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." :-)

Transformation Tuesday: Toni McFarlen

Transformation Tuesday from Toni:
 

Last summer I stood up in a friend’s wedding.  I was forced to look at pictures of myself after the wedding…I took one look at myself in the bridesmaid’s dress and knew I had to make a change. I was going to a "regular" gym, but not seeing any results.  A year ago, I walked into Crossfit Macomb overweight, tired, crabby, disgusted with myself, and discouraged that I would ever be fit again.  It was a decision that changed me forever.  A year later, I have lost 25 pounds and dropped 5 pants sizes. I love the way I look now and can’t wait to have my picture taken! I owe it all to Crossfit Macomb.   

AFTER

BEFORE

The weight loss in only one aspect of what CFM has done for me.  I am empowered by the skills, strength, and ability I have developed here under the caring, informed instruction of the CFM trainers.  I am TOUGH!  And can do things I never thought possible!  I am stronger, physically and mentally, than I have ever been.

The people at CFM are not "the people from my gym," they are my Crossfit Family!  I love going to CFM...I immediately feel good as soon as I walk in the door. I love the friendships I have made. One of the best feelings I’ve experienced lately was at the BBQ I host every summer, as  I looked around my backyard and saw all of my CFM friends laughing together.  I can’t wait for more good times, both in and out of the box!

-Toni McFarlen

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 a "Transformation Tuesday." :-)

CFM Transformations: Share Your Story

There are so many awesome transformations within our CFM community. So many of you have made some amazing improvements since entering CrossFit Macomb, and we want to celebrate and share your testimonials!

We all know that CrossFit changes us in so many ways. Maybe you lost weight, or you have built a more muscular structure. Maybe your idea of fitness has changed or you have a new outlook on health. Maybe your have cleaned up your diet and feel better than ever or simply have had a complete attitude adjustment since starting CrossFit. Maybe it’s a combination of a bunch of things. Your transformation is not limited to physical changes; we want to hear it, whatever it may be.

Sharing your story may not only help you reflect on how far you have come, but it is an opportunity to help someone else in his or her journey. You may never know how, but your experiences and testimony can be just the encouragement for a fellow CFM athlete, or someone who has never tried CrossFit and is looking for a change. It is also a great way to encourage yourself to keep going and working hard. When you see what you can accomplish, it drives you to want more and keep improving.

Image from "thefunnyplanet.com"

If you would like to share a transformation story, please email it to crossfitmacomb@gmail.com. If you can, we would love some before and after pictures, or even some of your favorite CrossFit pictures. We would like to feature these in our “Transformation Tuesday” series as well as the “Transformation Board” at CFM. We know you all have something to share! We see improvements in you everyday; just look at the PR board! We can’t wait to hear your story. :-)

Before You Over Indulge

Thanksgiving is next week. And it includes some of my favorite things: food, family, football, did I mention food.

One way to avoid over indulging and eating 4 times your weight in Thanksgiving foods is do some sort of physical activity before the big meal. You will be less likely to overeat and give you a quick reminder how poor nutrition can adversely effect the gains you have been seeing.

CrossFit Macomb is closed on Thanksgiving Day but there are other opportunities to get active.

Many people are running Thanksgiving morning. There are many different options but here are a few local ones if you are interested.

November 28, 2013- Thursday 31st Fifth Third Turkey Trot
Type of Race: » ROAD RACE » Start Time : 7:30 am	Where: » Detroit » 9500 Mt. Elliott Studio A » 48211
Event Links: Online Registration Link Event Website Link	Event Distances 10K : RUN 5K : RUN/WALK 1 Mile : FUN RUN

November 28, 2013- Thursday Anti-Turkey Trot 4th Annual
Type of Race: » ROAD RACE » Start Time : 9:40 a.m.	Where: » Shelby Township » 14843 N. Lakeside Blvd. » 48315
Event Links: Online Registration Link Event Website Link Entry Form Link Link to Map Course Map of Area	Event Distances 1 Mile : RUN/WALK 5K : RUN/WALK 11K : RUN

Post the race you are registering for in the comments.

How to Prevent a Cold Takeover

With the weather getting colder each day, we are starting to think about all things winter. Scarves, hats, mittens, boots and those sniffles that decide to set up camp in your nose for the next 4 to 9 months, depending on how Michigan’s weather decides to be this year. Being cautious about your health and wanting to be running 100% all the time is a CrossFit priority. This time of year is the worst for catching a virus especially in a place like a gym. However, that is no excuse to stay away. Here are some steps you can take to be proactive in preventing a cold or flu takeover:

 Drink Water: According to Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, M.D., past president of the American College of Physicians, "Hydration helps keep your nasal passages moist, so they can actually get rid of little particles from bacteria…" Once again, H2O is key. Drinking lots of fluids will also help your body adjust to the dry indoor air.

CrossFit: Regular “blood pumping” exercise can increase a type of white blood cell that takes down virus’. Keep CrossFitting regularly and you will be a virus fighting machine.

Image from couponaholic.net

Wipe down equipment: Keep it clean for yourself and other members of the box. Wipe down your barbells, ab mats, kettle bells or whatever you use during your WOD to prevent extra bacteria from feeling at home.

Use your own towel: Don’t share towels with others. Keep your own and don’t reuse it without a wash in between. Sweat comes out of your body for a reason; don’t put it back in along with any other germs that may land on your towel. That’s just inefficient, and CrossFit has no room for inefficiency.

Keep your cuts and ripped hands covered: Band-aids and athletic tape will help keep infections, germs and unwanted bacteria from entering into your system, as well as prevent skin infections.

Bring your own…: Water bottle, deodorant, sweat band, socks etc… sharing is not caring in these circumstances. I don’t know if I would suggest sharing any of these things ever, but particularly during this germy time of year.

 

 Image from Everday Health

Wash your Hands!: Of course we all know washing our hands is one of the best ways to keep from germs and sickness but really, WASH YOUR HANDS! Before, after and maybe even during your WOD. You probably can’t wash them enough. It is recommended that you sing Happy Birthday twice to properly wash your hands. What a great opportunity to work on your vocals 

Get some Extra Zzz’s: Your body recovers and repairs itself while you sleep. Be sure to at least keep to 7-9 hours per night if not more. An extra hour or two this time of year will allow your body more time to ward off virus’ and infections.

Keep these things in mind not only at the gym, but wherever you spend your time this winter. A healthy CrossFitter is a Happy CrossFitter, so stay happy and send those sniffles on a permanent vacation. If you do happen to catch a bug, here is a natural remedy to help you feel better:

Paleo Chicken Noodle Soup from "The Coconut Mama"

 Click here for the recipe.

References 

• Schwecheri, Laura (2011, December 28). Are Germs at the Gym Making You Sick? [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://greatist.com/fitness/are-germs-gym-making-you-sick
• Levine, Jessica (2013, October 17). 10 Ways to Stop a Cold in its Tracks [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/17/stop-cold-prevention-treatment_n_4097947.html