Written by Kathy Bell of Rockwall, TX
July 2010
For years, I went to chain fitness clubs and the brand name fitness groups, but nothing ever felt like it fit my needs (not that I even knew what my needs were!), or my family schedule. I was getting no results and felt completely alone, even in the group classes. I did an internet search for a personal trainer, because what I really wanted was a place that was not a generic 'one-workout-fits-all', and found the CrossFit Rockwall site. I had done personal training and group fitness before, but let me tell you, there is no choreographed music or pink weights at CrossFit.
When I walked into CrossFit Rockwall, I was intimidated by what I saw, which was real bars and bands and sweat...lots of it. But everyone introduced themselves and made me feel welcome, which is something unheard of in other work out places. I started out in the Elements classes, and they were absolutely the best building blocks. I learned things I had never dreamed of doing, tailored to my abilities, which were next to none.
When I took the first CrossFit group class, I felt like I had been hit by a really big truck, and it was a humbling experience. I wasn't sure I was going to go back, but I made myself keep an open mind. After the second class, I began to see the goal-oriented way Mary taught and that she wanted the same for me that I wanted for myself. I was still out of breath 15 minutes after class and needed help getting my shoes off that night, but I was starting to get the idea.
The first time I went to a CrossFit group class, I felt like I fit in because everyone was struggling to accomplish their own goals - it was not a group trying to accomplish a common goal defined by the beat of the latest pop tune. After almost 6 weeks, I have learned to have fun trying something new, and see the improvements in my strength and endurance each time I go. It's hard work, and it's real work that you feel for days after, but I feel like I can always keep going because of all the ongoing encouragement from everyone.
I know I am getting stronger and I am starting to see changes both mentally and physically. I have never worked out 5 days a week before, and I wasn't planning to do it at CrossFit Rockwall either, but I look forward to going. The workouts are short and crazy intense, but I am still home in time for dinner and soccer. No one misses out on anything, most of all me.