids weren’t getting the fun mom they deserved.
- At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness? I like to think of myself as always being an active person. I grew up on a small farm where we would “hay” every summer. I was an active swimmer and fisher on a nearby lake. In the winter I would hunt with my dad and trek through the woods. I’ve been a cheerleader since the age of 10 and when I graduated college I became a cheerleading coach. I used to be the “base” which meant I was the muscle. These things kept me very active and in shape. I only stopped coaching in 2012 when I had my son. Then I began to enjoy more outdoor activities. I’m an avid hiker. I enjoy traveling around the world and hiking amazing landscapes. I’ve hiked into the Grand Canyon several times and I’ve hiked Angel’s Landing, in Zion, which is one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. I tend to be an adrenaline junky! As for gym life, I’ve always been a gym member of sorts. My family used to own a “Curves”, which was a women’s gym, from 2003-2008. I worked out there and also coached there until the day we sold it. I then joined a local gym and I would do yoga, aerobics and Zumba. I was never challenged there and I lacked the motivation/knowledge to lift heavy weights. I saw my muscle disappear. After having my children I knew it was time to get into a routine!
- What originally prompted you to seek us out? My sister, Jamie! She was like a broken record for 2 years! The excitement she had for her new hobby couldn’t be contained. Every day she had a new funny story or had to brag about the weight she was lifting. I could see the genuine happiness in her face. CrossFit was unlike anything she had ever done before. We arm wrestled and for the first time ever she beat me! That was it for me! I’m too competitive to lose and my current gym routine was clearly not working. Becoming a member has brought us closer, even though I didn’t know that was possible!
- What was your goal when you originally signed up? Simple. Gain my confidence back (and to look good in a bikini again). Truly, though, it was for the confidence. It works! I find myself walking taller, lifting heavier and climbing higher every day. It didn’t just give me confidence in the gym- it gave me confidence in every aspect of life. When friends and family notice a difference in you it drums up the reassurance you need! I also want to be healthy for my kids. My mom had breast cancer in her late 20’s. She is a survivor and from that I’ve learned that only I can control my health. I want to be a positive role model for my kids. I have the ability to influence my children’s physical fitness and health. Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of that capability?
5. What have you liked best about working with us? I absolutely love the family like atmosphere. You can always find me staying after class to chat! I love getting to know everyone and I love learning. I’m genuinely intrigued by the way our muscles work and the affect certain foods have on our bodies. I was never eating enough protein and I had a terrible sweet tooth. Salt is now a bigger part of my life and it kicked my sugar habit right out. The challenges and one on one coaching are very informative. Another plus, there’s no judgement! It’s like we are all playing on the same team, working towards the same goals- to continually improve ourselves. Every coach is dedicated to every member. They make sure you get the individual coaching you need. I also love that we can measure our progress. Sometimes you need the reassurance that you are doing something great!
6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started? I’m not sure I can limit this to one thing! First, I overcame a fear of climbing a rope. It wasn’t because of the height; it was because I didn’t think I was strong enough to do it. One day in the WOD I just decided I was going for it. What a feeling! I’m also proud that I continue to PR week after week. Even if it’s just by 5 pounds! It’s reassurance that I am still getting stronger! In the last month I focused on strict pull-ups and recently was able to do them with a 5# weight! I’ve also lost close to 20 pounds and tightened my core back up. I feel like I’m young again and I can keep up with the college girls that work for me. Oh, I’ve also had a few WOD’s where I was able to contend with the big dogs (you know who you are).
7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed? My view has absolutely changed! I now know I am a healthy person. I am a more confident person. I’ve gained a world of fitness knowledge and I can use that to help others. My mood is better and my energy levels are amazing! I know that I am strong and I believe in myself. I have a positive attitude and I hope I can transfer that positive energy to others.
8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did? It’s never too late to start. Your children and/or your family deserve to have a healthy mom/dad/brother/sister. We only have a short time on this Earth so treat your body well. Get into a routine. Make it a habit. The antidote to a bad day is a good workout!
9. Do you have any special moments/memories? There are two special moments for me. The first was the Open 2021. I had no idea what to expect and I surprised even myself with my abilities! The second was the “Total Max Out”. Not only did I PR every single lift with my amazing sister but our Great Uncle “King Joe” (an Olympic weightlifter) came to watch. Seeing his proud smile, at almost 94 years young, made it worth it!
10. What is your favorite movement/lift? I enjoy body weight movements the most. (Probably because I am so comfortable with them). Barbara and Chelsea are fun for me! Pull-ups, Push-ups, sit-ups and squats speak my language! I also don’t mind rowing, although, the 5k row was a bit excessive for me. My favorite lift would be the squat clean. I finally figured out how to get underneath the bar!
