Transformation Tuesday: Rene

Guest Post from Rene:

I started CrossFit Macomb at my max body weight of 265# (not a PR I was proud of). I knew I had to do something because I was miserable, unhealthy, and disappointed in myself. I found CrossFit online while searching for gyms between my work and home. I had never heard of CrossFit or a box or WODs or RX or PR or Fran or Murph. I walked in knowing no one. Mitch’s face was my first welcome. He ran me through the warm up and began class. My initial thoughts went something like this: “I’m too old for this. I’m too fat for this. I’m too weak for this.” On my third visit I almost didn’t walk in. I watched gladiator after gladiator walk into the box, and I felt completely out of my league. Some voice from within shouted at me until I got out of my car and faced the white board. I’ve never thought about quitting since then. Over the next few visits I admired the sheer power and strength of the CrossFit gang- never thinking I would ever be able to complete a WOD prescribed. I eventually got there. I eventually got on the leader board. I eventually learned that although comparing myself to other people inspired me to push harder, I was the only comparison that mattered.

 My body type has never fit into anyone’s standards of thin. I’ve struggled with body image issues for as long as I can remember. It has been my life’s Achilles heel. I’ve lost myself a few times in the effects of it. Having children perpetuated the self-loathing of my body. I completely let go of taking care of myself. And I had easy excuses, excuses people couldn’t argue with, “I work fulltime, I have two little kids, my husband works afternoons, and it’s hard…” I stopped eating right, engaged in no kind of physical activity, and so I grew overweight and unhealthy. I felt every pound of the 265# on my body. I couldn’t walk a flight of stairs without losing my breath. I couldn’t give my girls piggy back rides without losing my breath. Finally, I was ready to face my demons. CrossFit hasn’t just helped me lose weight, it has guided me into loving my body. I can honestly say that I have never loved my body before. I do now, because I’m strong. My body can do things at almost 40 that it couldn’t have done 10 years ago. I’ll never, ever be what society thinks is thin-but I’m healthy and strong and a great role model for my daughters! The entire community at CrossFit Macomb has helped transform my physical body while healing my emotional perception of my body. Before and after pictures have always inspired me. This is my before and during picture-I can feel the suffocating misery on the left and the love that resonates from me on the right!        

If you have a transformation story please send it to crossfitmacomb@gmail.com. We want to celebrate your transformation with you and feature you on "Transformation Tuesday." :-)