Success Story - Sarah Zwierlein!

Thanks to Sarah for writing a success story! She is a dual member at both Flower City CrossFit and CrossFit Webster. Check out this mother-of-two's story to get inspired for the upcoming clean eating challenge! Great job Sarah!
In her own words...
I started CrossFit in October of 2012. I heard about it from my co-worker Natalie. Natalie and I worked together at RGH and I heard her talking about “CrossFit” to another colleague. It sounded like the structure I missed while being in the Army. I did seven years active duty so I was used to having someone motivate me while also not allowing me to quit. I needed that structure back in my life.
After having my first son, Jonas (now 7 years old), I had the my squad leaders and platoon sergeants to get me back into shape and get me ready for deployment. One year after I had Jonas I was able to max my Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) in Kirkuk, Iraq. Looking back, it seemed fast and effortless. After my second son, Dylan (now 3 years old), was born, it was not so easy. Three months after I had him, I was honorable discharged. If I wanted to lose the weight I had gained from pregnancy, it was all on me. I tried everything from Weight Watchers to P90X. The weight was coming off but I was always hungry and then a month later I would gain it all back. I finally said to myself, if I want this bad enough, I need to do something drastic. As soon as I heard about Flower City CrossFit from Natalie I jumped at the opportunity.
Walking into my first class of bootcamp was terrifying. I had no idea what to expect. Walking out of my first class I felt exhausted but accomplished. After my first week of bootcamp, I was already asking Jeff when I could start CrossFit because I wanted to start as soon as possible. I did the minimum 6 classes of bootcamp, then fundamentals with Jeff, and then jumped right into CrossFit. I was immediately hooked. I have never looked forward to working out in my life. This was probably because I had a superior making me do it for seven years of my life.
Now, every time I walk in the gym I’m excited and intrigued by whatever is planned for me that day. CrossFit is not something I have to do to look good; CrossFit is something I want to do to feel great! If you focus on feeling good about yourself first, I think looking better will soon follow. It’s not just a gym. CrossFit is a community of people who know that their bodies are machines that should be pushed to its fullest potential…and they like it! Jeff, Laura, and the trainers at FCCF and CrossFit Webster helped me focus on my performance and following Paleo. Because of this, the weight came off and the weight is staying off. October 1st will be my 1 year anniversary. When I started I weighed 135 lbs (which is a lot for someone who stands at 5’0) and I was a size 10. Now I’m down to 105 lbs and haven’t been this small since 10th grade (size 0). I didn’t just lose weight. Most importantly, I feel incredible. I’m now in better shape than I was at 19 years old, fresh out of Basic Training. I have more energy now to keep up with two very busy boys and I love it.
I really cannot thank Jeff, Laura, and all the trainers at Flower City CrossFit and CrossFit Webster enough. I also need to thank my husband and family for all of their encouragement and support through this process. Not only am I much healthier but I have my confidence back that I had missed for a very long time.
All you have to do is give 110% every time you walk through those doors and success is right around the corner. It just takes some hard work and dedication. No excuses!
In her own words...
I started CrossFit in October of 2012. I heard about it from my co-worker Natalie. Natalie and I worked together at RGH and I heard her talking about “CrossFit” to another colleague. It sounded like the structure I missed while being in the Army. I did seven years active duty so I was used to having someone motivate me while also not allowing me to quit. I needed that structure back in my life.
After having my first son, Jonas (now 7 years old), I had the my squad leaders and platoon sergeants to get me back into shape and get me ready for deployment. One year after I had Jonas I was able to max my Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) in Kirkuk, Iraq. Looking back, it seemed fast and effortless. After my second son, Dylan (now 3 years old), was born, it was not so easy. Three months after I had him, I was honorable discharged. If I wanted to lose the weight I had gained from pregnancy, it was all on me. I tried everything from Weight Watchers to P90X. The weight was coming off but I was always hungry and then a month later I would gain it all back. I finally said to myself, if I want this bad enough, I need to do something drastic. As soon as I heard about Flower City CrossFit from Natalie I jumped at the opportunity.
Walking into my first class of bootcamp was terrifying. I had no idea what to expect. Walking out of my first class I felt exhausted but accomplished. After my first week of bootcamp, I was already asking Jeff when I could start CrossFit because I wanted to start as soon as possible. I did the minimum 6 classes of bootcamp, then fundamentals with Jeff, and then jumped right into CrossFit. I was immediately hooked. I have never looked forward to working out in my life. This was probably because I had a superior making me do it for seven years of my life.
Now, every time I walk in the gym I’m excited and intrigued by whatever is planned for me that day. CrossFit is not something I have to do to look good; CrossFit is something I want to do to feel great! If you focus on feeling good about yourself first, I think looking better will soon follow. It’s not just a gym. CrossFit is a community of people who know that their bodies are machines that should be pushed to its fullest potential…and they like it! Jeff, Laura, and the trainers at FCCF and CrossFit Webster helped me focus on my performance and following Paleo. Because of this, the weight came off and the weight is staying off. October 1st will be my 1 year anniversary. When I started I weighed 135 lbs (which is a lot for someone who stands at 5’0) and I was a size 10. Now I’m down to 105 lbs and haven’t been this small since 10th grade (size 0). I didn’t just lose weight. Most importantly, I feel incredible. I’m now in better shape than I was at 19 years old, fresh out of Basic Training. I have more energy now to keep up with two very busy boys and I love it.
I really cannot thank Jeff, Laura, and all the trainers at Flower City CrossFit and CrossFit Webster enough. I also need to thank my husband and family for all of their encouragement and support through this process. Not only am I much healthier but I have my confidence back that I had missed for a very long time.
All you have to do is give 110% every time you walk through those doors and success is right around the corner. It just takes some hard work and dedication. No excuses!