The following post is written by Teri-Lynn aka “TL”. She has been a member of the Shinobi clan for 10 months. One of her strengths is her determination to improve and wanting learn more advanced movements. She recently competed in her first fitness competition in June, The Southeast Showdown, hosted by CrossFit Steinbach. Her positive upbeat and cheerful attitude motivates the members around her. Sometimes you can catch her bust out a dance move between sets.
Written by TL
I’m not sure if it was my competitive spirit or my student budget (I really couldn’t afford to buy new pants) but I forced myself to exercise. Turns out it wasn’t so bad. I got home and joined a relay team for the MB marathon, and there I saw the half marathoners.
I thought to myself.“I could never do that,” Two years later I ran my first full marathon. So fine, I admit it, I am competitive but mostly with myself, it’s not like I am winning these events.
I’d heard of CrossFit when one of my running pals crossed over to the dark side. I’d heard of all the terrible things people say about CrossFitters and I had ZERO desire to join such an intense sport. I’m a fitness enthusiast, but I like donuts and ice cream. But I really like my friend, and I had grown kind of tired of running. I had plateaued, my times weren’t getting any better so I lost motivation. Her persistence eventually wore me down so I decided to check out the free trial class the gym near my workplace offered.
I was SO nervous.
First off, I run alone, I was not a group class kind of person. Secondly, I only own a set of 8 and 10 lb dumbbells so anything over that was intimidating. Then there is the skill required: Running (to me) is one foot in front of the other, at whatever pace I wanted. Simple. Weights, well they are heavy and you can hurt yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing. Plus I didn’t know what to wear. I didn’t know the lingo. I had a bunch of excuses but for whatever reason, I still walked through that door.
First Class
My first class, I saw what the guys were doing (some Shirtless, this is CrossFit) and once again, I thought, “I can’t do this.” This time though, there was something different because all of a sudden there was a coach next to me saying, “Yes you can.”
WHAT! Did he just read my mind? Umm no, turns out I speak most of my thoughts out loud and “I can’t do this” or some variation, was my common refrain for probably the first 7 months. The great thing is that all of the workouts are structured to your current abilities, to help you get stronger and increase YOUR fitness.
Trust the process
With my coaches whispering, “Yes, you can” I shaved a full minute off of my best mile in the last 6 months and PR’ing my 5k. With that voice chirping in my ear, By showing up a few times a week, and trusting the process (ie. giving it a try even though I’m skeptical) I have been able to accomplish things I would never have attempted on my own.
My highlight reel includes:
– Before starting I used to suffer from back pain, but not anymore.
– I went from not knowing what a deadlift is, to deadlifting 195 lbs.
– Being intimidated to do a box jump, to Jumping 30″
– I learned Olympic lifting (from the ground, I can pick up 125lbs and put it over my head)
– Doing my first fun CrossFit competition
– I look and feel stronger, and I am more confident
It’s not always fun to be pushed and sometimes, I wish my coaches would just leave me alone when I feel like I can’t take another step, or do one more lift. But it’s oddly satisfying to be held accountable and pushed to do your best, so I guess you could say I’m hooked! And yes, I still enjoy ice cream, only now I have more friends to enjoy it with.
If you are ready for a change and ready to challenge yourself. I highly recommend you walk through those doors.
-TL
Matt has been training with us for just over a year now. We’ve seen HUGE progress in Matt’s fitness and goals, we’re very proud to be a part of Matt’s transformation and looking forward to supporting his goals going forward!
I remember Matt’s initial assessment and first month of training, my favorite thing about him was ans is his attitude. He always has a positive attitude. Regardless of the task he sucks it up and just does it! he’s always ready for “go time”, and does it with a smile.
Here is some Q&A with Mr. “Go time” himself..
Age: 34
Height: 5′ 6″
Athletic Background: I started long distance running three years ago. I completed my 7th full marathon this past summer. Before that I was a sloth.
Favorite movement: Box jumps. Who doesn’t love jumping? I think I may also have been brainwashed into saying I love squatting (we do a lot of squats).
* When I first met Matt he HATED boxjumps
Least Favorite Movement: Anything that involves coordinating the movement of my upper and lower body. For some reason they are not in sync. Also, skipping.
How did you first get exposed to Shinobi’s unique training style: I met Rich through my fiancee Marydelle and I’ve been training with him and now Harvey for just over a year.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?
I see a lot of improvement, from strength to increased energy levels. The biggest accomplishment has been cutting 12 minutes from my last full marathon time. Getting closer and closer to qualifying for Boston!
What advice would you give to those who are new to CrossFit and Shinobi’s style of training? Listen and ask questions. Rich and Harvey are wonderful teachers and are very attentive to the needs of their individual students. They’ll take the time you need to help you master the techniques so that your workouts are both rewarding and safe. Also, just do it. You’ll thank yourself later.
Guilty pleasure: Fried chicken and waffles with a beer to wash it down.
Tell me something, not many people know about you: I’ve lived in Flin Flon and Tokyo. Both were pretty cool.
What are your goals for the next 3 months? Get faster. Build core strength.
Congrats on all your progress Matt! Who ever though you’d become a Ninja?! (I always Knew)