I’m not sure what made me click on the ad that popped into my Facebook news-feed back in May of last year. I don’t even know which of my Facebook friends had liked The Athlete Lab. But there I was, sitting on my back patio in the spring sun, scrolling mindlessly through Facebook.
The fabric of our community rests with each individual member. If not in person, we invite you to shake hands with them virtually. Meet Nikki:
I saw the “New You” Challenge and thought, what the heck?
I’ve never had a gym membership before. I have always chosen to workout at home. Maybe this was different?
Was it Providence? I don’t know, but somebody knew I needed a new community.
So I made an appointment. I came tentatively to my appointment and I met with Kate. I cannot explain it, but I felt immediately comfortable with her and with the six week class that was being offered. I needed a challenge. I needed to prove to myself that I was strong, because I felt so weak. The Athlete Lab just felt right.
I completed the challenge and saw overall huge improvements and increases in my strength, endurance, lean body mass and body fat reduction.
I realized that the things I thought were impossible were not impossible. Every time I saw a workout on the wall that looked completely impossible, I found myself completing it, sometimes in the first or second place. That was surprising! I even earned the nickname “Amazon” from my fellow HIIT fit mates.
After my six week challenge was over I joined TAL but continued in the HIIT fit program. I found myself often watching the 08:30am CF group wondering if I could do what they were doing. In December I decided to transition into CrossFit. That was the best decision I ever made. I cannot thank my coaches; Megan, Marcus, Andee, and Joe, and Tim, for all of the instruction, encouragement, and support. But I cannot forget my fellow athletes! The amount of support and encouragement from them was overflowing! I could not do it without you. The theme song from “Cheers” comes to mind….that is The Athlete Lab.
A little background. I’m a PK which means pastors kid. I was raised in the evangelical church and was taught that nothing is impossible with God and that church was the only inclusive place. At the same time, I have heard time and again, that the community of CrossFit can feel just like a church, too. One of inclusiveness, embrace and support. While I was curious, I was also equally suspicious. Yet, I have to admit the community at The Athlete Lab has been exactly that; a family, inclusive, accepting and supportive. I am free to be who I am, without judgment. I have been so blessed with this community.
Editorial notice: “The Church of CrossFit” stems from an article in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.
The NYT article is incorrect in referring to CrossFit as a “franchise model”. CrossFit is a non-traditional affiliation system, allowing each affiliate to conduct business as they see fit, in coordination with the governing rules as per the CrossFit, Inc. licensing agreement.