Check out Amber’s inspiring story! Definitely a good read for anyone you know who is hesitant about giving CrossFit a try…
What made you decide to give CrossFit a try?
I decided to give CrossFit a try because I had just moved to Baltimore and I was really trying to get my life back together and headed in the right direction after a really rough year or two. I used to be very into fitness, after the year I had a feeling as though I had lost myself a little I decided that I needed to get back into what I loved doing and putting myself first. I really wanted to try something new and make more friends along the way. CFH is just a 3 minute walk from my house so it gave me no excuses for not showing up.
How have your feelings towards CrossFit changed from when you first started to now?
Getting in the door was definitely the toughest step. My feelings toward CrossFit have immensely changed from when I started to now. I was so scared people were going to look at me for how skinny I was and how little I could do. I remember talking to Geo for weeks before I made the decision to take 10, 30 minute personal training session. I decided to go with the personal training sessions first since I had no idea what I was doing and I don’t think there is anyone that wants to be looked at less than me. I thank Blair and Alexa for being so sweet and kind to me during our training sessions when I probably looked like a baby giraffe learning to walk.
After completing the 10 sessions I was still scared out of my mind to join the classes. Marissa was such a sweetheart and emailed me offering to do the WODs with me so I didn’t feel alone. I eventually decided to join the foundations class just so I could get a refresher on the movements to really hit them home and have a little stepping stone into “Class Life”. Foundations was awesome, seeing other people just as interested to learn and new to all of this as well.
Finally, I made it to the big scary classes… I realized that no one was looking at me. No one was judging me. If they were looking at me it was to give a friendly hello or words of encouragement. All the coaches learned my name and greeted me whenever they saw me. I realized I had been so scared of this image/scenario that I painted in my head. I absolutely love CrossFit now and do not fear it one bit.
How has CrossFit impacted your life?
CrossFit has impacted my life in a big way. It has provided me with the friends and support that I have always wanted. It has really helped me feel good about myself again after I had let outside stressors and toxic relationships get the best of me. I had essentially let myself wither away.
I know a lot of people come to gyms to lose weight, but for me, I was fighting an opposite battle. I had set a goal to gain 10lbs just before I walked in the door. CrossFit became place for me where I could let all frustrations and anxiety out that I couldn’t control instead of letting them eat away at me. The people there are so welcoming and friendly and make you feel so good deep down.
It’s amazing what happiness can do for your life. CrossFit Federal Hill is what I consider my happy place. I am thankfully up 30lbs from where I was a year ago. I thank CrossFit for supplying me with an outlet for my problems, along with an amazing community where I have found some of the most amazing friends.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant about trying CrossFit?
I don’t think there was anyone as scared of joining as me when I first started. I can promise all your fears are just things you’ve created in your head that you can overcome. You will absolutely love everyone here. No one is judging you for anything and only want to see you succeed! Get in the door and have fun. I am always open to more and new friends so you can talk to me if you’re worried. I usually go to the 7:30PM classes and, speaking out of total bias, we are a fun and friendly class and welcoming to all new members!