1. What brought you to CrossFit?
I had trained with a personal trainer a few years earlier, and when my trainer moved on to other ventures, I tried to work out on my own at the gym. However I just wasn’t motivated enough. I need variety in a workout, as I am less interested and committed if I fall into a “same old” routine. But I was never motivated enough to push myself on my own. CrossFit is the perfect blend of personal training and group classes to challenge me and keep my attention at every class.

2. What was your first impression?
When I showed up for my CrossFit technique sessions the first month, I would sometimes catch the end of the workouts in the group class ahead of me and was in absolute awe. Some of the movements they were doing were something I never imagined I would one day be able to do, such as rope-climbing or double-unders skipping rope and many of the gymnastics moves. Participants seemed so athletic and strong in comparison to me.

How has it changed?
The coaches are great at customizing the workouts, whether it’s because of injury or ability. I found myself slowly being able to do more than I first thought possible. I’m still no athlete, but I am the strongest I have ever been, and I can now do some movements that I had never been able to do before. Everyone at group classes is so encouraging, both the coaches and athletes, and it really feels like I’m part of a small community. I’ve gotten to know everybody that I see in class on a regular basis, and it’s sometimes funny how I have no idea what to call them when I see them outside of the gym because of our gym names!

3. What was your first bright spot (win/positive experience)?
I found moving up with my weights on the deadlifts was the most early satisfying experience, because I quickly was able to lift heavier weights and surprised even myself with what I could lift.

4. What are you working on now?
Double-unders seem to be the bane of my existence these days. I can skip a few in a row consistently, and I once hit a magical 19 in a row, but frustratingly I’ve never been able to re-create that experience, although I’m making it my mission to try before or after every workout now!

5. What’s your favourite Empower memory so far?
The 12 days of Christmas workout which I did for the first time last year with my husband (who had just joined the gym a few months earlier). Lots of laughs with the group, and great food to top it all off at the end!

Thanks Hawkeye!