• What led you to try CrossFit?

I’ve been CrossFitting since I tried a CrossFit boot camp over 6 years ago. I’d read about it, and I really had no idea HOW to exercise or eat. It seemed like it might be a good fit, but diving in was intimidating. When the opportunity to try it in a boot camp structure arose, I jumped on it. I was, of course, immediately hooked. Two moves and three boxes later, I still love it, and I don’t foresee that changing any time soon.

• What is your favorite part about UpReach?

More like what *isn’t* my favorite part about UpReach. There are a million things about it that I love and I continue to discover and love. It’s clean. It’s bright. Everything is wonderfully maintained. I guess, though, my favorite part is the community. You always hear about the community aspect of Crossfit, but UpReach just takes that and runs with it. I feel like I belong. I feel like my family belongs. I feel, ironically, like a weight is lifted from my shoulders when I walk in. The positive atmosphere within the community lifts ME and that has begun to filter into all aspects of my life.

• What is the biggest change you’ve seen since starting Crossfit?

My perspective has shifted entirely. Instead of wanting my body to change and be the body of someone else, I’ve learned to appreciate what my body is capable of doing. If I ended up in an action movie hanging from a helicopter, I’m pretty sure I could pull myself up and manage to survive. Do I look different than when I started?  Yes.  Am I stronger?  Of course! BUT. I appreciate what this body of mine can do in a way I never imagined before I began this journey.

• What is your spirit animal? Why is this your spirit animal?

A stray cat. If you feed me, I’ll hang around forever and never leave.