Each month, we will profile a Grand Trunk CrossFit member who has seen incredible results since joining our “box”.
It is our hope, that by showing you what can be accomplished through regular workouts and a commitment to fitness, you will be encouraged to take the leap and come in for a workout.
This month’s spotlight is on Toni, a Grand Trunk member since 2015.
When did you join Grand Trunk, and why?
Toni: I have always wanted to try CrossFit but I didn’t think it was something I could do, being overweight and completely out of shape. In August of 2015 I met some ladies at a neighborhood party and they were talking about how great CrossFit is. They explained how it’s for everyone and can be scaled. One of the ladies said she was going to the 5:30 a.m. class the following Monday and I told her I would be there too. I almost didn’t get out of bed that morning and I was terrified walking in the door, but I’m so glad I did.
What do you enjoy most about GTCF and CrossFit?
I love the way I feel after a workout. After fighting through the WOD, I feel like I can get through anything! I even like being sore every day.
What is your favorite movement?
What is a CrossFit goal you have achieved that you are most proud of?
I’d like to say that I mastered a movement or lift, but that’s not it. I made a promise to myself in the beginning that I would go at least three times a week. Because of my work schedule, sometimes there may be five days in between. But for the past two years there have been very few times that I didn’t keep my promise and show up at least three times a week.
What is a current goal you are working on and hope to accomplish?
I have so many things that I’m struggling with, but I really want to do better with squatting! I just can’t get low enough – yet! I’d like to run faster, too! Another short term goal is to lose weight to get down to what I weighed on my wedding day and then keep losing from there!
What advice would you give a new member or someone who is thinking about trying CrossFit?
Do not be intimidated! CrossFit is for everyone! The hardest part is walking in the door. It’s challenging, but fun. You will not find a more motivating, helpful, encouraging and empowering group of people to work out with. It is the longest I have every stuck with something and I can honestly say CrossFit is one of the best things I have ever done!
How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of the gym?
I can carry the groceries in from the car in one trip now! I have a lot more energy than ever before and this is the strongest I have ever been. I’m actually getting muscles!
What is a fun fact that people might not know about you?
About ten years ago, I lost 151 pounds in just over a year. When I lost the weight, I thought it would stay off forever, but old habits came back quick and the little bit of working out I did slowed down. I started to pack on the pounds again. In the two years that I have been doing CrossFit, I am down 35 pounds and counting. It is very slow compared to what I lost in that one year, but I am doing it right this time and I am grateful to have such awesome coaches to guide me on this journey.
If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?
It would definitely be an AMRAP! I’d leave all the specifics to the pros, but it would include power cleans, kettlebell swings, sit-ups, slam balls, and a sled pull or KB farmer carry grass run.
Fill in the blank: I CrossFIt (because/so I can): I CrossFit because I can! I’ve always been my own worst enemy and held myself back with an “I can’t do it” attitude. Over the past decade, I proved to myself that I actually can do and be what I want; I just have to work for it. One of my favorite sayings is “She believed she could, so she did.” For me, it’s all about believing in myself. CrossFit helps me do that!
I won’t ever be the fastest or the strongest. I don’t care where I place on the whiteboard. As long as I’m on it, it’s a win for me! I wasted too much of my life on the couch, feeling miserable and being unhealthy. CrossFit makes me stronger, healthier, more confident, and happier!
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