- What was life like before you became a member?
Before I became a member, I recently got married and hadn’t been working out consistently in some time. I put on some weight over the years and missed being in the shape I used to be in. I was probably also at my weakest at the very start of becoming a member.
2. At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness?
Just prior to enrolling, I was getting back to working out with weights at Planet Fitness and at home on and off. In high school I did track and field, mostly field competing in the shotput, javelin, and discus. I played football for half of my senior year until I tore my MCL. Throughout my college years, I became more serious about fitness and lifted at the college gym five days a week between class schedule breaks. I was a college commuter, so it helped having access to the gym rather than just taking breaks in the commuter’s lounge.
3. What originally prompted you to seek us out?
My wife is to thank for us joining Keystone CrossFit. She had been doing CrossFit in her college years and talked about how much she loved the experience. We both wanted to become more active and fit. I also wanted to see for myself how the CrossFit experience is and do not at all regret getting into it at all.
4. What was your goal when you originally signed up?
My goals were to become stronger, leaner, and to have better endurance. Unlike just going to the gym to move some weights around, with as many breaks as I wanted at my own leisure between sets, it seemed fun to challenge myself in a way the gym can’t really provide. I also despise running on a treadmill for endurance because it just bores me, and I never do it because I can’t really find a way to enjoy it. The challenges of CrossFit are rewarding and fun when cardio is incorporated. I wanted to learn and attempt weightlifting movements I’ve never tried before and set new goals tracking my progress. I wanted to build up my flexibility because I’ve neglected it and have always been rigid and inflexible. Another non-fitness related goal was just to meet new people and join a fitness-based community where everyone is working to achieve their fitness goals together.
5. What have you liked best about working with us?
I’ve liked that the coaches are so helpful and instructive, the community members being so supportive and grinding through the workouts together, and improving my flexibility, strength, and endurance. I like using the app to easily look back on where I started and how far I’ve come since first joining. And I’ve really loved all the weekend events scheduled to get another non-weekday workout in and hanging out with everyone. I wish life wasn’t so busy and I could attend them all!
6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started?
I would have to say I’m most proud of achieving my first muscle up! It’s still hit or miss and eludes me, but I got it once and know I can do it again. Next goal is to get a few in a row! I also am proud of my ability to squat deeper because I previously didn’t have the flexibility and balance to get to the full range of depth.
7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?
I feel more confident and stronger. I used to get winded walking up inclines or taking the stairs at work when I first joined, and it feels great to do the everyday things I struggled with before without any thought. It’s a great feeling to have more leg strength and endurance.
8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?
To not worry about it so much or feel any fear to just begin the workout journey. Just moving a day at a time and having the consistency and things will come together on their own. If there is any fear, the community has no judgement and only positive energy, and we are all on the same team.
9. Do you have any special moments/memories?
Getting my first muscle up was a big one for me because I didn’t believe it happened, I was just above the bar thinking “how did that work, and how am I up here?” Another special moment was the holiday throwdown where we all competed and I forgot how to climb a rope, fully exhausted, and shaking while just hanging a foot or two from the ground (sorry Mike) haha. Another funny moment was when my wife accidentally launched a dumbbell during the dumbbell snatch ladder (full disclaimer – no one was hurt haha).
10. What is your favorite movement/lift?
My favorite movement is the clean and jerk. I’m still working on it, and have a lot of adjustments to make, but I still really enjoy it. I also really like deadlifting because I think it’s my strongest lift. I will say that my least favorite movement is wall walks because they crush me and they are my true nemesis, so hopefully the more I attempt them, the more I’ll maybe begin enjoying them more.
Thanks to all the coaches and community for making it such a great experience for me!
