Everyone’s path to CrossFit and functional fitness tends to be related but yet unique in their own ways. Just the same, Erika and Steph have experienced different paths to fitness and CrossFit.
Steph had been exposed to fitness from a young age but never really took it seriously until she decided she was tired of being overweight and always feeling lethargic. Conversely, although Erika had been active the majority of her life, fitness and healthy eating were never a priority.
Around 2006, they decided they needed a complete lifestyle makeover which included both diet and fitness. Steph had been exposed to the fitness lifestyle due to her sister who was a Pro Figure Competitor and personal trainer. Erika always had the excuse of just not having enough time in the day after work. Finally, the constant excuses of not eating healthy and being able to exercise were over!
It started with food. Erika did the research and they slowly adapted a new way of thinking about what they ate at every meal. At first it seemed impossible to give up the “convenient foods”. However, once they revamped their diet, they quickly saw a dramatic change both mentally and physically. They then joined a local gym where their interest in weight training sparked. They followed body building athletes such as Dana Linn Bailey and created a workout program which they followed on a consistent basis.
While Steph was playing on a weekend softball league, a teammate suggested they join a CrossFit gym. She explained that she found the sport to be exciting with its variety and most importantly it had a great community. They kept this in the back of their minds as potentially their next step in fitness.
Upon moving to Colorado, they knew they needed to join a gym. Erika brought up joining a CrossFit gym and figured it was a good time to give it a try. They joined MBS CrossFit and Steph’s feelings about CrossFit as a whole were mixed. She didn’t like it at all but she stuck to it and now absolutely loves it!
Committed to tracking their progress, Erika and Steph both keep a log of all their workouts since nearly the beginning. They both have seen improvements across the board. For Erika, it took some time, but she got over the mental hurtle of being inverted and can finally do a handstand hold. Steph reached her goal of being able to complete a rope climb and she recently achieved a personal best of 3 in one minute. Along with their determination and consistency, MBS’ attention to detail and quality coaching played a key role in their continuing success. Steph notes, “My favorite thing about CrossFit is that there is always something to work on and a new goal to achieve. If you are bored, you are not pushing yourself enough. My definition of strength is no longer just about how much weight I can lift but also mental strength. When my body says no but my mind keeps pushing, I know I am getting stronger after every WOD.”
Erika and Steph truly thank the MBS community and coaches for their continued support and motivation.
