CrossFit is this big scary word to some people and usually when people hear it they say “that’s too intense for me, or I’m too scared to try that” or the best one, “I don’t want to get bulky”. However, to me this “CrossFit” has changed my life in so many ways. In the end of 2014 beginning of 2015, I was 165 pounds at 5”2. I am now 138 pounds and have lost over 17 inches total and dropped 2 pants sizes because of CrossFit and paying attention to what goes in my body! I was never able to get into any type of workout/diet routine prior to this. I tried Jillian Michaels home work out dvds, I tried running, I tried club fitness, and I even tried CrossFit at a different location, which ended up being too far (before Ballwin was around) and nothing worked for me. I was coming out of a difficult relationship, my sisters and mom had moved to California and I really didn’t have much. My sister’s boyfriend owns a CrossFit gym in California and that is what got me started on it. It all started to change when I started CrossFit at CrossFit Ballwin in January of 2015.
My first workouts were with Trent and he has helped me come so far as well as all the other wonderful coaches. The progress I have made in almost 2 years is incredible. I used to be terrified to put anything more than 95 pounds over my head or lift it for that matter. Then I got over that hump, and just started progressing so fast after that. Just the other day I got 130 in a spilt jerk when I had failed at 125 in the same workout. It’s all mentality, and I have actually been able to not only physically train myself but mentally train myself as well. A year ago, I would have just left it on the ground and gave up. Something clicked with me in this past year. I am not afraid of failing now; I just pick it back up, tell myself I can do this, and do it. This seems so simple but the confidence CrossFit gave me didn’t just stay in the gym, it went with me everywhere. I was never a confident person. 5 years ago I was someone completely different. I am 100x more confident in my looks, my abilities, my decisions, and my relationships. My life also changed dramatically from CrossFit because it is where I met my boyfriend Anthony. I remember watching him and thinking, “He’s too good for me, there is no way he is single”. I actually said these things to myself, which I would never think to myself today.
Thank you CrossFit. Sure enough he initiated a conversation and that was that. We have been together since April of 2015. Being in a relationship with someone who shares such a huge part of your life does wonders on both people. We work out together, we see each other sweaty, gross, exhausted, and it’s amazing. We support each other, laugh, and compete against one another, and it’s something I will always cherish. On top of that, we are both very healthy because of CrossFit! So I say to anyone wanting to make a lifestyle change, wanting to get one hell of a workout, wanting to make amazing friends, and become a healthier, stronger, and more confident person, come join CrossFit!