March Spotlight – Julie

I had struggled with yo-yo dieting and tried doing workouts at home for years.  I would last a few weeks or months but would get bored with both the dieting and the exercising.  It was hard for me to stay motivated. I would lose interest and go back to bad habits. In the fall of 2018, I went to my doctor for my yearly checkup.  I found out that I was pre-diabetic and had high cholesterol. I knew the toll that diabetes can take on your body because a relative of mine has it. I see her struggle and hope I will not have to deal with those same issues every day for the rest of my life.

Over the years I had heard about CrossFit Dubuque from several people. I always thought it sounded like something I would like, but I was nervous about taking that step. In the spring of 2019, I started asking more questions of the people I knew that went. I checked it out online, read the testimonials, and finally signed up for foundations.

June 1^st, 2019 was the beginning of my CrossFit journey. I started with foundations that day. The moment I walked into the gym I was welcomed by several people that had just gotten done with their workout. I couldn’t believe how friendly they were! It eased my anxiety and made me feel like I belonged there. 

After my 2 weeks of foundations I signed up for my first official class. I must admit I was extremely nervous.  However, I had made my mind up that I was going to follow through with this. I would give it 3 months to see if I felt better and to see if I was diligent about attending class.   I wanted to attend the 6:30 a.m. classes because I knew if I waited until after work, I would make some excuse not to go.  I walked in and I was immediately put at ease. Coach Mike has been coaching for a long time and I’m pretty sure he could tell that I was terrified.  When he went over the workout for the day, he would give instructions, but then he would pull me aside and work with me one on one to make sure I understood. He modified all the workouts to fit my needs.  It was amazing!  I remember one thing specifically.  I knew that burpees were involved that day and I knew that I could not do them like everyone else.  I told him I didn’t think I would be able to do one.  He had me show him what I could do.  At that point he had me grab a box and proceed to do the burpee using the box instead of the floor as my support. I did it!  I was so relieved I cried.  I know that sounds weird, but I had gotten myself so worked up that to be able to do one was such a relief.  Mike gave me a pat on the back, said that there are modifications for all the exercises and that I should not worry that I must keep up with other people.  I was hooked! I kept at it for the 3 months, attending as many times a week as I could. Because I felt so good about myself from day one, I didn’t want to stop going. 

In those first few months I also got some tips, from Mike, on how to incorporate healthy eating into my new lifestyle.   This was very helpful not only to lose weight but, did you know, eating healthy gives you the energy to do the workouts?! After just a few weeks I could feel my clothes fitting better and my energy level go way up. 

It has now been 8 months and I can’t imagine my life now without CrossFit!    I recently had my cholesterol and glucose tested and everything is at a normal range.  I have muscles I didn’t know I could have. I have the energy to play with my grandson.  I have more self-confidence than I think I have ever had in my life.  I am down 3 sizes and 47 pounds. CrossFit is more than just workout; it has changed my life!

Not a member? Sign up today!  The next free Intro classes take place on March 7th at 10:00. RSVP or e-mail us today to set up an appointment!