Nichole's Story

My Crossfit Story
By: Nichole Quintana

Being a mother, wife and managing a restaurant doesn’t leave much time for myself. However, after one week of Crossfit I knew this was something I had to continue not only for myself but for my family as well. I never knew what Crossfit was or how it worked but I had been watching the Crossfit Games and seen some of the woman competing. They looked so strong and were so inspiring which immediately sparked an interest. I came across an ad for 1936 so I reached out. I remember telling Sara I wouldn’t have time to do Crossfit but she convinced me to give it a try.

That first day I instantly felt welcomed and really enjoyed the atmosphere of the gym. After my first workout I felt great and I knew that this was a place I needed to be. Before I started Crossfit I was at a low place in my life. I was the heaviest I had ever been in my life. I was not on the right path with regards to my health and I would binge eat all the time and had terrible pain in my knee. I hated the way I looked on the outside and I hated how I felt on the inside. I knew I had to make a change.

My original goal was to lose weight but now it has become so much more than that. I love the strength I feel while I am working out and the feeling of finishing a workout. It isn’t just about a number on a scale. Crossfit has saved my life!! Crossfit not only helps me physically but it also helps me mentally and emotionally. I’ve always struggled with depression and had terrible confidence in myself. But now that has all changed. I don’t feel sad anymore. I believe in myself again and my strength and endurance are at a place I've never experienced before. I had never been able to stick to anything in regards to health and exercise and what I have accomplish so far in Crossfit is crazy to me. In the past, I would have given up within the first 5 minutes of any workout. I never could push myself and once it got hard I would let excuses get in my way. Crossfit has helped me realize there isn’t anything I cannot do. Not only am I stronger physically but mentally as well. I’m a better mother and wife too, I am much more patient in my day to day interactions. It helps me get my emotions in check and brings me to my happy place.

The changes, the progress, and the positivity I see in myself and the strength in all areas of my life is what keeps me motivated. The atmosphere and the people make the difference too. I look up to Sara and Sheldon and I’ve found role models I’ve never had before. They help push me and believe in me on days that I don’t believe in myself. I’ve found my passion in life!! I’ve never felt like I’ve belonged anywhere or fit in. I’ve always been a follower but at the box it’s my world and it’s my journey. My biggest regret is that I didn’t start sooner. I’m a lifer now and I can’t wait to get my kids involved too. I honestly wish I could be there every day if I could. It’s made me want to live again and want to be better and healthier inside and out.

I’m proud of who I’m becoming. I’ve found a second family too. For some it’s just a workout but for me it’s more than that. Some may not ever understand it but to feel so strong and achieve something so great is something some people may never get to experience and I get to do it every day. I’m going to live my life to the fullest and be happy doing it, which will always include doing a Badass WOD!!

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