I Never heard of CrossFit until I received a phone call from a friend in Florida. He went on and on about how great CrossFit was and why I should join. While on the phone, he googled CrossFit in my area and identified one that was closer to where I lived. At the end of the conversation I had been sold to the idea of CrossFit and I agreed to enroll.
Okay… now theory meets practice
Signed up for the foundations class, you have to be aware that at this point I haven’t exercised for about two years and was a total ingenue to most of the basics of the class. “A sumo who? Turkish what? Push where?” I somewhat got the hang of it, but my form was still way off! “Who would have thought a squat could be problematic? You get down and get up right? Well! Modifications were made to help me
During the first week of group workouts even with the modifications and extra help from the trainers I totally got overwhelmed! Couldn’t remember most of the basic steps, felt like a tortoise in a meet with cheetahs, and both my body and mind started telling me NO! By the end of that week I had a mental shut down and was about to give up.
The turning point happened 11/16/11, after reading a post that one of the trainers had posted with the daily workout. It was an article by Heidi Grant Halvorson “Nine things successful people do differently” You should definitely read it! That day I experienced a shift in paradigm and giving up was not an option. It’s been 49 days, 10 hours, and 40min and I’m still pressing on. I’m not afraid of growing slowly, but standing still (Chinese proverb posted by one of the trainers). The trainers are awesome and very patient, the comradeship and encouragement to press on from the others within the group and trainers is phenomenal!
Though I’m still a tortoise in a meet with cheetah ladies and gentlemen! all is well. In my world, a tortoise morphs into a cheetah. All I have to do is be present with grit and flexibility to shift paradigms. “I know I can and you can too!”
Mercy Mugalla Nurse Practitioner
I am 54, and I enjoy ice climbing and winter mountaineering. Thanks to Crossfit I still have the strength, stamina and flexibility to complete the climb. Crossfit is the best part of my day.
Nico Walsh, Maritime Lawyer
When I first joined CrossFit in March of 2010, I was both hesitant and excited. Hesitant, because I felt inferior to all these strong men and women around me during classes, but excited to have the opportunity to lift heavy things, often over my head! Before long, CrossFit Casco Bay became a second home. I look forward going to class to better myself in fitness, but also to be around people and trainers who inspire and make me laugh every day. I initially joined CrossFit to be a little more fit; I stay with CrossFit because my new friends just make it so much fun.
Lissa Michel, Admissions Counselor
In March of 2011 I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. I have been doing CrossFit since august 2009 and I think this played a huge role during my pregnancy. Unfortunately my doctor wouldn’t let me work out past 12 weeks, but I worked out regularly prior to. I had a healthy pregnancy and have bounced back quickly after giving birth. I have received many compliments since going back to work and I’m so glad to be a part of such a motivating gym that keeps this momma going!
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Amanda James Caron, Registered Nurse
During the foundations portion of CrossFit I managed to lose 10lbs. Fighting my first fire after working out at CrossFit Casco Bay was easier than any fire I had fought in the past 10 years. The conditioning that CrossFit has given me is perfect for a job that requires short bursts of high intensity work. The team mentality among the members of CrossFit Casco Bay is incredible. I haven’t felt this type of camaraderie since running Division I Cross Country and Track at UMBC.
Blake Davis, Firefighter/Paramedic
Being in the military, I’ am required to maintain a certain level of fitness for the yearly fitness test. I have always passed, but with average results and I struggled to attain those results. After 6 months at CrossFit Casco Bay, I passed my yearly fitness test with outstanding remarks and I received the Air Force Fitness Award. I now look forward to working out because of the constantly changing workouts and the health benefits that come with it.
Norm Stanton, Recruiter Air National Guard
