A little over a year ago, I attended my first crossfit class thanks to Janet’s invitation. I was sweating buckets and surely did not feel fit enough to even be in the room. I gracefully passed on the next few invitations. Then one day, Janet surprised me with a youswoop. “I dunno…I’m not fit enough for that…” were among some of my responses, however the tickets were already purchased, and I didn’t have to go alone, Janet would be joining me.

When I started elements, I was in bad shape. My cholesterol was high. My blood pressure was VERY high. I was overweight and just generally out of shape. I had a big reality check when I realized that I could no longer do a pullup or more than a few pushups. Back in high schools those used to be so easy. Instead I had to use the bands for assistance. I could not wait to get off of them. When I finished elements I started using the barbells for pretty much the first time in my life. I had never really used the barbell or free weights before, so I felt uncomfortable and awkward. I started off using only the bar. Any weight at all on the bar seemed excessive. I remember box jumps being my enemy.They were one of the most tiring movements I had to do. What the hell is a double under???

Fast forward a little over a year. I’m down about 30 lbs total, including a little more muscle and a little less fat. My cholesterol is normal, my blood pressure is normal, my kidney functions are normal. I feel great, sleep better, and seem to be a better worker. I now consider box jumps to be fun. Burpees aren’t so bad. I can do several strict pullups and many pushups. I also am really enjoying bar movements (minus thrusters and strict press of course, those still suck). Soon I hope to start working more on my oly skills. After many hours of practice and thousands of double unders later, I can finally say “I have them”.

Little by little I’m becoming the person I want to be. Happier and healthier. I can’t wait to see where I’ll be in a year.

Thanks Rowfit.