Testimonial Q&A - Meredith - CrossFit 121
CrossFit 121 is a community gym run by locals for the locals
CrossFit 121, 121, cross, fit, gym, Cheltenham, Melbourne, Victoria, Chris Hogan, Maria Hogan, training, personal training, myotherapy, cupping, dry needling, remedial massage, remedial, sport injury, treatment
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Testimonial Q&A – Meredith

Testimonial Q&A – Meredith

 

  1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your background. What were you doing before joining CrossFit 121?

I have a background in brand marketing and spent many years working for large corporates.  I have three busy, active kids and three years ago left corporate life to focus on my family. I am currently in the midst of a career change and studying nutrition which I’m loving.

I enjoy keeping fit and have always prioritised my health. I have passionately undertaken nearly every form of fitness over the years: aerobics, Thai boxing, boxing, long distance running, bikram yoga and spin.  Prior to starting CrossFit I was a member of a globo gym and undertaking weekly PT.

 

 

  1. How did you hear about CrossFit 121?

My then PT was a member of CrossFit 121.  She would often program CrossFit workouts for me. I swore a lot at her during those sessions, but I really liked them. She eventually encouraged me to join a CrossFit gym, even though she knew she would lose me as a client.  Her caveat was that I had to join CrossFit 121!

 

 

  1. So far, what are your results? How are you feeling? What changes have you noticed since joining?

I have now been crossfitting for four years.  The most notable improvement I have witnessed has been to my strength.  My body has changed considerably too – I am now far more muscular which I love.  Another change has been my attitude towards my body; I focus less on how I LOOK and what I weigh, to now paying more attention to what my body can DO and how much I can lift.  CrossFit is the most empowering sport any woman can undertake.

 

 

  1. What do you like about CrossFit 121?

I love the programming. I love the coaches.  But what I love most is the comradery I have with all the members. We laugh, sweat, cheer and encourage each other.  Every success is celebrated. The community Chris and Maria have fostered is remarkable.  I have made so many fabulous friends at 121 and training is now the best part of my day.

 

 

  1. What would you say to someone that is looking at CrossFit and not sure if they should come and try CrossFit 121?

It’s really hard not to love CrossFit, so just give it a go.  Try easier movements to start with and you’ll be surprised how quickly your body adapts.  We are a very friendly bunch at 121 and we’ll welcome you in. There’s a lot a silly banter which makes it fun, and we don’t ever take ourselves too seriously.

 

 

  1. Did you have any concerns / thoughts before starting training with us? And if so, do you have any advice for others about to start?

Oh for sure!  Was I fit enough?  Would I die? Would I vom? And the challenge of trying new movements terrified me – double unders, handstand push ups, pull ups! I used to get really nervous before sessions, but that didn’t last long. To this day I’ve never done a vom, although may possibly have come close once or twice.  I can now do double unders and pull ups, but admittedly my handstand push ups still suck. 

My advice for anyone about to start would be to go at your own pace.  Chris and Maria will coach you through every new movement.  The pride you will take in testing your body will be the best feeling in the world.

 

 

  1. If you were to recommend CrossFit 121 to a friend what would you say?

Celebrate what your body can do and stop looking in the damn mirror at the gym.

 

 

  1. What made you chose us over any other gym facility in the area?

There are at least three CrossFit boxes closer to me, but I happy drive past them all. 121 was so strongly recommended to me I just knew it was going to be the right place for me.  And it sure is.  The quality of the coaches cannot be underestimated.  Chris and Maria have an immense knowledge of their sport, and program workouts to push you, without killing you entirely.

Chris and Maria are also both incredibly strong lifters and have the experience and ability to teach lifts clearly and safely.  Any newbie should be completely reassured that they will help you tailor movements and workouts to your own personal ability and also encourage you to take on more weight and advanced movements when you are ready.

 

 

  1. What surprised you the most about joining CrossFit 121?

Well, shaving callouses from my hands is an activity I had not imagined would be a regular part of my beauty routine! I am also surprised by how much knowledge about muscles, body mechanics, nutrition and healthy lifestyle I have simply absorbed through training at 121.  I can spout off all sorts of fun facts to anyone who will listen, but I really love sharing these things with my family and encouraging my kids to live a healthy life.

 

 

  1. How has life changed after joining CrossFit 121?

CrossFit has played a considerable role in my career upheaval. I knew early on I wouldn’t return to the corporate world, but it took me a while to work out what I really wanted to do.  Eventually, I realised I wanted to share my knowledge and passion for living a healthy life professionally. I’ve started on my new journey and I have CrossFit, and the entire family at 121 to thank for helping me find my new direction.