Athlete of the Month – Monica!

First of all, I was shocked when Cory asked me to be the athlete of the month! As a matter of fact, until about six months ago, I would have never used my name and the word “athlete” in the same sentence. In May, I treated myself to a Crossfit membership for my birthday. At that time, I had been a member of Club Fitness for about a year and probably attended about 2-3 classes a week. I liked Power and Spin class, but I felt as if I needed someone pushing me. I did not really feel as if I took fitness seriously and I was expecting results without doing significant work. I can honestly say that after I changed to Crossfit, my approach to fitness and health changed. It was no longer a side thought or just a casual thing. It became a lifestyle. When my approach changed, my life changed drastically. Before Crossfit, I had slowly lost about 20 pounds; however, after Crossfit, I lost about 25 more and gained muscle. The trainers taught me how to work out and change my diet to achieve results. As a result, I don’t think I have ever felt this fit in my life.
The life changes I contribute to Crossfit and Club Fitness extend much further than the physical. Over the past year and half, my involvement with the gym has been a source of entertainment, escape, pain, encouragement, mental therapy, self-esteem, and education. In practical terms, the return on the investment in my membership, efforts, dedication, and energy have far exceeded my expectations. However, without the support of the wonderful trainers and my fellow Crossfitters, I would have never reached my potential. I still have a long way to go, but I look forward to every class.

Before

After

Katrina Steward

I quit smoking in February, 2007 and I put on the dreaded pounds everyone talks about. But when my size 14′s were getting tight, I knew it was time to do something.  One day in November, 2008, a co-worker had just joined Club Fitness so I went in that same afternoon and joined, also. I started going to Step Classes and of course I was totally lost but I stuck with it because I was determined to lose the weight. I started working out 6 to 7 days a week. Exercise became my new addiction!

My Step instructor invited me on a hiking trip in May, 2009 and I became hooked. She has also gotten me into whitewater rafting. I started drinking my water quota every day and watched my calorie intake. By June, 2009, I had lost 40 pounds and was now able to fit comfortably into a size 6. I have met some amazing people since joining the gym and feel very blessed. The staff at Club Fitness have all been so encouraging and have always been there to help if needed. From day one of  going to the gym, I never felt that people were judging me…or felt like it was a “meat market”.

Working out is actually something I look forward to everyday! Through all the sore muscles…and aches and pains, it was so uplifting when people would notice the difference in my appearance and compliment me. Because of the weight loss, encouragement, and the friendships I have made at Club Fitness…I am a changed, more confident person!

My thanks to all at Club Fitness,

Katrina Steward

UPDATE! from Katrina Steward

In April 2010 I decided I wanted to begin running and participate in the Peachtree Road Race In Atlanta. My personal goal was to run as much as possible knowing I would probably have to walk some. After training and trying to build up my endurance I ran in the race and I was able to run the entire race and completed it in just 72 minutes. Now I am ready to compete in other races and may one day even try to do a marathon.