- What was life like before you became a member?
I moved into Scranton in June of last year, and my life was work, get home and repeat. Since I moved in from college, starting from zero was not the most fun thing; getting to know the place, and just trying to get comfortable is a process I am still learning today. I would eventually drive to see my friends in Philly, State College, or just visit some of my family that live in New York. Other than that, I have been trying to get settled and explore everything that is in the area.
- At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness?
Before I enrolled, I was not exercising at all. I had a subscription to a generic and classic gym, but I had difficulty keeping engaged. Since I was a kid my mom always kept me involved with sports. Even though I was never a fit kid, I grew up practicing karate and playing soccer in middle school. In 2017, I decided to join an affiliate CrossFit gym in my hometown. I fell in love with the sport and practiced until I was lowkey forced to stop due to the pandemic. From then on, it has been an “on and off” kind of situation with generic gyms. During my junior year in college, I was able to join the CrossFit gym, so I fell back to my roots. Funny enough, the president of the club at the time was Norman Kanavy, who used to come to Keystone CrossFit!! When Tim told me about it, I freaked out.
- What originally prompted you to seek us out?
I reached out to Keystone CrossFit because I wanted to gain some fitness. Growing up I was always overweight and nothing helped me. I went through multiple nutritionists, and different sports, and nothing really had a severe impact. Until CrossFit came around (it also helped that I started CrossFit when puberty hit and I grew) which was the only sport that enabled me to use my force and include cardiovascular movements in a form that my body could handle.
- What was your goal when you originally signed up?
Initially, my main goal was to lose weight. During College, I lost and gained weight without any apparent control. I have noticed that following a structure really helps me to stick with long-term goals. So, CrossFit just made sense, as the perfect sport to keep me in line with pursuing fitness. The class environment has an impact on me, leading me to stay engaged, and not wanting to miss any class!
5. What have you liked best about working with us?
The people without a doubt. Since the first class I participated in, everyone has been super welcoming, and this has been a feeling I have experienced across the complete schedule. From the moment I was brave and visited the 5:30 am class, from the time I settled to the amazing 6:00 pm crew, everyone has been super kind. I believe Keystone CrossFit’s community is the highest asset the institution has. The general support, and the fun Saturday classes are just unmatched. An extreme shoutout to the coaches as well, at a certain point I thought I had already learned everything about powerlifting/ gymnastics movements. However, when I began attending classes, I have not been more conscious about my body and its position during lift and gymnastics movements. Besides, all the coaches are super cool too!
6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started?
So far, I am proud that I have gained some of my gymnastics abilities! When I first started practicing CrossFit, gymnastic movements were the movements with which I struggled the most. So, after practicing for a couple of years and then stopping, that feeling of losing movements I worked hard to learn was slightly depressing. Nonetheless, in the past couple of months, I have noticed I am gaining some of my strength and composure under the bar. Also, I have to say that I am proud of my slight consistency in attending classes! Since leaving college, it has been hard for me to stick to a sport, given that there is no outside structure that is ¨forcing¨ me to go. However, after joining the box, practicing CrossFit has become more of a hobby rather than an obligation. So, I hope to stay consistent.
7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?
Definitely! After leaving the gym, and just focusing on my job, I started to gain a negative view on my body. Completely judging by my appearance, I stopped feeling comfortable with myself. After rejoining CrossFit, that perspective has changed, as I am now more grateful for all the things that I can do with my body. Even though I am not at my desired fitness status, I am happy with the progress that I have observed, being in front of a dumbbell/ bar as well as being in front of a mirror.
8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?
I would recommend being brave, as well as compassionate with themselves, and joining a gym, box, or club that practices the sport you like (it could even be chess!). It is easy to obtain tunnel vision with the amount of stress caused by a job, or situation and from being a functional adult. But I believe if you practice something you really like, that helps to break that routine and just bring overall joy.
9. Do you have any special moments/memories?
Oooh, I think I have some:
The first time I came to a Saturday class, and we played dodgeball, that was epic.
In the second workout of the 2025 Open, I thought I was going to die/puke, but it was fun.
The first time I heard Tim saying “You have to smell the barn” in a 6:00 pm class… I LOST IT.
10. What is your favorite movement/lift?
I love doing Cleans, it is one of the movements I feel the most comfortable with, and in general the most satisfactory lift.
To all the members and staff from the Keystone CrossFit gym, I just have to say Thank You! You guys have made the last 4 months way more fun than I could have expected, and I am excited to see what comes next!
