I’m 41, recently divorced, with two little girls (Leah, 6, and Hazel, 4). I also have a wonderful pitbull named Molly who has come to visit Titan a few times! I’m currently in the middle of changing careers from teaching to working in the healthcare field. In my time off I love hiking, baking, watching movies, and trying new restaurants.
What led you to try CrossFit?
In the past I've gone to regular gyms but always burned out. I never had any clear direction about what/how I should be doing things and had little to no guidance. It felt overwhelming. I started doing workouts at home using YouTube videos, but grew bored because it was isolating to be working out alone all the time. A friend told me about CrossFit and it felt like everything I was looking for – having different, full body workouts everyday, with trained coaches guiding you on form and technique, and it was also a great way to meet other people.
Why do you continue to CrossFit?
CrossFit was really hard for me at first and very intimidating. I almost didn’t come back after my first few weeks of extreme soreness. I stuck with it though because I wanted to improve my health and the things I had tried in the past hadn’t worked for me, so I kept coming back. Once I got over my fear of other people judging me for not being strong enough and learned how to adjust the workouts to what I was able to do, it became much easier.
Describe how your attitude towards health and fitness has evolved since you began your journey.
When I first started I felt completely useless and inadequate. I had to remind myself that no one starts at the top and everyone has to work their way towards it. Everyone has to start somewhere. I made a point to continue to show up every week even if I didn't feel like it and just do the best I could, with the promise to myself that if I continued, it would get easier. And it did. It also helped that everyone was so kind and supportive!
Share a memorable CrossFit moment that makes you laugh or puts a smile on your face.
In my first or second month there, we were doing a warm-up with the bands you wear around your ankles and walk sideways. I don't know if I had one that was worn out or what, but I took two steps and it snapped. I felt embarrassed but then I just said, "did everyone see that? I can't believe how strong I am. I think I'm good, I don't even need to do CrossFit anymore." Then I laughed and everyone else did too and I stopped feeling self-conscious.
What are you proud of and why?
Being able to do box jumps! I can only do them on the 12 inch box, but that’s progress for me! When I first started I was so terrified of them. I think I fell over every time I tried to do it. It's still not easy, but I got over most of my fear and I'm so proud of myself for it.
What's your advice for other CrossFitters or people looking to start?
Don't be intimidated and don't give up! It WILL be hard at first but you will get through it, and after those first few months your body will adjust and you will get stronger, even if it doesn't seem like it. Also don’t worry that other people are looking at you or judging you, everyone is just focusing on themselves and their own progress, and really everyone is just glad that you are there and wants to see you get better.
Why the coaches chose Michelle as Titan of the month:
Michelle has made a huge transformation since joining Titan back in March of this year. All her coaches feel her biggest change has been her confidence. She has gained a sense of what she is capable of and how the bar keeps getting higher. Michelle has concrete proof of her fitness improvement that showed in her massive personal record for back squat at 175 pounds. This is huge, especially for someone who has less than a year of experience touching a barbell. She has been successful because of her consistency as well as her willingness to apply recommendations on scaling and form. She actively seeks out advice when she is unsure.
Michelle has embraced the supportive community at Titan by cheering people on, accepting encouragement and participating in community events. While soft spoken at times she exudes kindness and consideration. She’s always smiling. We are so happy for Michelle’s progress. She has found a new fit side of herself at Titan that will follow her wherever she goes. She's a wonderful example of how physical exercise affects a persons’ body, mind and overall well-being.
