Stephanie:  I Want To Shut Up That Voice That Says You Can’t, You Can’t Take Anymore, And Do It

I’ve lost about 15 pounds and am down a clothing size. But more importantly, I feel stronger and more confident.

Hometown:  Richmond, VA

Age: 31

Occupation: User Experience Design (Web Design)  

When did you first start CrossFitting: 

November 2014

When did you first start training at CrossFit Prelude: 

November 2014

Favorite WOD/Movement:  

Hmmm… Core strength and body weight moves

Least Favorite WOD/Movement: 

Wall balls, it used to be burpees but it’s definitely wall balls

Tell us about you sports; fitness; and/or life background: 

I started gymnastics at 3 years old, my mom got tired of me trying to flip on or over everything. I was on the competition pre team but didn’t really get far, I had fun doing tricks but hated conditioning. So in 5th grade we decided I wasn’t going to the Olympics and I ice skated for another year. Then a competitive cheerleading squad started in my old gym, and I stayed with them through the end of high school. I loved bragging about being able to throw girls my age in the air, and showing off my strength in gym class. Unfortunately years of stress on my back, wrists, and ankles made me hurt everyday, all the time. So when my senior year ended I didn’t pick up another sport, or go to the gym, or do anything. I want to feel normal again, I wanted to not hurt. Well that catches up with you, and I started gaining weight, only a little year after year, but it builds. I tried the gym, and running (ugh I will always hate it), and I just couldn’t keep myself motivated. I hated conditioning, and hours at the gym doing the same workout over and over again just wasn’t my idea of fun. So there I was, 14 years after high school, no strength left, and 50 pounds over weight pushing 200.

What is your “Something Better” that you hope to achieve with CrossFit Prelude: 

At first it was being ‘skinny’ again (skinny as in muscular and toned because I was never actually skinny) and losing the weight. And that’s still a goal but what I’m focused on more is building my strength and beating increasing my strength every week. 

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel: 

I read about CrossFit, and an old coworker started going to a gym in Midlothian and talked about it all the time. I was convinced it was a cult and had read a bunch of articles about injuries and other things. Kelly somehow convinced me one night at The Hill Café to try CrossFit Prelude. That’s what I get for drinking I guess. So I sent an email and met Julie at the gym on a Sunday afternoon for my introductory assessment. Of course I walk in as she’s finishing a workout. I literally almost turned around and walked right back out. But for some reason I stayed. The introductory assessment was tough but manageable, and I decided to give it a try!!!  

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CrossFit (before/after): 

I’ve lost about 15 pounds and am down a clothing size. But more importantly, I feel stronger and more confident.  I’ve become more patient with the weight loss because of that. I used to diet and when I wouldn’t see the results I wanted after a month I would give up. Now I just shrug, tell myself to try harder and keep going to the gym. This is probably the first time since high school I’ve consistently worked out for longer than a month. The nutrition challenges have been a big eye opener. I can feel the difference in my body when I cheat, and when I’m eating well. That’s helping me shape better habits around my food, and slowly but surely I’m making better choices without thinking about it.

What keeps you coming back.  What motivates and inspires you: 

The challenge. I’m not as competitive as some people (uhum Kelly), but I try to compete against myself. I want to shut up that voice that says you can’t, you can’t take anymore, and do it. That accomplishment is so rewarding that it fuels my motivation to come back and do it again. I would not be able to do it without our coaches, and support of the regulars in our 6am group. I would have given up a long time ago if it wasn’t for them. People can call it a cult but that’s just because they don’t understand the sense of family and community you get from it, at least here at Prelude.

I’m focused on more is building my strength and beating increasing my strength every week

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit Prelude moments: 

I think my favorite thing is just the support for everyone during a workout. If those who have finished see someone is having a hard time, they start encouraging and rooting them on to finish.  You don’t find that at any other gym. 

Any advice for people just getting started: 

Don’t get discouraged, and don’t try to compete with everyone from the start. You’ll get there, and you’ll build up the strength, but the most important competition is the one with yourself and proving to yourself that you can do it no matter what.