For years, I bounced in and out of the gym, never really finding my groove. I lifted weights here and there but didn’t see much progress, and honestly, I lacked the motivation to stick with it. I never felt like the strongest person in the gym, and that lack of confidence kept me from fully committing. CrossFit, in particular, always intimidated me—it seemed like a place for people who already had their fitness figured out.
But that all changed one random day when Tate convinced me to come with him. I walked through the doors, not knowing what to expect. The workout absolutely wrecked me, but something about it lit a spark in me. Even though I was new, I was welcomed like I had been part of the gym for years. The energy, the people, and the sense of community were unlike anything I had experienced before.
Finding Purpose in the Challenge
One of the things that keeps me coming back day after day is how different each workout is. In the past, I would get stuck in the same boring routines, doing the same exercises every week with little progress. But here, every day is a new challenge. The programming, the hands-on coaching, and even the app help keep things fresh and exciting.
Over the past year, I’ve learned skills I never thought I’d be able to do—double-unders, rope climbs, butterfly pull-ups, wall walks, and even a somewhat passable toes-to-bar. The workouts push me in ways I didn’t know were possible, and that constant challenge keeps me motivated. I want to keep improving, keep getting stronger, and see just how far I can go.
The Power of Progress
I remember seeing a post that broke down how long it takes to notice progress: first, you see it in yourself, then your family starts to notice, and eventually, others begin to comment. I’ve passed all those milestones, but there’s something about hearing someone ask, “Have you been working out?” that makes all the hard work feel even more worth it.
Physically, the changes have been incredible, but what’s even more rewarding is how I feel mentally. When I first joined, I was in a dark place, and this gym pulled me out of it. I feel stronger, healthier, and more confident than ever before. It’s not just about the workouts; it’s about the environment, the people, and the feeling of accomplishment after pushing myself past my limits.
More Than a Gym—A Family
One of the biggest reasons I keep coming back is the 3 PM class—shoutout to the Elites of the Gym! In such a short time, we’ve built an amazing bond. We show up, work hard, and push each other while still having an absolute blast every day. That one hour of class has become the highlight of my day, and I genuinely look forward to it.
And then there’s the coaching—without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. From day one, I felt like I had known my coach my entire life. The way they push me, challenge me, and (let’s be honest) roast me along the way has helped me grow tremendously. Even when I shoot dirty looks during workouts, I appreciate the high expectations they have for me. The competition, the motivation, and even the jokes all play a role in making me better.
Looking Ahead
This past year has been life-changing. I never expected to fall in love with a gym, let alone a style of training that once intimidated me. But now, I can’t imagine my life without it. The people, the workouts, and the challenges have made me stronger in every way possible.
I don’t know exactly where this journey will take me next, but I do know one thing—I’m just getting started.
