I grew up in the seventies doing competitive gymnastics, track and field, and cheer-leading. I played on an office softball team beyond high school and took up golf. I taught gymnastics and swimming to three-to-five-year-olds then later became an aerobics instructor. I clearly have led an active lifestyle. After raising three kids, I did some jogging here and there, but never got back into a real workout routine. I had chronic arm pain preventing me from lifting anything over my head or even carry a load of laundry up and down the stairs. Cortisone shots did not help and 25 physical therapy visits gave me little relief. I decided at age 55, I was just getting old and that was how my life was going be. Then my son, Kyle, convinced me to try CrossFit. This is where you can start seeing the bias of my testimonial, but my son or not, my life has changed! And, as much as I want to give my son Kyle all the credit, the community and coaches at CrossFit City Limits that surround me every time I walk into the gym is a big part of keeping me motivated and keeping the experience tons of fun.
The coaches at CrossFit City Limits taught me how to deadlift with a PVC pipe and light weight at first, then gradually got me to lift more and more weight. Early on when they showed me something new, my stock answer to Kyle was to laugh, shake my head and say, “I can’t do that!” Their stock answer to me was, “Yes you can.” We worked on my arm and worked on changing the way I moved which was causing the pain in the first place. With their guidance, encouragement, persistence, and a lot of patience, I have actually learned and am confident with the weight lifting movements typically used in CrossFit workouts. Over the last four years, I have consistently improved my personal records (PRs) over and over again. I have stayed motivated to improve my times, weights, number of reps and speed because I am constantly seeing results. Along with keeping a watchful eye on my technique and giving me quick cues to work on with a variety of moves such as double unders, kipping pullups, and handstand pushups, the coaches have also taught me the importance of prioritizing quality of movement during work-outs and mobility exercises before and after workouts. But they don't stop there. They have given me a wealth of nutritional information which has added to my health and more PRs. My favorite results? My arms are no longer in pain. I am in better shape now than I was in high school and will always be thankful to CrossFit City Limits for teaching me, “Yes I can.”