Since turning 40, I started to refocus attention from a very busy career and active family life back to myself. It was time to do something good for me. I knew that getting back to fitness was it. I've always been active but, as for most people, work and family took priority. I also really wanted to transform my body so that I felt comfortable with the way I looked.
Being goal oriented, I had to work towards something so I started with training for a 5K race the year I turned 40. Well, I did it and did it well. My fitness level had increased but there was no change in the appearance of my body. So part of what I wanted to accomplished was met but not the other.
Then at 41, I decided to try Body for Life. I read the book and did the 12 week program. Did well with that as well. Saw results in fitness and in how my body looked (lost inches and weight). But once the 12 weeks were over, it was challenging for me to maintain the routine and more frustrating, I had plateaued. I never say any further results. Again, goals not accomplished.
Now at 42, I knew I had to do something radically different. I started researching bootcamps online and immediately dismissed the "Orange County" style programs where it seemed more about who had the latest yoga gear from Lululemon and which soccer team their son played on. I needed something that was going to take my body to the next level and then the level after that. I came across Crossfit Pickering and knew it was perfect! I watched all the workout videos, read all the journals, visited every link and was petrified! I was nowhere near the level that these men and women were at but it was so incredibly inspiring!
I joined the bootcamp and Marta, Rob and Tom were absolutely sensational right from day one. They have the perfect balance of pushing you and knowing when you had done the most you could do. They really know the body and how it works and how to modify the Work Out for the Day (WOD) so that it meets the needs of each participant. They really care about each person doing their best and ensure you do - each and every time. I left every session feeling so proud of my accomplishments and more importantly that someone else cared and was proud too.
Marta, Rob and Tom all create an environment where each person is responsible for each other. We all work together on the workout. It's about encouraging and helping each other reach their goals for the day or the week or for that particular skill. The workouts are varied so your body has no chance to plateau. There are times when you think there is no way your body could do a particular skill or complete a particular workout but Marta, Rob and Tom are there every step!
For me, I've done things in the bootcamp that I NEVER thought I could do. I told Marta right from the beginning, "There is no way that I will ever be able to do a pull-up or decent push-up. It's not going to happen!" She looked me right in the eyes and said, "Oh yes you will." I'm eating my words now! I'm doing it! In one hour a day, I was working and pushing my body in ways I couldn't accomplish in longer workouts I had done anywhere at anytime.
So how has Crossfit Pickering bootcamp been different than what I've done in the past? Well, in the four weeks, I lost 6 inches and 7.5 pounds. My body looks physically fit. I AM physically fit. I'm getting a lot of compliments and my husband sees and hears the difference in how I talk about my body. There is no end to where I go with Crossfit because there is no ending point. It's always about pushing myself to a faster time or heavier weight or perfecting a skill. No chance of me getting bored or feeling there is an ending point. I'm with people that are not there to compete with me but to encourage me to do better each and every workout. I'm doing something for myself every morning that gives me strength, energy and empowers me to be the best I can be each and every day! The bootcamp really changed how I look at fitness, working out and myself. Thanks Crossfit Pickering!
Charmain Brown
Pickering, Ontario
