Butterfly Effect - It Starts with You

CrossFit is highly represented by intense people who have this insane idea that CrossFit is the end-all-and-be-all to fitness. Many athletes buy into this belief that if you aren't doing CrossFit WODs every day then you can't really be at your fullest potential.

I would like to state that, although our program does deliver results, most CrossFitters will be well-served by simply incorporating it into their already busy and active lives with a 2 or 3 day a week program.

You see...for most folks, being the best at CrossFit is less of a priority then just adding in a challenging fitness program that gives them a varied experience to their usual daily tasks.

Rachel is a 3 day-a-week/45-minutes-a-class CrossFit Athlete who shows up consistently, all while being a full-time mother and wife. She really doesn't have any more time available to do it.  I am always inspired by the women of the CrossFit Central community that do this for themselves because of the carry over that it will have for their families.  I can remember during my childhood being less than adequately guided in the realms of health and fitness simply because my mom was way too busy with work and life to even understand the importance of it.

Rachel and people like her have the ability to change the lives of our future generations and could potentially turn around the disturbing health realities our children face today.

Rachel's Story

I started at CrossFit Central about 2 years ago. I had never even heard of CrossFit before I walked into the gym for a tour.  I chose Mike’s MWF 6:15am class because it worked with my schedule. I wanted to go 3 days a week and knew if I didn’t go in the morning I’d find excuses and a million other things to do.

 
Mike is just the kind of coach I need.  He knows when to push me and when I need encouragement.  I am stronger and more confident now. When I started in Mike’s class, I had to use a weighted PVC pipe because I couldn’t lift a barbell over my head.  I was so intimidated by everyone in class; they were all stronger and faster than I was. I wondered what the hell I’d gotten myself into! Now I know we’re all there to get better and no one is laughing at me.

My perception of what I wanted my body to look like has changed since starting CrossFit. I started CrossFit to get skinny, but now skinny looks so unhealthy! I want to get stronger and set a good example for my daughters. I used to only see all my physical faults, but now I’m happy with the way I look, imperfections and all! I have more energy and am happier in my own skin. I feel better physically and mentally, so I’m a happier person all around.

I’m motivated by feeling strong and healthy, by getting PR’s and mastering new skills. I’m motivated by seeing how far I’ve come and by working to get better. My coaches and classmates also help me stay motivated.

Before CrossFit, I was 36, overweight and always tired. I put taking care of myself last. I got caught up in the notion that to be a good mom I needed to put everyone else first. That one hour a morning 3 days a week is my time for me. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself! I haven’t lost a whole lot of weight – less than 10 lbs – but I’ve lost about 10% body fat.

Six months before starting CrossFit, my oldest daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease so we had already drastically changed the foods we ate – we just substituted gluten free products for the wheat ones. We are all gluten free now and try to follow the 80/20 rule in eating Paleo. I have a giant sweet tooth, so ice cream is my weakness!

My current goals are to master kipping pull-ups and double unders and to dead lift 225 pounds.  I’ve done several challenges: Lean Turkey, I AM CrossFit and, most recently, Bettys on Boards. SUP boarding was fun and I meet some great ladies! I sign up for the challenges to try new things, like SUP boards, and to meet new people in the CrossFit Central community that I wouldn’t otherwise meet. I must say, I like the competition – I haven’t participated in sports since high school.