Why CrossFit?

A 42-Year-Old Gym Owner’s Love Letter to the Sport

I was asked recently how and why I started CrossFit, the short answer is I was a military wife and momma of four small kiddos, had just moved from Virginia all the way to Seoul, South Korea and I DESPERATELY needed friends. In April 2015, when I attended the Fundamentals Class at Fight Tonight CrossFit, the military affiliate that was located on Yongasn Army Installation nearly a decade ago, I had no idea what was in store for me. Fast forward to today, at 42 years old, I’m not only stronger and fitter than I was in my 30s and even my 20s, beyond that I am also more confident, self-assured, and comfortable in my own skin than ever before. CrossFit didn’t just transform my body—it transformed my mindset, my relationships, and the example I set for my kids, specifically my three daughters.

Beauty and Strength Redefined

As an adolescent and teen, I had a very narrow definition of beauty. It was all about being thin and fitting into a specific mold. I didn’t fit the mold… I was taller than most of my friends and any boy I may have had a crush on, I wore braces and glasses and had very little natural athletic ability. To be honest, I was awkward at best. Young adulthood was a bit better, at least I wasn’t taller than the boys anymore, but there was still so much awkwardness and lack of confidence. Throw in getting married and having four kiddos really close together, as my confidence shrank the discomfort in my own skin grew but so did the desire to find something I could be passionate about (outside of being a mom). And along came CrossFit, at the perfect time. I was instantly hooked! Not only did it  shatter the mindset of fitting into a particular mold but it ignited a passion in me, it has given me lifelong friends and has redefined what I thought (and continue to think) about my body and beauty… beauty is so much more than our external looks, it’s also about what your body can do or our external appearance. Watching women deadlift twice their body weight or knock out pull-ups with ease has completely redefined my idea of strength. FYI I am still awkward, I just own it now!

Now, when I look in the mirror, I see the muscles in my arms, the calluses on my hands, and the confidence in my posture, and I know I’ve earned it. I’m proud to be a strong woman, and I know my daughters are watching. They’re growing up seeing beauty as resilience, perseverance, and the ability to tackle life’s challenges head-on.

The People Make the Difference

One of the most incredible and best things about CrossFit is the people (athletes). What makes CrossFit the ‘the best hour’ of my day are the athletes that I get to coach and workout with.. The people who walk through the doors of my gym every day are more than just members—they’ve become friends and, in many cases, extended family.

We cheer for the loudest for the last athlete to finish the workout, celebrate personal records (PRs), and support each other through life’s ups and downs. There’s something magical about suffering together during a grueling workout that bonds you in a way few other experiences can.

I’ve watched friendships blossom, couples meet (my relationship included, more on that in another post), and people rally around each other in times of need—all within the walls of our gym. We have a blast outside the gym, too. Whether it’s a Halloween or Christmas party, a casual dinner, celebrating a birthday, or a pool party- we have a blast! It is pretty cool to have  friends- in all different seasons of life- who share the mindset that prioritizing overall health and fitness are important.

Age is No Excuse

There’s no feeling quite like finally mastering a skill you’ve been working on for months (and in some cases years)—whether it’s a double-under, a pull-up, or a handstand push-up. Those little victories remind you that you’re capable of so much more than you think.

At 42, I’ve accomplished things I never dreamed of doing in my 20s. I’ve hit PRs that made me feel invincible, and I’ve tackled workouts that seemed impossible at first glance. Those moments of triumph—big or small—are some of the reasons I keep coming back for more.

Setting the Example

As a mom of three daughters (and one son), one of my greatest joys is showing them what it looks like to be strong, confident, and unapologetically yourself. They’ve grown up watching me lift weights, push my limits, and prioritize my health.

It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s about teaching them to believe in themselves and to embrace challenges. I want them to know they can do hard things, whether it’s in the gym or in life.

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