Brand X Member Success Michelle Allen

1. How long have you been CrossFit?
I started CrossFit a little over six months ago.

2. How long did it take you to get hooked on it?
I would say I was hooked on CrossFit within the first week or two.

3. How has CrossFit impacted your life outside of Brand X?
It has really made me start thinking about my health and well-being as a whole. I have drastically changed my diet. It took me a month or so to realize that it really didn't matter how often I was going to CrossFit that if I didn't start eating healthier I wasn't going to get the results I wanted. At first I just wanted to lose weight. But now losing weight is just an added benefit. Now I want to run faster, lift more, and have more energy to play with my kids. I'm really proud of what I have accomplished at Brand X.

4. Do you ever get discouraged or burnt out? How do you overcome it?
I haven't reached the burnt out stage yet. But when we are doing a WOD that I'm not sure how I will do I literally just keep repeating to myself "I can do this, I can do this". I always do better if I'm right in the head. I try and not let myself get bogged down by the fact that I am not as fast as others. I hope to one day be able to keep up with the pack. That's what pushes me to keep coming back. I don't want to be last anymore.

5. What future CrossFit goals have you set for yourself?
I have a lot of goals right now. I want to be able to do pullup, pushups, a rope climb. I want a decent 5k time. At this point I just want to be able to do the basics unmodified.

6. What was your first impression of CrossFit?
I was very intimidated and nervous my first visit to BrandX. I thought that I was going to a place that was going to be full of young fit men. I was sure that I would be the only over weight, out of shape, quickly approaching middle age, woman there. But during my first visit I saw that wasn't the case. There were men and women of all ages and fitness levels. I liked the idea that the majority of the workouts are based on basic movements that everyone should be able to do. I have never been able to do a pullup or a regular push up for that matter. I still can't do them but I am closer then ever. I feel stronger and overall fitter then I have ever felt.

7. How has your impression of it changed over time?
Overtime I have learned that CrossFit is for everyone. Not just the super fit. I like that. I like that there are regular women just like me there who are doing the same WODs as the super CrossFitters. We may not be doing it as fast or lifting as heavy but everytime I go I get faster and I can lift more. That's what it's about for me. Sometimes I look at the people around me and am in awe. I walk out thinking "Now that was some crazy stuff we just did". Never in my life did I think I would be looking forward to the day that I could do a pullup or wondering if I would be able to PR my deadlift that day.

Brand X has not only been great for me but my kids too. My nephew (Cole Dick) start CrossFit a few years ago and we have watch his progress. I am continually amazed and proud by what he has accomplished at Brand X. My husband and I were happy when our oldest son Kyler expressed an interest in CrossFit. That's what orginally got us to join Brand X. Now it's a family affair. Kyler and Cole are in the teen class and my two youngest are in the Preschool class and it's great. I have to say one of my favorite parts of the day is when we leave Brand X and compare notes about our WOD's.

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Michelle,
I'm so proud of you. I relate to your story and you continue to inspire. Thanks for sharing your story.

Michelle, you rock! You are strong and beautiful and life can only get better!

Michelle, You are a great person. I am lucky to have you as a workout partner. You are in inspriation to me.

Karen

Great job Michelle! Looking great... Keep working
hard.

Michelle you deserve this recognition. Keep working hard and I will help make that happen.

Great success story and fantastic results in just 6 months. You are definitely working hard and doing things right.

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