It’s August and I live in central North Carolina, which means it’s rainy, humid and unbearably hot in the gym these days. The white non-descript building located at 318 Main Street has become a staple for me over the past 14 months. At the moment, I’m the only “athlete” in the box so I take advantage of setting up a rower in front of one of the three industrial fans. It won’t be long before the 9:00 a.m. class files in for their daily dose of torture. Oh how I have come to love that hour of tearing muscles and sucking air!

Confession: I’m slightly obsessed with my CrossFit workouts. I check the Wodify app at 10:00 p.m. every night to read up on the next day’s WOD (workout of the day). I select my workout clothes prior to bedtime and fall asleep dreaming about hitting the red RX+ button. I’m the annoying person in the monthly staff meetings who won’t shut up about reaching a new weight lifting PR. My family thinks I’m crazy; but they love me so they just grin and bear my endless chatter about EMOMs (every minute on the minute) and AMRAPs (as many rounds and reps as possible). My friends think I’ve joined a cult. But CrossFit has filled an important void in my life and changed me in ways I never anticipated.

1. I’m healthier: Before CrossFit I was taking a Statin drug for high cholesterol and my doctor was considering a trial of high blood pressure medication. In May 2017 I read an article highlighting a frightening truth that went something like this: we gain weight in our 30s, go on medications in our 40s and disease sets in during our 50s. I was 4 months shy of turning 50 so that was all the motivation I needed. I chatted with my doctor and together we agreed CrossFit sounded like a good plan, so he consented to stopping my medications. In June 2017, I joined CrossFit Clayton (CFC). One year later my doctor was quite impressed with my completely NORMAL blood panel and I am medication free!
2. Weight loss: At 5 ‘4 I was tipping the scales at 151 pounds. I could no longer hide the muffin top that spilled over the waist of my jeans. Within 6 months of joining CrossFit and minor dietary changes, I lost 15 pounds.
3. Body love: I work hard for the body I now have. I have muscles I haven’t seen since my 20s. I don’t have to suck in my gut and at 50 I wear a two-piece to the beach with confidence. I give no thought to a cute 25 year old showing me up, because I look just as good as her! I have (baby) abs, I look toned and I love my body!
4. I’m strong: CrossFit is notorious for tough moves like handstand push-ups, muscle ups, snatches, box jumps, etc. It’s taken some time, but I have achieved many of these movements. I can do double unders, toes to bar, regular push-ups, kipping pull-ups, climb a 15 foot rope, run 5 miles without stopping, deadlift more than my bodyweight, climb an 8 foot wall, and do all sorts of weight lifting movements. Sometimes…I pretend I’m Christmas Abbott!
   

   

   
5. It’s Fun: CrossFit WODS are varied and it might take years to repeat the same workout. They’re fun (in a sadistic sort of way), especially if you like variety, reaching your aerobic threshold quickly and waking to sore muscles daily.
6. Camaraderie: I have made wonderful and lasting friendships at my local box. I have several comrades I can call on for Spartan and Tough Mudder events. And that grueling Saturday morning partner WOD? No problem with help from a CFC (CrossFit Clayton) buddy! The annual Christmas party is a blast. One of our coach’s facilitates a weekly Bible study. We support each other through pregnancy, marriage, death and all of life’s ups and downs. CrossFit has truly been the Church to me. What would I do without my CFC family?
7. Coaching: At CFC we have a trained and dedicated coaching staff who are invested in helping us reach our fitness and dietary goals. They are accomplished, supportive, knowledgeable and encouraging. My coaches make me want to work harder and reach my goals! Thanks CrossFit!