Success Story - Shari Michaels (August 2011)
Shari started with our Fundamentals class in February 2011 and her first WOD was March 14, 2011. She had previously been going to some well known gyms and doing some different video workouts at home. She was nervous to start CrossFit, but also excited to start something new. She had begun to lose weight but hit a plateau. Her goals: lose weight, build strength, increase endurance and keep the arthritis pain in her knees at bay. We wanted the reader to see Shari’s perspective, so below are answers to some questions we asked.
What are some of the benefits she has seen that are a direct result of doing CrossFit.
In the slightly over three months since I started doing CrossFit two days a week, I have lost 47 pounds, I am stronger, I have been able to increase my squat depth (my knees really don’t like that) and mentally I have never felt better. This has become a life style for me. The coaching staff at FCCF always ensures proper form and technique on all the lifts and moves.
What do you like best about Flower City CrossFit?
There are so many “best” things it is hard to narrow it down. Everyone at Flower City Crossfit is there for the same thing and there is no judgment on you for what you can or cannot do. At any time during a workout someone will be saying come on (insert a name) you can do it! It is very important for me to protect my knees from any further damage and all the trainers help me scale workouts as needed so that I can still get one heck of a workout in.
What keeps you going?
Seeing results is definitely a motivator. No matter how stressful a day has been, Crossfit helps get rid of all that mental anguish. Where else can you go and put yourself through one tough workout and leave with a smile on your face even though you are drenched in sweat. The family atmosphere at FCCF is something I have never seen at any other gym and being able to share the bond that comes with being a member is something that I want to be able to continue.
What has been your greatest moment at Crossfit?
There are too many to list. I am quite proud of being able to be part of the Row for Red Cross this year. I had never rowed before and being able to do it was absolutely amazing. I finished in 27 min and 59 seconds with a lot of people who I didn’t even know cheering me on since I was still rowing after many people had finished. It wasn’t about the best time for me; it was about being able to do a 5k in the unfit condition that I was in. And this week, I tried a 5K row again and I beat my time significantly!
What are some of the benefits she has seen that are a direct result of doing CrossFit.
In the slightly over three months since I started doing CrossFit two days a week, I have lost 47 pounds, I am stronger, I have been able to increase my squat depth (my knees really don’t like that) and mentally I have never felt better. This has become a life style for me. The coaching staff at FCCF always ensures proper form and technique on all the lifts and moves.
What do you like best about Flower City CrossFit?
There are so many “best” things it is hard to narrow it down. Everyone at Flower City Crossfit is there for the same thing and there is no judgment on you for what you can or cannot do. At any time during a workout someone will be saying come on (insert a name) you can do it! It is very important for me to protect my knees from any further damage and all the trainers help me scale workouts as needed so that I can still get one heck of a workout in.
What keeps you going?
Seeing results is definitely a motivator. No matter how stressful a day has been, Crossfit helps get rid of all that mental anguish. Where else can you go and put yourself through one tough workout and leave with a smile on your face even though you are drenched in sweat. The family atmosphere at FCCF is something I have never seen at any other gym and being able to share the bond that comes with being a member is something that I want to be able to continue.
What has been your greatest moment at Crossfit?
There are too many to list. I am quite proud of being able to be part of the Row for Red Cross this year. I had never rowed before and being able to do it was absolutely amazing. I finished in 27 min and 59 seconds with a lot of people who I didn’t even know cheering me on since I was still rowing after many people had finished. It wasn’t about the best time for me; it was about being able to do a 5k in the unfit condition that I was in. And this week, I tried a 5K row again and I beat my time significantly!