How Fitness Changed My Life (Part 2)

Luckily I was pretty naive about CrossFit and the reputation it had, so I wasn't as hesitant as most people to try Gold'sFit. Because I only heard that it was a great coach-led HIIT workout and would teach me a bunch of exercises, I was open to try it.

My form wasn't atrocious starting out, but Coach Carlisle still needed to give me some one-on-one attention for movements like the kettlebell swings and pullups. But I had so much fun! I was able to do some gymnastics movements that weren't scary and train harder than I ever had, while meeting people and making friends in the meantime. But because of how intense the workouts were...I had to start eating properly and stop restricting my calories...

Not only this, but I started gaining confidence in the movements and exercises, being able to squat lower, run faster, pick up heavier weight, see muscle definition in the mirror, and it was so empowering. What I love about Gold'sFit is that it isn't based on how you look, or being the strongest, or first to finish. It's about trying your hardest, not being afraid to do new things, and progressing your skills. I'll never forget the first time I strung together 22 kipping pullups in a row, or the first time I picked up a 70lb kettlebell for a front squat. And the pride on my coaches face and the support they gave me when they knew I went up in weight or did more reps than I ever had before was such a great feeling (thanks Nikki Hall :).

I should say becoming vegan did help my relationship with food quite a bit, as cutting dairy and eggs out of my diet and eating less processed food helped keep my calorie intake a deficit every day. However, Gold'sFit is really what helped save me in the battle against my own body.

I've been working for Gold's Gym going on two years now, and I've never been happier with my body but more importantly, what it's capable of doing. Because of my vegan diet and healthy eating, I no longer binge eat, throw up, restrict myself, or feel guilty after eating carbs or desserts. And while I haven't 100% accomplished my fitness goals, I realize its a process and results take time and continued dedication. I'm also not completely over my body image issues- personally I don't think it's ever something that fully goes away- but I've come incredibly far from the place I was at in high school. I never even saw myself adopting a fit lifestyle, and if you would've told me I'd become a Gold'sFit coach at the age of 25 I would've scoffed at you. But you never know where life can take you.

So I encourage everyone reading this, no matter what you struggle with- whether it's body dysmorphia, anorexia, bulimia, low self-esteem, lack of motivation to exercise, depression, discomfort being in the gym, unsureness about exercise, etc., do not hesitate to reach out for help. I'm here to offer advice, guidance, and support. And talk to others! So many times I struggled with these issues and I didn't tell anyone. When I starting talking to people I found out a lot of my friends had struggled with similar things.

Just remember:
1. Anyone can start their health and fitness journey at anytime, no matter where you're starting from.
2. Find what motivates you and make it happen! You can do it! I promise. I had to get a job in a gym but you may not have to take such drastic measures :P.
3. Being healthy is NOT about being perfect. It's about taking the right steps to get where you want to be and ENJOYING the process, while letting yourself be human too.

<3

Hannah