How old are you?
27
What is your occupation?
Business Owner – Mandee’s Pizza, Lynn MA
What month and year did you start CrossFit?
January 2018
What made you Join CrossFit?
I joined the Swamp because I needed to make a lifestyle change and I needed to be held accountable. I was not healthy all around and needed to make some moves. I would have never shown up if I didn’t have my sister dragging me there and she will never let me forget it. Fast forward to now, I am fully committed and rest days are my least favorite days of the week.
What were your original goals?
My original goal was to simply lose weight and to be able to do the things I’ve always wanted to do but have been held back because of my lack of confidence, mentally and physically.
What is it about CrossFit (vs. other fitness alternatives) that has made you successful?
The community, great coaches, and loud music give me that extra push I need to give it my all in a workout, and always wanting to come back for more. Not to mention how competitive I am with myself, whether it’s at the gym or at my restaurant. I am always looking to push myself and that is why CrossFit works…each day, every WOD is another step closer to my next goal.
What is the biggest factor in your success, and how do you maintain it?
The biggest factor is consistency and mindset. Staying consistent with my diet and making sure I get to hit a WOD is key because with such a busy lifestyle sometimes it feels like it’s impossible, but with the right mindset, motivation, and support anything is possible.
How many classes do you attend each month?
About 5 times a week
Has nutrition played a role in your success? If so, how? Be specific.
Yes, nutrition is everything. As soon as I started eating clean and drinking a lot of water every day I began to have a huge boost in energy and the weight began to drop. Now I am doing the keto diet and so far I am seeing great results and soon I am starting the Black Iron Nutrition program to take my fitness to the next level. I’ve been able to gain a lot of knowledge during my journey and I have learned the key factor stems from nutrition…and the truth is you are what you eat!! Drinking a lot of water and fueling my body properly I feel so much healthier and stronger.
How much weight have you lost since you joined The Swamp? Any other significant physical transformations? (Feel free to brag here.)
I have lost a total of 50lbs since I started the Swamp. For the first time in my life I don’t dread running, I’m a lot stronger, and my stamina has skyrocketed.
What has been your biggest hurdle and how did you overcome it?
My biggest hurdle was finding something and sticking to it. I would go to the gym for a couple days a week and then would pay for a membership that I didn’t use for months…or more. When I first stepped into CrossFit the Swamp I was nervous of the unknown and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I never thought that I would find a new addiction, friends, and a place to let out some steam. It may have taken me a couple classes, but from that day I walked through the doors I’ve never looked back.
What is your most memorable Crossfit moment?
Hands down it was completing my first Murph. The fact that I was able to complete it in a reasonable time was definitely an accomplishment. Seeing everyone around me push themselves as hard as they possibly could gave me the extra push I needed and I can’t wait to do it again next year.
How has this experience enriched other areas of your life?
I now feel capable to do things that I’ve always wanted to do. I have always been out of shape and overweight which has held me back tremendously. I am stronger mentally and physically and love challenging myself. CrossFit was a gateway to push me out of my comfort zone and since then I have been able to be more open, spontaneous and confident in my life.
If you could send yourself advice 10 years ago what would you say?
Put down that slice of pizza, find a box and just show up.
Accomplishment(s) you are most proud of since joining?
Back squatting 350lbs, being comfortable in my own skin, and not avoiding the running workouts.
What are your current goals?
To get on the whiteboard for top 3 back squat, stay consistent and push my weaknesses.
What advice would you give someone thinking of starting CrossFit?
I would recommend trying CrossFit to anyone at any age and fitness level. It’s not just another gym, it’s a community filled with people who care, help, and support one another. You are able to modify any part of the workout and anyone can do it!!!!
What would you hope your CrossFit Future holds?
A lifelong adventure in fitness!
