I became familiar with CrossFit from a friend who went all the time to a different gym but never thought it was something I would get into. Then I met Shaun and Jenna at a networking event and learned more but still thought…me lift weights? Yeah, no. Last fall I was putting together a silent auction for an event and thought HCF might be interested in donating something which they gladly did. It was an On Ramp package.
During the show, I wanted to get the bidding higher so I bid on it. When I found out that I was the one who won it, I thought, “What am I going to do with this? I can give it away as a gift.” After a few weeks of thinking and talking to my friend who loves CrossFit, I decided to give it a try but was not thinking this was going to be for me. I had just lost 20lbs but I needed to find something that worked to help tone and define me. What I was doing wasn’t working for that.
The first day of class in January we were told to go outside because we were going to run. I thought it was a joke at first…it wasn’t! After thinking I was in ok shape, I soon realized that wasn’t the case at the end of the first class. After a few classes though, I was hooked! On Ramp was such a great way to learn the skills and techniques and taught me I didn’t need to be intimidated of lifting weights and that all skill levels can do this. Of course when you are excited about something, you talk about it…a lot in my case. I would go home after every class and tell Andy what I did, what I learned and how sore I was. (Which I don’t think he really believed me). So, he decided to check it out…
While Andy was still in On Ramp, I started “regular” classes and that kicked my butt too but I loved it. My coworkers would get so sick of me talking about what I was doing, the people at the gym and so on. They said I drank the Kool Aid and joined a cult. I denied it for a while then finally thought, you know what, it’s a cult I’m proud to be part of. HCF is more than just a place for us to work out, it is a 2nd family. We have forged so many close friendships, met some great people that have made big impacts on our lives. We love hanging out with everyone outside of the gym as well as during workouts. We love the support system we have here. We all have good days and bad days and everyone is there too cheer us on for the good ones, and push us to not give up when we struggle. When I first watched Jenna and Katie doing kipping pull ups, I thought I will never get to that level but just have to try my best. As of last week, I did my first work out “Cindy” with kipping pull ups without a band! I was so excited to see how far I’ve come since starting CrossFit. At 36, I’m in the best shape I have even been in and I owe it all to HCF.
CrossFit has become a family affair. Carson is even doing the kid’s class. It’s great to have that support at home and the understanding of how important getting to a workout is. We work hard at planning our times around work, evening activities and school. It can be a tough balancing act but so worth it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s funny how one little choice can change the path of your life!
