September Member of the Month! - Caitlin

Just start! This is the mindset Caitlin had 2 years ago. As a stay-at-home mom of five, she had every reason to put fitness on the back burner. Time was tight, so she started small — one personal training session a week. Her goal? Keep up with her kids and run a 5K before turning 40. No time goal, no pressure — just to finish and not feel completely wrecked the next day.

As her kids grew (and her confidence did too), she carved out more time for herself and made the leap into CrossFit classes. Now, a year later, she’s showing up three times a week, crushing workouts, and cracking us up every time she walks through the door.

Caitlin is living proof that one small step can change everything.

1. Why did you start CrossFit?

I came to CrossFit accidentally. After the births of our fourth and fifth children, I came to Alex for chiropractic work. I could barely lift my kids up, and was in so much pain. After patiently working with me to regain some core strength, Alex suggested that I come by the gym and try out a few things. I told him the only way I could make time for it was if I did private classes…and brought all five kids. Gradually, over the course of a year, I gained enough confidence to start coming to group classes. It’s been a long journey. And I am so grateful for the encouragement and patience I have found here at FreeWill. I do CrossFit to feel great and keep up with my kids!

2. What advice would you give yourself before starting CrossFit?

Small changes add up to equal big changes! Whether I’m trying to increase my deadlift weight, add another class during the week or make better food choices…baby steps have been key for me. Too much of a huge change and I get overwhelmed or am more likely to throw in the towel.

3. What are your nutrition goals for the next 6 months?

For the next six months my goal is to keep choosing foods that help me feel good. Through enough trial and error I’ve found out what foods give me headaches and an upset stomach…less of those, more of the foods that help me operate at my best!

4. How do you feel about burpees? Don't hold back

I feel like burpees are the thing I’m supposed to complain about. In reality, after doing them enough times, I don’t mind them. But I’d rather not do them, thanks!

5. What are you reading or watching right now? Would you recommend it?

Currently listening to the Office Ladies podcast. Love that. I’m in the midst of reading Ann Cleeves series of novels about Inspector Vera Stanhope. Also really like those. And I watch Castle or Murder She Wrote while I’m washing the dishes. I’m a little bit of an 80 year old woman!