By: Emily Carson
Updated: Dec. 20, 2023
Originally Published: June 2, 2023
After a year of encouragement from a neighbor, a looming milestone of turning 40, and a significant amount of self-reflection, I finally gathered the courage to contact the owner of my local CrossFit gym. The concept of CrossFit resonated with me—it promised a workout that was straightforward, tailored, guided, and efficient.
On a brisk Thursday in March, I found myself standing inside a stark, yellow concrete facility lacking heating, situated behind an auto glass manufacturer. The atmosphere was less than inviting, accompanied by the smells of the nearby sanitation department. As I attempted to maintain a push-up position, surrounded by chalky bars and heavy weights, I felt out of place.
An insightful yet stern coach was directing the session when she reached for AbMats to assist with my form.
“She doesn’t need AbMats!” the head trainer exclaimed, his voice booming.
In that moment, I thought, “Maybe he knows something I don’t.” I managed one push-up. Not too shabby. Two? Well, that was a struggle. By the time I attempted a third, I found myself unable to continue.
“Can I do them on my knees?” I asked the coach, feeling defeated.
Before she could respond, the head trainer shouted over my shoulder, “This isn’t a casual gym class! No, you cannot do push-ups on your knees.” Who did he think he was? I felt intimidated yet oddly motivated and returned to my workout—sans AbMats.
By the end of my introductory session, the coach told me, “You are strong. The only limit is yourself.” The head trainer smiled and congratulated me on my first class. My fellow participants cheered me on as well. As I exited, feeling like a battered tin can, a fit woman offered encouragement, reminding me, “Just keep coming back.”
Determined, I took her advice, aware that discomfort was part of the journey, but I was unprepared for the transformation that awaited me.
In my youth, I was the girl who struggled with physical challenges and sought affirmation. I was shy, socially awkward, and often held back by insecurities. CrossFit confronted these barriers and began to dismantle them.
In this environment, egos are left at the door. To achieve fitness in such a setting requires taking risks, being vulnerable, and trusting your coaches and peers. Although this was unsettling for me, I plunged forward and began to improve.
The thrill of success is exhilarating. Whether it’s completing a 400-meter run, lifting weights overhead, achieving a pull-up, or mastering a handstand, each victory feels like a childhood milestone—pure, unfiltered joy, especially if you never thought you could do it.
As I pushed my limits and ignited my inner strength, I realized I was capable of more than I ever believed, allowing me to tackle challenges both in and out of the gym. I eventually climbed that rope—something I once thought impossible.
However, the journey was not without its struggles. There were moments of frustration, setbacks, and days when I felt defeated. Each time I hit a wall, my coaches and fellow athletes were there to support me. For that hour, we worked together, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Validation and confidence flourished in this space.
Amid the sweat and struggle, I found a friend named Mia. She joined CrossFit the same spring, and our similar schedules and abilities made us training partners. After a year of shared laughs and workouts, she invited me to join her group of friends for a mud run. Her invitation meant everything to me as someone who had always desired close friendships with women.
Since then, we’ve participated in several mud runs together, solidifying our bond as a team.
From my experiences, I’ve learned that discomfort is a catalyst for growth. CrossFit was the perfect platform for me to embrace that discomfort.
Whatever challenges you face, lean into them. And when the time comes, chalk up those hands, turn up the music, and dive in. 3, 2, 1…
In summary, my journey with CrossFit has been transformative, pushing me beyond my previous limits and fostering a sense of community that I had long sought. This experience has shown me the importance of embracing discomfort as a means to grow and connect. For those considering similar journeys, resources like this article on home insemination, this guide on insemination kits, and IVF Babble for comprehensive pregnancy information can offer valuable insights.