One Year Later...

In October 2019, CrossFit 235 had our first official Bootcamp. The Bootcamp lasted for 6 weeks and consisted of 15 awesome individuals. At the end of the 6 weeks, there was a combined total weight loss of 46.9 pounds and 96.5 inches. Plus, boot campers excelled in beating their initial baseline workout rep score by 75 reps or more. Nevertheless, this blog is about the 6 boot campers who transitioned to being a member and now have been with us for ONE YEAR: Christine, Josh, Jessica, McKenna, Kasey, Geoff

After class one day, Christine brought to my attention that she had been a member for almost one year. I looked at her and memories from the boot camp instantly flooded back as I exclaimed to her that she and several members were in our first ever boot camp! We then laughed and reminisced on the progress that all 6 of them had made over the past 12 months. It was then that my mind sprung up with the idea of writing a commemorative blog on these individuals and the journey that they have been on since joining our gym. I hope that you may be able to relate to anyone of these stories and that it motivates you to step out of your comfort zone and go for your goals.

1. Christine

I joined the Shed for many reasons. I found myself in a spot where my metabolism had shut down, my motivation was low to non-existent and my weight was at an all-time high. When I saw the advertisement for the Bootcamp I thought "what do I have to lose? I'm not getting anywhere on my own and if I don't like it there is zero long-term commitment." I also needed something that wasn't a traditional gym setting as I knew I wouldn't have a shot at continuing if I relied on myself for workout strategies.

I'm not going to lie; boot camp was hard for me! Sitting on my butt for too long did not serve me well but as camp went on I started feeling better and had more energy. After boot camp, I signed on for 3 days a week. Then up to 4 and may up to 5 once the Shed adds the 600pm class to Friday:) (hint. Hint).

To date I'm down 20 lbs or so, I have way more energy and the classes are a much-needed stress reliever from daily work and schedules. The people and coaches are amazing and encouraging. I'm thankful to have been a part of the very first boot camp and am proud of all of us who stuck with it during probably one of the easiest years to have an excuse to quit. My goal is to keep on moving at the Shed and see where it takes me. I've stopped looking at the scale (only recently) but results are still presenting themselves every week!

2. McKenna

I joined CrossFit because I had always heard wonderful things about it, and I knew it was time to start working on my health so I gave it a go. I continued my membership because I absolutely love the Machine Shed, I have never felt so comfortable working out, and the group aspect of all the classes really helped me tremendously. It’s so nice having people from all different walks of life cheer you on while working out. You will NEVER find another gym quite like it! The atmosphere is amazing & all the coaches are so helpful & I love that they are willing to help you with absolutely anything!

I also love that all the coaches have helped me realize you can eat carbs & still lose weight and if there is anything I’d wanna tell people is that yeah the scale doesn’t matter because I’m the same weight in both pics!!

3. Josh

I signed up for boot camp because I realized I needed to make a change physically and mentally if I expected to live longer than 50 years old. For as young as I am my body has been used and abused, which has led to less and less physical activity.  Mentally I have battled depression my entire life.  Prior to the boot camp, I relied solely on prescriptions to help battle depression.  It had worked ok up until last fall but I was also sick of taking 10 pills every day.  Another goal I had was to lose weight and feel better about myself physically.  While I didn’t lose much weight, I did notice my pants fit better and I was able to do more physically in the workouts by the end of the boot camp.

I truly believe what has kept me coming back for more is the community more than anything.  The people I met in the boot camp came from all walks of life, different levels of fitness, different goals, and we're total strangers.  Despite all of these differences I have never felt more included and supported.  The “newbies” stuck together because we were all experiencing this type of workout environment for the first time. The veterans supported us with encouragement and were able to relate to our tragedies and triumphs.  The coaches were also a big reason I have continued to come back week after week.  The coaches truly care about me and that has meant a lot.  I think this became most apparent throughout the COVID crisis.

The main measurable goal I set was weight loss and that did not happen.  I have however maintained my weight, gotten significantly stronger, and gained self-confidence. I am able to do everyday movements today that a year ago would have caused me extreme pain.  Mentally I still struggle however I believe I have developed a much stronger sense of perseverance. 

4 & 5. Kasey & Geoff

Geoff had a membership to a gym and I ran with a friend a few days a week. Geoff and I couldn't work out together because he runs faster than me, doesn't want to work on the same body areas as me, and so we always worked out separately in order to get a workout. When we tried to work out together, it did not meet both our needs. We saw the CrossFit BootCamp- only an 8-week commitment, and thought, we can try to work out together and meet our own goals.

I like that you are not anonymous. People expect me to show up and are excited to push me to my next goal. The people are not all "perfect body" people, I don't feel intimidated when I go in, I feel inspired by watching everyone on their own journey. Geoff likes that it is a great workout and it is a group activity.

We feel good after a workout. Sometimes we are amazed that our bodies were able to accomplish the workouts that seem so difficult.

Current and future goals: Kasey-I wants to be able to do a box jump and run a 10 min mile. Geoff-I wants to continue to gain strength and improve nutrition.

6. Jessica

I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life, but in 2017 I lost 60 lbs. For the first time in a long time I felt confident, healthy and extremely happy. So, when I moved back to Wisconsin and gained all the weight back, I felt defeated. I knew I needed something to help me jumpstart my results and spark motivation. Of course, I wanted to lose the weight again, but more than anything I wanted to find that healthier, happier, more confident version of me.

I could list a million reasons why I’ve stayed a member this past year. Ultimately it all comes down to the fact that this place is like a second home. I feel welcome, accepted, and supported every time I step through the door. When I started there was so much I couldn’t do, but I never once was made to feel ashamed. Instead, I found coaches who adapted movements, provided demonstrations, and took the time to build me up. I found members who gave me pointers, asked me where I was when I missed a session, cheered me on even when I finished last. Every one of us comes in willing to work hard, but we also have a ton of fun doing it. What makes the Shed special are all the truly incredible humans who call this place home.

Have I hit the goals that I wanted to achieve? Yes, and so much more. I don’t think there has been a week where I haven’t noticed some kind of improvement or set a new PR. What’s great about CrossFit is that there is so much variety in the workouts and that allows you to set lots of small goals to help you keep seeing progress.

One of the biggest changes I’ve experienced has been an improvement in my mental toughness and confidence. I used to experience a lot of anxiety when faced with new experiences and new people. CrossFit has really pushed me to get out of my own head and realize that I can do lots of things I didn’t think I could. Recognizing my own capabilities and potential has really allowed me to feel more confident in my own skin.

~Coach Karina, BS-Kinesiology, CF L1 Trainer, USAW Sports Performance Coach