I have been a member of two Gold’s gyms, LA fitness, Sport fit, Premier, and Spa Lady (don’t laugh), on my fitness quest to “get in shape”. I kept changing gyms every so often, thinking that would be the change I needed. But instead of getting more in shape, every year I gained a little more weight.

Then I got married, had 2 kids and was the heaviest I had ever been after the birth of my second daughter. I was doing some running on my own and was seeing some slow progress. Then my husband joined CrossFit BWI and loved it. I liked hearing about the workouts, but could never see myself doing them. I’ve never played any sports and never considered myself athletic by any means, so the whole idea of CrossFit was intimidating. In need of a change of any kind (no matter how uncomfortable) I reluctantly joined CrossFit BWI in July 2009. I got through the initial classes and discovered that I actually liked the workouts- although very challenging. And dare I say, was having fun too.

I realized quickly that all the anxiety and self-consciousness I had when I started was all unnecessary. The coaches were all so supportive and encourage you to push yourself beyond what you thought you could do. Not only are the coaches inspiring, but so is everyone else in the classes. I still remember doing a workout that included burpees & was the last one working to finish. Then someone else in the class got down and did the burpees with me till I was done (Thanks Jen!). That doesn’t happen at just any gym.

What really made the difference was the 60-day Paleo challenge that some of the 6am class were participating in. I was following the Zone before and wanted to see what eating strictly Paleo would do. I was amazed at the difference it made for me. It was almost like I was living in a “haze” before. I had so much more energy and my workouts improved tremendously. I was running faster & felt awesome. Our benchmark workout was Helen- after the Paleo challenge I took a minute off my time. I am happy with my progress and want to continue improving.

So where am I now, a year and half later- I have lost 35 lbs and dropped 4 clothes sizes and strongest I have ever been in my life. I get very excited to see what the WOD will be that day (even at 6 am!) and know I have found a life long obsession. Having 2 little girls I always wanted to be a positive role model for them and now feel like I am. CrossFit has changed my life monumentally and wish I had found it sooner. I see life in a completely new light and that is a wonderful thing!
- Elizabeth