Two years ago, my friend Sherry and I were looking to change up our weekly “girls night” activity. You see, we’d done line-dance lessons, yoga, Pilates, Jazzercise and yes, even hula-hoop classes. Someone suggested a local boot camp and we decided to give it a shot. I thought I was in pretty good shape at this point considering a forty pound weight loss and doing exercise DVDs five days a week. Anyways, Sherry and I went to our first boot camp class and like the t-shirt says, their warm-up was our workout. It was excruciating, exhausting and awesome! Our once a week girl’s night became a 3 day a week commitment.

When Miki opened Gardens CrossFit, we moved to her space along with her. Something clicked. I suddenly expected more from myself with her CrossFit programming and coaching and the results have been eye-opening. Who’d have thought I’d be lifting more than my body weight, doing handstand push-ups, and attempting whatever Miki throws our way. After being schooled in form and fish oil, I’ve seen changes in this old body that I wouldn’t think were possible for a 52yr old Grandma. No more “age-related” hip, knee, or back issues, and I dropped another fifteen pounds tweaking the diet after reading Dr. Wayne’s suggestions.

Actually, I’ve discovered unknown strengths both mentally and physically in the past few months. Along with the changes to my body have come changes in my confidence level and self-esteem. I even entered my first CrossFit competition in Miami and am competing in the CrossFit Games Open. It still cracks me up to see the word “athlete” printed on the back of my Ice Monster shirt and know it refers to me. I’ve found there’s a competitive side of me that pushes me to overcome fears, learn new skills, push my perceived limits and never, ever quit.

The GCF family is the most supportive community of like-minded people I’ve ever had the pleasure of being around. No matter the age or fitness level, the members all support and motivate each other. And of course last but not least Miki’s enthusiasm, passion and expertise will keep me moving forward in my quest to be the fittest Grammy BAMF ever.