What got you into CrossFit?
I had reached a point in my life where I had to make a change. No amount of diet and exercise had worked for me in the past and I was getting fed up. My weight, health, and overall well-being was out of control and I needed something to get myself back on track. My best friend has been working out at Renewed Strength for a long time and he has always tried to get me to give it a shot, so I did.
How has your life changed since starting CrossFit?
In the Fall of 2017 I had to see a cardiologist for some reoccurring issues I had been having. I weighed in at 229 pounds, and was diagnosed with high blood pressure and a pretty intense anxiety problem. I would constantly have anxiety attacks that were so severe I would think I was having a heart attack. At this point I had been on blood pressure medication and Xanax for anxiety for a couple years. I’ve had high blood pressure for as long as I can remember and the anxiety has steadily gotten worse as I’ve gotten older. The fact that I was now having to see a cardiologist for all of this was the last straw for me. I needed to live a healthier lifestyle and lose a significant amount of weight. I tried a hundred different diets and exercise programs until finally joining RSCF in February of 2018. Since joining, I have lost 25 pounds, gone down a shirt size, two pant sizes, and most importantly I have been taken off all medication for anxiety and high blood pressure. I went in for my yearly check up with the cardiologist and he was floored. He basically told me I no longer needed to see him and to keep up the work. It has been amazing to see the results. It has completely changed my lifestyle. I have more energy for my kids and family and am just in a much better place mentally and physically.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence or nervous about starting CrossFit?
Give it a chance. It’s ok to try something completely out of your comfort zone. Don’t be nervous. Nobody is there to look at you, or judge what you’re doing. Everyone is there, be it for whatever reason, to achieve the same goals and better themselves and the atmosphere is nothing but encouraging. The coaches at RSCF are fantastic and have been extremely helpful. Everyone in the gym, for that matter, has helped motivate and encourage me to work harder. It’s a great environment and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.