Jessica Before
My fitness story begins with a 7-year stint in the U.S. Army, when I didn’t have to think too much about fitness because organized physical training was enough to keep me in reasonable shape.
I got out of the Army when my husband and I learned we were expecting our son in 1998. Without the external motivation of organized PT, my focus on fitness waned. I tried a few things to keep my weight down. I joined a gym, started doing yoga, and intermittently watched what I ate. Still, none of these changes stuck, and the weight I carried on my 5’9” frame after giving birth to my son fluctuated between 180 lbs. and 230 lbs.
In the early fall of 2010, I tipped the scales at the highest number I had ever seen – 245 lbs. I had never really been affected much by the numbers on the scale because I’ve always been a bit taller and bigger than most women I know, but this number affected me in many ways. First, I realized I was nearly 100 lbs. heavier than when I found out I was pregnant with my son. Second, I realized that I was no longer safe sitting in my existing folding chair at my son’s sports games because I was 20 lbs. heavier than the chair’s weight capacity. Finally, I was not able to comfortably participate in many of the activities that I used to love doing, and I found I was tired all the time, which only led to a more sedentary lifestyle.
I knew I had to do something, but what? I found the answer to this question on Facebook when a friend living in New Mexico shared a link to her blog, in which she described how her gymmates helped her through a particularly challenging workout when all she wanted to do was quit. The way she described the scenario made it seem like the type of environment I would enjoy working out in – one with built-in external motivation and a sense of camaraderie. That’s when I learned about CrossFit and contacted Beau.
I was immediately sold on how efficient the CrossFit workouts were. I committed to going in for one hour three times per week, which didn’t seem so bad when compared to the hours I had previously spent in fitness classes and on the elliptical with limited results. Even though the workouts were shorter than what I was used to, I never left the building without feeling like I had done something really good for myself, and the trainers leading the classes always knew when I needed a push.
And, as the weeks turned into months, the results couldn’t be ignored. I dropped significant weight and inches. Just when I hit a plateau, the gym started a Paleo challenge. In that 30 days alone, I dropped 1 1/2 dress sizes and lost even more weight. As of this writing, I’m down 60+ lbs., and 4 dress sizes. I’ve been able to stay this size for nearly a year.
Jessica now! Amazing work Jessica. We are proud of your accomplishments!
I’m most proud of the fact that I am able to do more in my everyday life because of the strength I’ve gained since joining this gym. After many, many attempts over the years, I managed to really ski for the first time because of the leg strength I built doing squats. I don’t hurt myself moving heavy objects because I’ve learned how to properly lift heavy stuff, and, because I’m more aware of what I can comfortably lift, I know when to ask for help. When I encounter a long staircase, I don’t seek out the elevator – I attack the stairs because I can. And the list goes on.
As a result of joining this gym, I would say my definition of “reasonable shape” has changed significantly. In my 39 years, I’ve never fit any magazine’s definition of fitness, and I know now I never will. But I’m healthier and stronger now than I’ve ever been – even stronger than when I was an active duty soldier. What’s more, I can’t imagine a time in the future when I will settle for anything less than exceeding (or at least maintaining) what I’ve been able to achieve here.
Nor will I settle for only standing behind the camera anymore. Photos, like my after pic, won’t be hard to find. I will continue to document my family’s story in scrapbooks, but now I’ll be as much a part of them as anyone. Thank you, Beau and Angie, for bringing true fitness to Westminster, and a special thank you to my gym family for your continued encouragement and support!
Angie at the USPL Maryland State Championships one year after having her third child. Angie had the biggest squat in her weight class that day. One strong mom!
As anyone, regardless of fitness level or previous experience, can benefit from getting stronger, I dove into the beginner linear progression program at CFR 3 weeks after our youngest was born. Our son is not quite 9 months old and I am about to achieve my first major strength goal and have a few more amazingly close in my sights. Funnily enough, as a 35 year old stay at home mom of three, I am as strong as I have ever been and in the best shape of my entire life. And I NEVER run, EVER. I squat, press, bench, deadlift, power clean and do pull ups three times a week. Some weeks, life is so crazy with our boys I only make it once or twice. And don’t worry, I didn’t know what these terms meant 9 months ago either, much less how to proficiently execute them!
Luckily for me and everyone at CFR, our very knowledgeable coaches are right there every step of the journey to teach, motivate, encourage and correct any mistakes. I seriously LOVE our gym. It makes me better and stronger (mentally and physically) every time I step foot into it. It is my happy place not only because of what I accomplish there, but also because I get to share others’ success and triumphs. And aside from the aesthetic benefits, after 6 pretty lonely years in Westminster, thanks to our incredible members we finally feel part of this community. It has been such a positive, empowering, life-changing experience and the best aspect has been sharing it with our CFR family! – Angie Bryant