My First Year of CrossFit

Guest Post by Ashley Lightner

Has it Really Been a Year?

A lot has happened in a year. I remember my first day at the gym… someone told me I looked like a CrossFitter because of all my tattoos. I said … oh? So that’s like a thing?

Everyone was so nice. Why are they being so nice? What is their angle? What is their end game? Wait… people are being nice just to be nice? I don’t understand…

I bought the punch card of ten classes. After the first one I remember feeling like this was so stupid. This is just so hard. After my ten sessions I was done. A year later…. and I am glad I didn’t give up.

Never. Give. Up.

More than the physical changes, I’ve had a mental shift. I like feeling strong. It is empowering. I like being a good example to my daughter. I like being a positive influence on others. I enjoy challenging the ever-changing standards our society has placed on women regarding what their bodies should look like. I like the feeling of being comfortable in your own skin. I like having supportive people pushing each other everyday. I’ve done two CrossFit competitions and one weightlifting meet. Two years ago I couldn’t even JOG on a treadmill. Three years ago… I had never worked out a day in my life. I never played any sport. I was the opposite of fit or athletic. If I can make the change… anyone can.

This is My Church

Incendia has changed my life. I came in pretty broken on the inside… trying somehow to control at least what was happening on the outside. I didn’t expect to be able to transform both at the same time. The coaches are amazing. The friends I’ve made are incredible. The sense of community is overwhelming. I always tell people that it’s like going to church…. except this church gives you abs…(and much less guilt).
I am SO excited to see what can happen in another year. One day at a time, one week at a time, one month… and the next thing you know, you’ve transformed.

Never. Ever. Give. Up.