I started my journey at Strong Together Hackettstown in 2015 when I was 35-weeks pregnant with my first child. I knew I wanted help to lose all the “baby weight,” so my husband and I stopped by the gym. We briefly talked to Coach Mike and scheduled a time to sit down and go over our goals and learn more about STF. I remember going in and seeing people doing “wall balls” and thinking, “Oh heck no. I won’t be able to do that!” But we listened to what Coach Mike had to say and told him to give us a call after my due date.
Well my due date arrived, and we had a new addition to our family. Coach Mike called, and of course, I forwarded his call straight to voicemail. I thought to myself, “How could I do CrossFit? I just had a baby, and I couldn’t even do those things that CrossFitters do when I was super fit.” However, in the back of my mind, I was unhappy with the weight gain from being pregnant and knew I wanted to be healthy for my family. I still didn’t call Coach Mike back, but, as we all know Mike... he called again a few days later, and this time I picked up.
Three years later, I have come so far with my workout goals and have lost over 50 pounds! I did the “nutrition challenge” when it was first introduced and have learned through trial and error what works for my body to hit my goals. I have also gained muscle and strength that I never thought possible. When I started, my burpees, squats, and pushups were all modified. Now I can try “RX” (prescribed) weight during WODs, and last year I even completed most of the CrossFit Open workouts RX’d.
One thing that CrossFit has helped me overcome is my self-doubt and poor self-talk. The most rewarding thing I’ve gained from starting at STF is that I am more confident in myself. That’s what keeps me coming back for more, along with the fact that my gym time is my “me time.” My job is very stressful, so working out is my therapy. Plus, the community within the gym has become my second family. They are there through it all, cheering you on and pushing you when you have nothing left to give in a workout.
Every day is a new one here at STF. If you have a bad workout or eat a bowl of ice cream, don’t let it get to you. Brush it off and start right back at it the next day. For the person who is on the fence about starting, I would tell you to just go for it! All you have to do is show up, and everything else is programmed for you. Anyone, no matter what age or fitness level, can be successful at Strong Together Fitness.
A fun fact about me is that I participated in a Junior Police Academy and received the Marksmanship Award, which all the boys wanted. #GirlPower
