
Age: 77
What is your superpower?
Empathy. It is important to be able to put yourself in others positions so that it is not so easy to be judgemental.
What exercise/nutrition plans did you try before joining CrossFit Blackbear?
Jenny Craig and I joined several gyms. I also rode my rowing machine regularly until I moved and the habit was broken.
How would you describe your health and fitness level on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being poor and 10 being excellent) and why, before joining CrossFit Blackbear?
Before joining, I would say I was at a 3. I was depressed, obese, and perhaps on my way to congestive heart failure.
What made you choose CrossFit Blackbear over other options?
I saw a CrossFit Blackbear ad on Facebook. The woman in the ad looked much like I felt. I decided to join her. I knew nothing about this gym at first.
What do you feel makes CrossFit Blackbear unique as opposed to other gym facilities?
CFBB does not put emphasis on use of exercise machines. Instead, they use materials easily available and teach you how to use them to continue working out for the long term.
What is the biggest improvement you have noticed in yourself since joining CFBB?
My mood and energy level has improved! I am beginning to feel as I did 20 years ago! I am starting to believe age is just a number, though mine is high…
What do you think it is about CFBB that keeps you coming back?
I know that I am not self motivated. The coaches here have taken time to know me and have worked with me slowly, but consistently to bring me to a better place both physically and mentally.
The staff here is not judgemental. You feel terrible, but they make you and your health feel important. I think that’s key to making people come back.
Because I am not self motivated and I feel I am making small steps of progress here, I will keep coming back. My life depends on it!!
What would you say to someone who thinks they are not “fit” enough to start their journey with CFBB?
I began this journey at 77 years old, never having consistently exercised in my entire life. I started way too late, but I started, and perhaps, have now added years to my life!
I will be 78 in August and I feel better than I have in 20 years!