Athlete Perspective – Kristin

 

What brought you to C44/CrossFit in the first place?

I had lost a little weight from changing my diet and family friends, Jeremy & Jo Anna, noticed my progress. They were members of Crusher and insisted I try Crossfit. This was right before Thanksgiving, and it seemed totally crazy to start something during the holidays, but I promised myself I would give it three weeks. It only took about ten days before I text messaged Jeremy and thanked him for taking me. I love the variety and I never get bored. I have now lost 40 pounds since starting (10 of those were in December!).

What was your first impression? How has that changed?

I was shocked at how welcoming an environment it is. If someone is struggling with a workout and everyone else is done, someone always comes and finishes the workout with the last person, so you are never just working out alone. Even though the workout is an individualized thing, there is a special attitude shared by everyone to be supportive of each other. That impression hasn’t changed, I love seeing this happen over and over. It is such a positive environment.

What has been your most proud moment at Crusher?

I participated in the Crossfit Open! The Kristin of a year ago would never have believed that would happen. In March of 2017 my only exercise was to struggle walking up the 16 flights of stairs to get to my office, but in March of 2018, I was participating in a fitness competition. Honestly, I have proud moments all the time when I surprise myself and do better than I thought I could do. I feel much more confident in general.

What are you working on now?

I had not exercised in a long time before starting so I started using the lightest weights, lowest reps, but now I am working on increased weights and speed. I want to finish losing the last of the weight I need to lose which is my shorter term goal, but my long-term stretch goal would be to do a pull-up.

What’s your favorite Crusher memory?

We ended up doing partner holds, and Jo Anna (my friend that introduced me to Crossfit) who is half my size held me on her back. She is so tough! It was such a goofy activity made goofier watching
other pairs do the same thing.

Do you have advice for someone who might be a bit nervous to give CrossFit a try?

I was so nervous to start. Crossfit has a reputation that it might only be for top athletes. When I started, I struggled to do ten situps or jump rope. While there are people that are doing handstand pushups and legless rope climbing, there are plenty of us that scale movements to what is challenging for us. The whole point is to challenge and beat yourself, and there is no shame in doing less intense movements.
The change in my diet and exercise has had a positive impact on more than just me. My husband has lost 35 pounds from my lifestyle change. My children are enjoying both of their parents being more energetic. We are much more active as a family, more dance parties, more soccer in the backyard, or even trying wall walks all together. It feels good to be a better example to the kids and teaching them self-care is a priority rather than an afterthought.

— Kristin

Where did Kristin begin? Crusher Bootcamp

If Crossfit doesn’t look like your thing check out another great program C44 (Where Kristin  started!)

Come to see what we are all about. Your first class is on us!

Athlete Perspective – Lori

What brought you to CrossFit in the first place?

I kept seeing a Facebook friend checking in at Crusher Crossfit early last year, and I finally sent her a message asking her about it. I checked out the website and decided to sign up for Bootcamp and haven’t looked back since. Like many people, I was ready to lose the extra baby weight and get back into shape.

What was your first impression? How has that changed?

I was really intimidated at first since I wasn’t very familiar with lifting and weight training. It was hard not to watch other people and think (at least for me anyway), “gees, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do that,” but then that changed as time progressed. For me now, it’s more about pushing myself to my own limits and focusing on my own personal goals.

What has been your most proud moment at Crusher?

I think this changes all the time because I’m always working to be better at something. One of the bigger moments for me was when I actually participated in a competition and held my own. I competed to the best of my ability, and it was great to cheer on the other Crushers who were participating.

What are you working on now?

Those silly double unders (jumping rope when the rope passes under your feet twice per jump) and not psyching myself out when trying something new or when I’m working on something that’s an area of growth.

What’s your favorite Crusher memory?

I seriously have a lot and they usually happen during the 5 AM class. Lots of jokes and cheering each other on happening!

Do you have advice for someone who might be a bit nervous to give CrossFit a try?

Just give it a try, listen to your body, have fun and smile. You’ll never know what you’re capable of if you’re not willing to try something new and if you’re not willing to do the work, even when it’s challenging.

— Lori L.

Where did Lori begin? Crusher Bootcamp

If Crossfit doesn’t look like your thing check out another great program C44

Come see what we are all about. Your first class is on us!