CrossFit is a Universal Language

I joined CrossFit 1936 in January 2018, but have been a member of the CrossFit community (in Iowa) since 2014. Prior to starting CrossFit, I was physically active and looking back I would call myself “skinny fat” as I was not overweight but had no strength. I ran and was a member of a local rec center and primarily attended boot camp/aerobic classes.
 Due to low numbers, they cancelled the classes. I knew I needed to do something, having a job that involves a lot of sitting and thinking my brain is tired at the end of the day but my body is not!  I tend to feel very anxious when I don’t get my workout in. After a month of just running on the “dread-mill”, I was sitting next to a fellow Mom at a volleyball tournament who had joined CrossFit when they opened in January and she was hooked. Her progress both physically and mentally was amazing, she invited me with to try a free week of classes starting the next Monday and I agreed. By the 3rd day, I signed up. Hands down it has been one of the best investments and decisions I have made in my life. I was wrong about all my preconceived notions around CrossFit!

August 2018, we moved for work from Iowa to Wisconsin. I was learning a new job, unpacking, and getting a child settled into a new town/school- I thought I’d take a break (plus our school had a fitness center that was free to the community).
I’d be foolish not to use that right?!?...or so I thought. I tried that for a couple months along but with a lot of work travel,  I noticed I was losing strength. I was also missing the connection of a CrossFit community, and my clothes were not fitting like they should.

I had my physical and was 10 lb heavier than the prior year! I decided it was time to do something more. I tried a punch card at another CrossFit box in the area, but it just didn’t feel like “home.” I decided to look into Crossfit 1936 as it was actually closer to where I live. I walked into Crossfit 1936 on a cold Friday night in January, introduced myself and my background. Sara invited me to stay for class. I don’t remember everyone who was in class that night… but I remember people being so welcoming!
I was hooked, I felt like I belonged, these were my kind of people- and what a great tribe members at Crossfit 1936 are!!!

Over the past 14 months, there have been days I wanted to quit, cry, or yell at Coach~ but he never stopped believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
Fitness-wise they have helped me improve my form on many lifts and become stronger both mentally and physically. I have accomplished moves I was not able to do before. When my heart rate gets high, my brain tells me to stop and take a break even though my body can push through. In the past, I have always used water or chalk, as a crutch for a break (even though I really didn’t need it). Coach Sheldon has taught me to be mentally strong and push through!
I owe so much credit to the coaches and members at CrossFit 1936 ~for believing in me and pushing me out of my comfort zone.
They have encouraged me to take risks; which has helped me in other personal and professional aspects of life.
I have built the confidence to stand up for myself and to be okay being a little uncomfortable speaking to a group.
I wish I could go back and show my high school PE teacher what I can do now. I clearly remember him telling us girls don’t pull ups during the fitness tests. Well- he has never met CrossFit girls!

If I can give a suggestion to those thinking about starting… We only get one body, invest in it now or pay for it later! I choose to lead an active healthy lifestyle not only for myself, but also to set an example for my daughter.  I love that CrossFit doesn’t focus on the weight on the scale, but rather building strength and healthy habits.

The best part about CrossFit 1936- aside from it’s coaches is the community of members! They are not my relatives and I don’t work with them- and really have no connection other than at the box. Every single one of them are so happy for each other’s successes and so encouraging!!
It’s truly amazing.
~Barb Kuhl