I never in a million years thought I would ever touch, let alone pick up a barbell. Lifting weight was a totally foreign concept to me until I joined Crossfit. In fact a lot of the things we do at Crossfit I never imagined ever doing or even attempting. Crossfit has become such a big part of my life, I wonder now what my life was without it? I love coming to the gym and reaching PR’s. Crossfit has gotten me in shape and I feel great!!
After having my son in January 2012 and gaining 40lbs during my pregnancy I decided to get serious and change my lifestyle and lose the pregnancy weight. As soon as my son was 8 weeks old I started coming to the gym 5 days a week and later adopted the Paleo diet. I am in the best shape of my life and I feel healthy and motivated. None of the workouts are by any means easy and I am sore every other day but I am addicted to Crossfit and won’t ever stop doing this.
Since moving to the US from South Africa 4.5 years ago I have found a little “home away from home” at XLR8. Everybody is so supportive and friendly and I have met some wonderful, inspirational people and have made lots of great friends. I owe a very BIG thank you to the coaches, Molly, Zeph, Greg and Ryan. Thank you for all your support, guidance and motivation. I have come a long way and still have a long way to go but I wouldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for y’all. Thank you for having faith in me. Thanks to Crossfit I am feeling the best I have ever felt and look forward to continuing my journey at XLR8.
Marli Gonzalez
September 2013 Athlete of the Month
CrossFit XLR8