I joined ASAP when I was new to weightlifting and CrossFit. I had run numerous half marathons,…read more10Ks, and 5Ks, so I considered myself in pretty good physical/cardio shape. I knew that all the research said that runners should be not only be cross training, but also weightlifting to prevent injury and support their running goals. Still, weightlifting was a whole new ball park and I was so frightened of injuring myself and not being able to do the cardio that I loved.
Contrary to my reservations, joining ASAP and my journey into CrossFit has been anything but frightening. The coaches listen to your fitness goals and history, know your reservations, and they easily offer modifications when/if needed. Every coach leads you through a thorough warm up, models the movements, watches you practice the motions with them, provides feedback, and then transitions the class into actually starting the WOD.
As a runner, working out with ASAP has only made me stronger and faster. I have PR'ed my 5K, 10K, and half marathon times, even placing top 3 at a few local races. (Not to mention one of which I was pushing my 2 year old in the jogging stroller!) I completed my first trail marathon and CIM this last year.
I have always felt competent as an athlete when it comes to cardio, but I've never felt so strong and capable.
I am so thankful for such an encouraging community of athletes from all walks of life, various ages, and athletic goals/backgrounds. CrossFit is such a humbling endeavor, but it is extremely motivating, as well. I constantly am inspired by the athletes around me. I love that ASAP prioritizes the goal of healthy living (i.e., to stay healthy for your kid, to be an active grandparent, etc.), instead of being motivated simply by physical gains and appearance.
I love that ASAP offers a program with the flexibility for mamas to continue to strengthen our bodies even through a pregnancy. I stuck with ASAP's CrossFit program throughout my entire pregnancy and the coaches supported me to listen to my body, while providing modifications for any movement. Now I am 16 weeks postpartum and I am back in it, stronger than I thought I'd be.
My ability to get back into running so quickly postpartum is also a testament to ASAP's program. Like many mamas, I am dealing with diastisis recti and my PT has encouraged me to continue ASAP's CrossFit program, as most movements allow me to continue to strengthen my body without exacerbating the problem.
I highly recommend ASAP if you want to see improvement in your health and overall wellbeing.