CF promotes a STRONG body image for women. Which is one of the many reason's I love it. I walk into the BOX I workout at and look around at the ladies killing it. We all are different shapes and sizes. But, one thing remains the same.....we are there to become strong....not skinny. You here the phrases being yelled at us...BEAST MODE! It makes me giggle inside.
Like many women, I have struggled with weight and food issues. Always falling for some diet pill or reduced fat food. Thinking I was doing the right thing. The FDA would never lie to us...right? Insert sarcasm now. Well, along with weight fluctuation; I had so many stomach, digestion, and allergy issues. I went gluten free almost 2 years ago and then about a year ago I started to eat clean. Both of those lifestyle changes seemed to cure a lot of the allergy and stomach issues. I also began to maintain my weight and learn how to nurture my body with clean eating.
I wanted to share some before and current pictures with you. I say current, because I still have many goals with CF and my body.
May 2012 CLEAN #45
September 2012 CLEAN #75lbs
Current CLEAN (January 2013 is #115) Not pictured.
My next set of pictures are of my pull-up progressions. In May of 2012, I was standing on top of a 26 inch box jumping up over the bar. I had to do this, because I could not even do a pull up with a GREEN band. In July of 2012, I started using a GREEN band for my pull ups....I made a goal for myself and in October of 2012, I started doing pull-ups NO BAND!
Working on my goal...down to purple band September 2012
Crossfit Classic competition. My first time competing in ADVANCED. December 2012
I love doing Pull-Ups. I feel so empowered doing a pull up. My next goals for my pull-up is string 10 together and learn how to butterfly.
My Deadlift was 95# in August 2012, 135# September 2012, #195 October 2012, 210# January 2013.
RX'd October 2012 workout called Diane. 155# deadlifts... Myself and my home girls.
My second CF Competition. 1st time competing in Advanced December 2012
My first CF Competition Sept 2012
kettlebell swing...#35lbs November 2012
Box jumps....
Now for the fun stuff....old school time..........
My heaviest Circa 2003...Eating bad and drinking like a college student.
baby weight.....Spring 2010
Fall 2012
May 2008.....I was probably a size 12...My husband has dropped over 50lbs (later)
Summer 2012 Size 8 and strong...Hottie Husband went from 36 inch waist to 32 inch waist.
Ran the Turkey Trot November 2012 5 miles.
It is a lot of hard work and dedication, but I am the happiest I have been in years. Clean eating and fitness speak for itself. It was never handed to me. I work hard every day I am in the gym. I give it my all and I keep challenging myself. I make sure I eat clean and give my body the proper fuel. I now look in the mirror and I don't criticize myself, I think damn...I am STRONG!
Every time I hit the big running trail in Austin, I always see an influx of Lululemon wearing-2 cool for school -globo crossfit gym-livestrong, elitism. I just don't get it (insert eye roll). Please don't get me wrong, not everyone who wears lululemon is a douche bag. (If I could afford to buy that brand, I probably own a few items)...... I am discovering there are many people who feel the same way. Who LOVE Crossfit and LOVE to run (cycle, tri's, ect), but we keep it real! That elitism fitness mentality reminds me of my other pet peves, HIPSTERS.
This Eastbound And Down quote always make me giggle.
With all that said, "Elite" fitness has changed my life. In fact, saved my life. Crossfit, especially is helping me become the person I always new was inside me. I am addicted! I made sure I joined a cult, oops, I mean a Crossfit Box that had the vibe I was looking for. Fitness should be about lifting people up, no matter what level you may be at. Especially us women, we really need to be supportive and encouraging to one another. The other night, I was so impressed with the sisterhood shown at the BOX I go to. It was so refreshing to see these bad ass girls (at very different Crossfit levels) inspiring one another and yelling words of encouragement.
I think that my issue's with any of these elite fitness sports, it just the negative vibes put off. Some of the most successful business in town seem to have that mentality. I am so f-ing amazing, I do Crossfit...I am here to pick up dudes....or I cycle...livestrong....puke. I understand, it is so gratifying to accomplish these difficult WODs, Triathlon's, or whatever it may be. But, can we please adjust the attitude.
But, I realized at a recent (local CF competition), that a positive and uplifting attitude is contagious. Our little group of unassuming misfits strolled in and embraced the intimidation. It was 30 degrees outside and we couldn't feel our hands. But, we gave it our all in the competition. We cheered for not only one another, but for other competitors from other Boxes. At the end of the night, people came up to us, complementing us on our fun loving attitudes.
Just a few members from my amazing CF Box Voodoo CF512
The stronger I get, physically and mentally, I never forget where I came from. Never for a second do I think that I am cooler or to good to help another fellow CrossFitter out or a friend that wants to get in shape. I love it so much, I making 2013 my year to change my career to Fitness. I want to help others with discovering how mental toughness and a positive attitude can open so many doors in your life.
.jpg)
