The Start of Something New: Katie’s Why
Katie joined the CrossFit Dwell community in October 2023, driven by several personal goals. She wanted to be the healthiest and strongest version of herself, to be able to assist her wheelchair-bound husband in getting into the car safely, and, of course, to make new friends. As someone who hadn’t spent much time in gyms, she took a leap of faith, and let’s just say, that leap was well worth it!
When Katie reflects on her one-year journey with us, she says, “It exceeded my expectations! While I didn’t lose a lot of weight throughout the first 10 months, I did gain muscle and am so much stronger! I also love the community that has been fostered—so much support and love at CFD!”
Katie’s story is a reminder that progress in fitness isn’t always measured in pounds lost but in strength gained, new skills developed, and a sense of belonging built.
From Marching Band to CrossFit: A New Approach to Fitness
Before CrossFit, Katie’s idea of fitness came from marching band, and the transition into gym life was quite a shift. She wasn’t what she calls a “gym girlie,” but that didn’t stop her from diving in headfirst.
In a year, Katie has attended close to 170 classes, including participating in The CrossFit Open, our CFD Olympics, and even a gymnastics specialty class. She had also signed up for the Festivus Games, though life had other plans and it didn’t happen as she had hoped. Still, Katie hasn’t let that slow her down, because her focus has been on her journey—not just the events.
Recently, she’s even lost around 14 pounds, thanks to her commitment to both fitness and nutrition. She’s excited to continue pushing herself and seeing more results, and we are so proud of her dedication to her health and well-being.
Progress to Be Proud Of
When it comes to her accomplishments, Katie has a lot to be proud of. “I’m most proud of my improvement on my squats, and most recently, running in a workout as the Rx instead of using the bike or rower to scale.”
That’s right! Katie has leveled up from scaling certain workouts to completing them as prescribed (Rx), and that’s no small feat. She’s also shifted her focus from just lifting heavy weights to really dialing in her form—and that mindset shift has paid off in huge ways.
Katie’s journey is a beautiful example of the importance of patience and persistence. When you prioritize the fundamentals, everything else falls into place, and the improvements start stacking up.
What’s equally impressive? Katie’s consistency! She admits that she’s often someone who gets really excited about new things but quickly falls out of them. However, CrossFit has become a lasting part of her life. She says, “I’m also proud of still being part of CFD! The benefits of CrossFit just mesh with me and my personality, and I’m so glad I found this community!”
We are so glad you found us, too, Katie! Your dedication is truly inspiring, and you embody what CrossFit Dwell is all about: hard work, community, and constant improvement.
Navigating Challenges and Finding Balance
Like all of us, Katie has faced her fair share of challenges on this fitness journey. One of the toughest? Finding time for herself and her health amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
She shared, “Sometimes it’s difficult to work around work schedules, so I’ve had a couple of months where I didn’t make the time to focus on my fitness, but it takes dedication to make the time.”
The fact that she recognizes this speaks volumes. Fitness isn’t just about showing up when it’s easy—it’s about carving out time for yourself, even when life gets busy. Katie’s journey shows that being flexible, forgiving yourself when you slip, and getting right back to it is the true key to long-term success.
Looking Forward: New Goals on the Horizon
Katie’s journey is far from over, and she’s already setting new goals for herself. Looking forward to 2025, she has her eyes set on participating in a CrossFit competition—and she’s not just looking to compete, she’s looking to place!
She’s eager to keep improving, both in terms of her fitness and her mindset. We have no doubt that Katie will continue reaching her goals and growing in strength, skill, and confidence. With her determination and consistency, there’s no limit to what she can achieve!
Advice to Others Starting Out
When asked what advice she would give to her past self or someone just starting their CrossFit journey, Katie keeps it real: “Don’t give up—it is hard, but fighting that mental game, and winning, is what makes it so rewarding! Sore muscles are proof that you’re putting the work in and you should be proud of that. Push through it to make those gains!”
This mindset is everything. Katie understands that while the physical results are great, the real wins come from pushing through mental barriers. She reminds us all that the soreness, the struggle, and the grind are proof of the progress we’re making.
Join Katie and the CrossFit Dwell Community
Katie’s story is one of strength, persistence, and finding a community that feels like home. Her year at CrossFit Dwell has been full of growth—both physically and mentally—and we couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments.
If you’re ready to start your own fitness journey, CrossFit Dwell is here to support you every step of the way. Whether your goals are to get stronger, be healthier, or simply find a community of like-minded people, we’ve got a place for you.
Come see how CrossFit Dwell can help you reach your goals. Schedule your free intro today and start your journey to becoming your best self!