When Devin joined CrossFit Dwell in July 2025, she wasn’t just looking for a new workout. She was looking for physical, mental, and emotional changes . In her early 30s, Devin already had years of experience in the fitness world, including bodybuilding. She even competed in November 2021. But what once brought her joy had started to feel heavy, exhausting, and disconnected from who she wanted to be.
Today, Devin’s story is one of courage, vulnerability, and steady progress. It’s about choosing discomfort in order to grow and discovering strength in ways she didn’t expect.
Why Devin Joined CrossFit Dwell
Like many people, Devin reached a point where her routine no longer served her.
“Traditional gym workouts were no longer enjoyable, and getting myself to the gym had started to feel like a chore,” she shared.
After competing in bodybuilding, Devin struggled with her self-image. That struggle began to affect not only how she saw herself, but also her performance and mindset. The pressure, comparison, and expectations took their toll.
She knew something needed to change.
“I knew I needed a change, so I chose to lean into the discomfort of learning a new sport,” Devin said. “I love the functional nature of it and the endless challenges it brings—both physically and mentally.”
CrossFit offered something different. It wasn’t about perfect aesthetics or rigid routines. It was about movement that carried over into real life, learning new skills, and showing up as you are.
Was CrossFit What She Expected?
In many ways, yes, but in some ways, it surprised her.
“I knew it would bring new challenges and force me to do workouts I wouldn’t have the confidence or drive to do on my own,” Devin explained.
What she didn’t expect was how powerful the group environment would be.
“I was unsure about it, but it has allowed me to push past my own limits from seeing others’ accomplishments.”
At CrossFit Dwell, many workouts happen in a group setting, but progress is always personal. For Devin, being surrounded by people working hard, celebrating wins, and showing up consistently helped her do the same. The community didn’t intimidate her; it lifted her up.
Changes Since Joining CrossFit Dwell
Since July 2025, Devin has experienced meaningful changes both inside and out.
She has lost 15 pounds and noticed a clear shift in her body composition. Her cardiovascular health has improved, and she’s gained strength and endurance beyond what she expected.
But the biggest changes go far deeper than numbers or metrics.
“Most importantly, my confidence and overall happiness have grown,” she said. “I feel more empowered—not just in my body, but in how I have shown up for myself.”
That empowerment shows up in small, daily ways: choosing consistency, staying patient, and trusting the process even when things feel hard.
What Devin Is Most Proud Of
When asked what she’s most proud of, Devin didn’t point to a single lift or workout result.
“I am most proud of my willingness to be vulnerable while learning new skills, such as Olympic lifting, and confronting areas where I struggle, like running,” she shared.
Learning something new as an adult takes courage, especially in a group setting. Olympic lifting, running, gymnastics skills… none of these came easily. But Devin kept showing up anyway.
She also set a clear goal for herself in 2025: performing unassisted pull-ups again.
“I achieved seven consecutive reps before the end of the year,” she said.
That achievement didn’t come from shortcuts or perfection. It came from consistency and commitment.
“Most of all, I am proud of my consistency and my commitment to giving my best, even on days when I wasn’t at my strongest mentally.”
Facing Challenges with Honesty and Grace
Devin’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. One of the biggest is managing high-intensity workouts while living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
“I have episodes of passing out,” she explained. “When symptoms arise, I sometimes get in my head about my performance.”
On top of that, comparison can creep in.
“I also catch myself comparing my progress to others and being overly critical when I don’t perform at the same level as other athletes in the gym.”
These challenges are real, and they’re not ignored. At CrossFit Dwell, scaling, communication, and listening to your body are always encouraged. Devin’s willingness to speak openly, adjust when needed, and keep going anyway is a powerful reminder that fitness is not one-size-fits-all.
Looking Ahead: Devin’s Goals
Devin isn’t done growing.
She wants to continue improving her Olympic lifting technique and develop her gymnastics skills, including bar muscle-ups, walking handstands, and kipping. She’s also considering competing in a small-scale competition in the future.
These goals aren’t about proving anything to anyone else. They’re about curiosity, growth, and seeing what’s possible when she keeps showing up.
Advice for Anyone Thinking About Starting
If Devin could go back and talk to her past self or to someone thinking about starting their fitness journey, her message is simple and powerful:
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things. You are stronger and more capable than you realize, and your limits are likely higher than you think.”
She added, “Taking that first step can be challenging, but it builds confidence and helps you grow both mentally and physically.”
And maybe the most telling part of her story?
“I am just happy to be here.”
Want to Start Your Own Story at CrossFit Dwell?
Devin’s journey is a great example of what happens when you choose progress over perfection and community over comparison. Whether you’re brand new to fitness, coming from another training style, or simply feeling stuck, CrossFit Dwell meets you where you are and helps you to move forward.
If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, we’d love to meet you.
👉 Sign up for a free intro at CrossFit Dwell today and take the first step toward your own story of strength, confidence, and growth.