I joined CrossFit in February of 2008, two months after completing a course of chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. My doctors kept telling me it would take anywhere from six months to a year before I would feel back to my “normal” self. I was not having any part of that. I wanted to return to my weekly routine of working out 3-4 times a week and feel alert and alive again after being in a fog for so many months. They did not discourage me from this, but insisted it would take a while before I could get back to my prior level of fitness.

Well, CrossFit and I proved them wrong. I started out the way most people beginning start – working on scale that suited my strength and endurance at the time. For five days a week, every week, I gradually learned the different types of movements and lifting to complete the daily WODs (work out of the day). Within two months of training, I was feeling better physically and clearer mentally than I had the prior months of being in my chemo fog. When I went in for my next follow up with my Oncologist – he could not believe how far I’d come along in such a short period of time. I was full of energy, I had lost several pounds that I had gained during my treatment and my body was almost fully returned to its previously toned condition AND I more endurance than I did prior to my illness and was sleeping better at night.

It’s been over two years now and I am amazed at what CrossFit has done for me. I’m 53 years old and have never been in better shape in my life. I’m doing things I never thought possible. A pull-up or push-up was inconceivable to me, but now I consider myself to be quite proficient at them. I can’t explain what a feeling of accomplishment that is. Yes, I worked out at your usual “globo gyms” in the past, but was never able to achieve the results that I have with CrossFit. The atmosphere is one of true camaraderie, some playful competitiveness and a feeling of being with family. The trainers are phenomenal and are there through each class making certain every person is using proper form and to cheer you on. I feel a large part of my success has been because of their encouragement.

I can’t say enough good things about CrossFit. It is truly a unique and fulfilling way to get yourself healthy and in shape. The work outs are always varied, never boring and keep you motivated to challenge yourself to do better each time. It’s somewhat difficult to fully explain what it’s like; I can only encourage you to try it for yourself. You WILL become a CrossFit convert.