1. What was life like before you became a member?

I pretty much worked all the time, took the dogs for hikes on weekends but really didn’t do anything for myself.  I lived to work and worked to live. I did not have a healthy work/life balance. I found myself being moody which is not the real me.

2. At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness?

I had joined planet fitness end of august and was going 5 days a week but didn’t have a good routine and didn’t feel like I was achieving anything. I played sports in junior high but that was several decades ago. With 3 dogs, I was always active on weekends easily getting over 10,000 steps but during the week I was lucky to average 3000 steps daily.

3. What originally prompted you to seek us out? 

I saw an ad on Facebook for a 6-week CrossFit/weight loss challenge. I decided I needed a change and told my husband I was signing up for fat camp!  I was terrified but knew I needed a change.

4. What was your goal when you originally signed up? 

Lose weight. I thought “Fat camp” was going to help me do that.  After my first meeting with Tim, it was about more than just losing weight. It was learning how to eat right and having accountability – but also having fun doing it. He described CrossFit like gym class and he’s right (when do we play dodge ball?) Seriously, I was scared to death to start. (My references to “fat camp” was just my ineffective coping mechanism and insecurities). But then I went to my first class, and nobody made me feel fat or “less than” anyone else there. It was such a fantastic experience that I think is special to Keystone CrossFit.               

5. What have you liked best about working with us? 

It’s not fat camp! The staff and members are amazing. I like that there are modifications for everything and all fitness levels. It’s not about what you can’t do but finding that mod to find out what you can do and progressing from there.  I love seeing what we are all capable of doing and seeing others accomplish a new move or a new PR. I love that everyone supports and encourages each other.  Keystone CrossFit provides such a great environment. I feel safe here. The coaches are knowledgeable, and safety is a priority.  I like that someone is watching and correcting form/technique.

6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started? 

Showing up and sticking with it. For some that may seem silly, but I’ve had decades of yo-yo dieting. For once I’m finally putting exercise and nutrition together. It’s not a diet. It’s making healthy choices one meal at a time. Some days I do better than others but it’s ok. It’s life. I’m proud that I haven’t given up. If I didn’t achieve my goals one day, I pick myself up, dust myself off, and try again the next day. Also, the box jump! Surprised myself with the 24” box jump— not going to lie.

7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed? 

My mood and confidence have improved. I don’t cry in the dressing room trying on a new pair of jeans.  I feel better about myself. Sometimes I wear a tank top to class.  You have to understand that I haven’t worn anything sleeveless since I was in high school. 

8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?  

For the nay sayers — I say try it! ANYONE can do it. I’m sure there are lots of people like me that struggle with weight and fitness. I love the diverse group at Keystone CrossFit! I used to refer to the white board with the WOD as the “torture board” but no matter how difficult and challenging it is, we all get through it! It is such an amazing feeling of accomplishment after each workout. If you think you are too old or too out of shape to start— you’re not. We all start somewhere. One step at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others — keep track of your progress and compare the new you to the old you.  The effort pays off!

When I first signed up one of my co-workers said, “omg don’t do CrossFit— don’t drink the Kool-Aid”. After my experience the past 4 months I will drink the Kool-Aid and would mass produce and distribute it if I could. I’m happier now. I’m in the best shape of my adult life. I feel alive. More alive than I’ve felt in years.

9. Do you have any special moments/memories?

As sappy as this sounds, every moment is special. It’s me proving to myself that I can do it. Sure, lots of folks do it faster, can lift more, or RX a workout, but for me showing up and completing it is special. Thanks to the 5:30 gang for making me feel like I was part of something and for encouraging me! Thanks to all of you on SugarWOD! The fist pumps from the group are so encouraging!  Tim, thanks for having the 6-week challenge… I wouldn’t be here had I not seen that posting! 

10. What is your favorite movement/lift?

I know it’s not burpees! I like back squats but not sure I have a favorite yet.

Thank you to Kim Rainy for convincing me to participate in the Open.  During class, I wasn’t forcing myself to perform burpees the way they were intended. Doing the Open and having rules even for the scaled version forced me to do correctly. If I could do them for the Open means, there was no excuse not to push myself harder in class.  

Thank you to the keystone CrossFit family. I love being a part of this.