In 2018 like many other years I decided to go on a health kick – ‘new year, new me’. So, I started dieting and looked at joining a gym. It was my manager who recommended trying CrossFit, but I wasn’t convinced, so I googled my local CrossFit gym which Is where I found UNIT 22. I had a look on the website and my instant thoughts were “no way, I can’t do that!” I was very overweight, weighing nearly 120kg and very unfit, but I ended up booking onto a taster session. I remember pulling up in the car park, terrified and nearly drove off again. However, I did go in and it was one of the best decisions I made.
I have been a yo-yo dieter and gym-goer for years, but have never really managed to stick at anything longer than about 6 months. I just seemed to enjoy the CrossFit and RAW sessions, I think because I saw progress quickly and it was a challenge, and I also had the support around me to keep me going when I wanted to give up.
Since joining UNIT 22, nearly 2 years ago I have lost around 42kg and dropped 5 dress sizes! I think it would be fair to say when I joined, I totally sucked at everything. I didn’t move well, and everything felt impossible. I could barely run more than a few meters, burpees made cry and my mobility was so poor I couldn’t squat or do any of the Olympic lifts. However, with a bit of hard work, commitment and patient coaches I am doing things I never thought I could! I even entered my first competition which I competed at in March.
I am so much healthier and happier, not just physically but mentally too. For years, due to difficult events that happened, I was depressed. I have always been useless at dealing with my emotions – I ate them or threw things. But it’s true when they say that exercise is one of the best medicines out there. After a crap day, a session in the gym will usually sort me out, although still with the occasional dummy thrown mid-workout.
The people keep me coming back and I have made so many friendships. The coaching team are knowledgeable, friendly/approachable and usually have some good banter. Also watching the total machines at the gym and thinking one day, maybe one day keeps me focussed and coming back for more.
To anyone contemplating going UNIT 22 I would say, “Do it!! If I can do it, you can.”