I have always enjoyed working out, but found that it was hard to find other that were just as committed. I decided I needed to surround myself with like-minded people who I could rely on. I found my people here at CrossFit Gig Harbor!
I started my CrossFit journey about 4 years ago here at CrossFit Gig Harbor. At first I was intimidated by how strong and athletic everyone was and wasn't sure about myself. But the coaches and members were so welcoming! The coaches knew exactly how to evaluate where I was in my athletic abilities. They modified the workouts to fit where I was and made sure to remind me that every single person starts at a different place and you set goals for yourself and can't possibly compare yourself to others.
The members/community are so amazing! Everyone was, and is, so positive and supportive. They're all there to pump you up and cheer you on! I could be having a bad day and not feeling my workouts, but that doesn't matter to anyone. You show up, put in your work, and give it everything you've got in that moment.
I've set goals for myself and have learned that advanced movements take time. They emphasize the importance of doing a movement correctly for your own safety and that of others. But this also helps you to be able to advance and be better than you were the day before. It's not about how much weight you can throw up or down if you're in pain because you're doing it poorly. It's about being smart and safe while gaining strength at the same time.
About 2 years into my journey, I became pregnant. I just started to feel like I was really getting somewhere and gaining so much strength and then had to start dialing it back for the safety of our little guy. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable in training pregnant women. Even thought I felt as though I could do 'more', they knew what was best and guided me accordingly, while ensuring that any instruction from my doctor would also be followed. I was able to workout 4 days a week throughout my pregnancy. I ended up putting on 35 total pounds.
My delivery didn't come close to the birth plan I had set forth and ended with an emergency c-section. I thought this would delay my return to the gym, but it didn't. I started back 4 weeks later with just 'moving'. No weights, no strain, just showing up to be back to reality a little. I needed this for my own sanity to help overcome some postpartum depression. As new parents, my husband and I were a little lost. The community here at CrossFit Gig Harbor was there to help us and let us know that we were doing great as parents!
I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight 8 weeks later. I'm 13 months postpartum and in better shape now than I was pre-pregnancy. The programming and support of this community is amazing! I look forward to seeing every one of their smiling faces.
I am thankful for David and the community he has brought together. If you are unsure about CrossFit or are scared to try something new and on your own, don't be. Come join us! Sweat, have fun, get strong, and make new friends! You just need to walk in the door and you've made the first step of many more to come! read more