Testimonial Q&A – Maree

I have never not exercised. I’ve always been an active person. It drove my parents mad. I was playing netball and doing athletics at school and I was hitting the tennis ball on the back wall of our house during the summer. I have completed almost 20 fun runs including 3 half marathons. I was an aerobic and fitness class junkie in my late teens and early 20’s. Then I fell into being a fitness class instructor in Sweden between 1992-1995. When we returned to Australia it was running and running and running that I loved. After taking a bit of time off to have kids and just used walking and body weight exercises to keep moving. I fell back into proper exercise at Contours in McKinnon soon after my second child after having my kids close together and just prior to joining 121 I was at GESAC for 3-4 years.  Due to the Contours circuit running all day with a beep to let you know to change stations, my workout commenced whenever I arrived so it was perfect for me with small kids, part time work and waiting for Magnus to get home before I could leave the house. I was really enjoying GESAC until I injured myself and there was no support for me to include modified exercises and certainly not in a pump class of 30+ people!! I also underwent a foot operation to remove a neuroma 3 years ago, so long distance running became more difficult, and 10km is about the max my feet can take now. I have always been able to self motivate to run alone and also to train in a group. I haven’t been able to motivate to lift weights in front of a mirror at a gym by myself.

My results in the first year weren’t really measured althoughI just felt better, stronger, fitter, mentally more well. I had a couple of set backs with injuries and soreness. This year I have made an conscious effort to lift properly rather than heavy. I still struggle to lift massive weights and improve my PB’s but I was wrapt with the changes shown in the last body scan we did in late October.  Since January I have lost 6 kilos and lost 6% body fat. That result was very unexpected.  I wasn’t going to starve myself or do unmaintainable hours of exercise, so it was a slow and steady process.

Heard about CrossFit121 when it popped up in my Facebook feed. I had never heard of Crossfit at all before that.

CrossFit 121 is a very supportive environment. The coaches are aware at all times of people’s strengths and limitations. There is challenge in every workout, and people comment on others people’s achievements. The online community is a great support as well as a social outlet. Its a happy place to be and there is always a friendly face to catch up with.

I would encourage anyone to try Crossfit because it can be adapted and modified to suit every body type, ability and fitness goal. It does require a minimum level of mental strength though. There are people who don’t want to be sore, or sweat or push themselves too hard or fail.

I had concerns due to old injuries because I wasn’t sure if my body would hold up to lifting, especially over my head. Not widely known, except for family,  but I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 2.5 years ago so wasn’t sure about the physical health required to be able to perform Crossfit but to be honest, I’m in denial re the Fibro and now that I’m also in the midst of menopause (!!!!) I just go about my training with positivity, enthusiasm and purpose, except on the days I can’t. Which luckily for me are few and far between, and that works. . My head is so much stronger than my body.

I would tell others just to start. If you love to train, you’ll love Crossfit. It’s certainly not all about lifting heavy weights and getting bigger.

I have recommended it to some of my friends, and I’ve found that some bigger gyms are now offering Crossfit classes as well as the spin and other fitness classes, coz its gaining in popularity.

The 6 week challenge put Crossfit 121 on my radar, but after completing the 6 week challenge, I had fallen in love with Chris, Maria and the vibe of 121. I made strong friendships in the challenge and have made many more friendships since. Its a very supportive place and I don’t think all Crossfit boxes are like this.

I thought I would get sick of driving in traffic to get to the gym, coz all of my previous gyms have been very very close to home, but I don’t mind the drive coz the destination is worth it. And also the friendships and friendliness of everyone at the gym. I’m also surprised that I look forward to a different class each time and the lack of repetitiveness, after 30+ years of aerobics and other classes is soooooooo good!!

I find my mental health is stronger actually, because in the moment of doing something tough in the gym, my head believes I can do the lift, or run, or push (whatever) and those thoughts can translate to help with my everyday dealings with people and situations.