Tex | 16.07.2012

“Nobody ever got strong out of a vending machine.”
-CFFB 

Skill Review and Practice:

Muscle Up

——————————————————————

Reflecting on our ‘Why I Train’ Post, here is Megan R.’s story. A great inspiration, thank you for sharing your story and Goals!, Megan!

Why I Crossfit?
by Megan R! 

2 years ago I weighed more than I ever had in my life and was the least fit I’d ever been.  I couldn’t keep up with my dad on winter snowshoeing adventures and was too embarrassed to join my officemates on their occasional lunch runs.  And I felt stuck.   And then my office gym had a “biggest loser” style context.  For 6 weeks I worked out, in a team, with a wonderful trainer, and learned that I could lift and jump and sprint and sweat, all while smiling and staying injury free (and I lost 20 pounds and won the contest).

I also learned that competition, accountability to others, sense of community, and the coaching of a really great trainer where crucially important to my success, and that I needed them to be a permanent part of my life (once the contest was over, I gained the weight back), not just a 6 week event…and that’s where Crossfit comes in.  At CFDupont, I’ve found the support, coaching, accountability, and sense of competition that I need to succeed.

I came back to Crossfit in January (I tried it briefly last summer).  Since January I have accomplished a ton:  I can bench 90#, squat my body weight, and deadlift more than that; my 10K time has improved (as has my recovery), and I’ve lost 20 pounds, slowly and sustainably, without dieting (and gone from a generously curvy size 14 to a fabulous curvy size 8).  I now have a body that works the way it was intended, that serves me rather than getting in my way.  I can lift the 40# water cooler jug at work without asking for help.  I can go hiking without worrying about keeping up with my friends.  I recently went on a date that involved a 30mi bike ride and it was joyful.  Even more important: after a good workout, I go to work with a level of positive enthusiasm that impacts my whole day.

I know that when I turn 35 later this year, I will be the strongest I’ve ever been, because I already am.  And, for that, I have an incredible sense of gratitude to Tex and Jim, and to all the women I share a bench with (and measure myself against)—including Jo, Devon, Marli, Tiffany, Ellie and most importantly Nikki, and to all the guys who share space with us in the morning.