Stacey Rivere Crossfit Athlete of the Month for October

On May 14th after a few “false starts,” I joined Crossfit XLR8.  The reason I false started a few times is because I had some preconceived notions of what Crossfit was like that were completely inaccurate.  I was terribly intimidated to start even though I have been an athlete all my life.  Two of my friends were members of Crossfit, and assured me that the trainers would work with my fitness level and abilities.  I realized that I also needed to get my food in line, so on July 1st I combined Crossfit with Medi Weight Loss Clincs.  As of today I have lost 53 lbs, and my cholesterol has dropped from 220 to 150.

I have been amazed at the changes to my physical appearance in such a short time and the huge changes in my strength level.  I never thought I would have the ability, especially after only six months, to do push-ups and sit-ups and especially burpees.  It was only with Molly telling me “Yes, you can” that I even attempted sit-ups.   My original plan was just to lose weight.  It never occurred to me that I might actually be able to tone myself to a body I liked.

The support from the trainers and the other athletes has been amazing.  I cannot tell you how much it has meant to me when someone that I consider an elite athlete comes up to me and encourages me or notices where I have improved.   I have 30 lbs to go, and I have no doubt I will get there with the support I have from the Crossfit community.  Since I started, I have never heard anyone say a bad word about another member.  When they say we are a family, they mean it.  To be named Crossfit XLR8’s athlete of the month among such an elite group of people is such an honor.  Thank you!