- What was life like before you became a member?
Life looked pretty different for me before joining KCF! I graduated from college in 2022 and started working full time as an EMT to gain some experience before applying to PA school. I was working, volunteering, and living the post-grad dream of having no real responsibilities or worries! Little did I know that 2023 and 2024 would be the two most challenging years of my life. I was diagnosed with cancer in the Fall of 2023 and underwent 6 months of chemotherapy. It’s funny how time works, because I finished my last chemo treatment one year ago today in May 2024. I faced numerous physical and mental challenges throughout the journey, but I am left with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the people around me as well as the personal growth that took place. I think having gone through that has prepared me to be successful in overcoming just about any type of adversity life has to offer, including tough WODs!
2. At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness?
Growing up, I was very into sports. I played basketball and soccer for most of my life, including one year of basketball in college. I very strongly identified with and took a lot of pride in being an athlete, being strong, and staying in shape. Post-organized sports, it was difficult to find the motivation and structure I needed to stay fit. I went through phases of being extremely dedicated to the gym, which were always followed by periods of zero consistency. Nothing stuck and going to the gym/working out felt like a chore. My relationship with physical activity changed quite a bit when I was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment. I went through a 9–10-month span of laying on the couch with little to no exercise. I was able to do short walks when I felt good, but it became apparent quickly that I was losing most of my physical strength. So, when I started at KCF, I really felt like I was starting completely from scratch.
3. What originally prompted you to seek us out?
Towards the end of 2024, I knew I wanted to make a change. I had been doing some research into different local gyms, but KCF wasn’t on my radar until my cousin Kevin (shout-out to Kevin) told me about his experience. He spoke so positively about the community, the coaches, and all the ways CrossFit has impacted his life outside the gym, and I immediately wanted to learn more. Tim and I set up a time to meet and I signed up on the spot!
4. What was your goal when you originally signed up?
When I joined KCF I definitely was looking to get stronger and lose weight, but in a simpler and more holistic sense, I just wanted to feel better. 2024 had been a grueling year of healing, and when I was deemed cancer-free I had some conflicting feelings. I was—and still am—very grateful for clean scans and bills of health, but I didn’t really feel healthy. After 6 months of treatment, I had lost my hair, gained weight, lost a lot of strength, and generally felt depleted both physically and mentally. I paid a high cost to finally be considered “healthy”, but the reward didn’t feel or look like good health. I realized that finishing treatment was the first step, not the last. I learned the hard way that I can no longer take my health for granted—I have to continue to challenge myself and make changes in order to maximize healing in every sense. Joining KCF was the first step in getting back to feeling like myself, which I suppose was the ultimate goal when I joined.
5. What have you liked best about working with us?
First and foremost is the positive environment. From the first day I met with Tim, I knew KCF was a welcoming place where people genuinely want to see one another succeed. It was intimidating for me to walk into a CrossFit gym for the first time, but the people are so kind, helpful, and encouraging, which makes it a place you want to keep coming back to. Going to the gym never feels like a chore, it’s something I look forward to and rely on throughout the week. The coaches also do an amazing job of making sure that CrossFit is accessible to everyone. Taking time to teach and explain each movement and the scales, answer questions, demonstrate, etc. makes each workout feel doable no matter what your fitness level is.
6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started?
I’m proud of how I’ve continued to push myself out of my comfort zone. Whether that’s showing up on day 1 or having the discipline to come back and show up again on day 2 even though day 1 was hard or pushing myself through a difficult WOD when I feel like I have nothing left in the tank. When I’m really struggling through a workout, I try to remember how lucky I am to be able to be at the gym exercising and getting stronger amongst an awesome group of supportive people, and that usually gives me the motivation I need to continue pushing myself and get it done.
7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?
I certainly reached my goal of feeling like myself again. Joining KCF was the catalyst for improvements in so many areas of my life. I eat better, sleep better, I feel happier and more fulfilled, I’m energized and focused in day to day life. All these things have helped improve my mental health and well-being as well. Before I joined KCF I struggled with who I saw in the mirror. My body went through a lot of changes throughout chemo, and it was difficult at times to identify with and accept this new version of myself. Now, I feel confident, strong, empowered, and better prepared to show up for myself and for the people I love.
8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?
Join KCF! The hardest step for me was getting myself to start. Once I did that, I immediately began to reap the benefits. I didn’t think CrossFit was something I was capable of until I pushed myself to learn more and get involved. I quickly learned that CrossFit is for everyone. As I mentioned, I truly felt like I was starting from scratch. My physical strength was at an all-time low, which meant I was able to take my time easing into different lifts and movements and soaking up all the information the coaches have to offer. If I can do it, you can do it too! Joining KCF jump started so much positive change in my life and I would encourage anyone who is looking to get active and join a great community to push themselves to take the first step.
9. Do you have any special moments/memories?
The first time I deadlifted at KCF was in my second or third week. We deadlifted again about a month later, and I was able to lift about 50 pounds more than I did the first time. It was proof and reassurance early on that I was making progress and that my hard work was paying off!
10. What is your favorite movement/lift?
Anything but burpees!! I’m going with the dark horse… thrusters.
