- What was life like before you became a member?
Before becoming a member at KCF, my routine was kind of boring. I would go to work, spend an hour at the gym, and go home. I was struggling with my self-confidence and my motivation especially after I graduated college. I wasn’t quite happy with multiple areas of my life. I knew it was time to start making changes, but I had no idea where to begin.
2. At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness?
Before joining KCF I worked out 3-4 days a week at Planet Fitness doing some weights and cardio. I’ve always been pretty active. I played soccer from the time I could coherently kick a ball up until sophomore year of high school. I wanted to switch things up after that and ended up taking marital arts classes until I left for college. While I was in college, I would work out occasionally, but nothing consistent. In between graduating and starting my first “big girl job,” I joined Planet Fitness to stay moving so I wouldn’t go insane. I liked my workouts for the most part, but they became monotonous and frustrating as I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted.
3. What originally prompted you to seek us out?
I was looking to change gyms and wanted to get into weightlifting. In January 2023, my cousin Nikki suggested that I come to Bring a Friend Week at her CrossFit gym and give it a try. My first ever workout was BRUTAL! Calories on the bike, kettlebell swings, and wall walks. I was huffing and puffing and seeing stars afterward. So, of course, I ended up coming to class every day for the rest of that week. I was feeling myself get hooked! Once that week was over, I went back to my old gym, but couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. Within a week or two, I was back at KCF to officially become a member.
4. What was your goal when you originally signed up?
My goals were to gain muscle, lose weight, and learn how to lift properly. Overall, I wanted to get stronger and feel more confident in my body.
5. What have you liked best about working with us?
The community at KCF is what makes being here so fun. One thing I missed while working out by myself was the feeling of togetherness that comes with training in a group. I love looking around and seeing others powering through during a difficult workout, or celebrating someone’s PR. It’s empowering. Of course, the coaching at KCF is incredible. Tim, Jess, and Nikki definitely set the tone for the rest of the gym. They’re nonjudgmental, so knowledgeable and are always pushing you to do your very best. Their insight and advice have, without a doubt, made me a better athlete.
6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started?
Honestly, I’m proud of so much. Remaining consistent and feeling myself gain more strength and endurance has been incredible. However, what I think I’m most proud of is my weight loss from the Zone challenge back in June 2023. I remember being so frustrated because I had gained a bit of weight, and no matter what I did, I couldn’t lose it. I signed up for the Zone challenge and ended up losing over 10lbs! I was amazed! Who would’ve thought that eating better actually makes it easy to lose weight?!? Seeing myself stick to a plan and get results was so satisfying!
7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?
Yes, I would say it’s changed for the better! I definitely feel more confident in myself and my abilities. I give more focus to my nutrition and eating right than I’ve ever done in the past. I know that I can make positive changes and stick with them. I don’t give up on myself and actually appreciate the challenge that each workout gives me.
8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?
I would say that you are not your negative self-talk. Be kind to yourself. Don’t be afraid of doing something just because it might be difficult. Be brave enough to try, even if it’s just small steps at first. At the end of the day, you’re the one responsible for making changes in your own life. So just try! I promise your future self will thank you!
9. Do you have any special moments/memories?
I can think of two. The first was showing up to class one day already not feeling great, and with a lift programmed for the day that I wasn’t particularly good at. I remember expressing this to Tim and he said something along the lines of you’re not going to be feeling on top of the world every day, but all that matters is that you show up and give it your best regardless. Surprisingly, I ended up with a substantial PR that day. That little bit of encouragement meant a lot to me and is advice that I frequently come back to.
More generally, anytime I get a comment from one of our coaches about my lifts looking good or improving, I can’t help but feel so incredibly proud. After all the work I’ve put in so far, it feels great knowing that I’m getting better and better!
10. What is your favorite movement/lift?
Back squats, snatches, and cleans are some of my favorites. I just love the strength and power I feel when I lift. Basically, if it’s a heavy day, I’m there!
Big thanks to Nikki and Matt! Without you guys, I probably would have never found myself at Keystone!