In a world where fitness fads come and go, Cheryl is a steady example of what it means to build a sustainable, long-term relationship with movement. Her story isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t involve quick fixes or overnight transformations. Instead, it’s built on consistency, smart choices, and a genuine love for the CrossFit community she calls home.
Cheryl joined our CrossFit family back in November of 2017, but her CrossFit journey actually started even earlier in 2014. After training at another CrossFit gym that was closing its doors, she came over to what was then known as CrossFit III. She says she “came over to check it out and loved it,” and the rest is history.
“I was really impressed,” she said. “It was much better than expected. The coaches are wonderful, and the gym is always clean and well organized.”
Since then, Cheryl has been a fixture in our community, showing up four days a week, encouraging others, and modeling what long-term fitness looks like.
The Benefits Go Beyond the Barbell
Because she’s been doing CrossFit for over a decade now, Cheryl has seen real, meaningful changes not just in how she looks, but in how she feels and functions.
“CrossFit has helped me build and maintain muscle that otherwise wouldn’t exist,” she shared. “It’s the best stress reliever and gives you better sleep quality for sure.”
She’s right. Research supports what many CrossFitters experience firsthand: regular exercise improves sleep and reduces stress by balancing hormones and increasing overall resilience to the demands of daily life.
But one of the biggest benefits Cheryl has noticed?
She’s still doing it.
That might not sound exciting, but in a world where people constantly burn out or bounce around from one workout to the next, showing up year after year is a huge win. “I’m proud that I’m still doing CrossFit. I’m old,” she joked with a couple of laughing emojis. But that pride is well-earned.
And Cheryl is far from “just showing up.” She’s lifting, scaling smartly, and building strength that supports her life now and will protect her mobility in the future.
The Wisdom of Scaling
One of the hardest things for many CrossFitters to learn is that scaling isn’t quitting. In fact, it’s the opposite. Cheryl put it perfectly: “Understanding that scaling is smarter than trying movements that can end with injury has been my biggest challenge.”
That kind of maturity and self-awareness doesn’t always come easily. Many athletes, even experienced ones, struggle with the temptation to “do it as written” even when their body needs something different.
Sure, Cheryl wishes she could lift more weight in her deadlifts, do more double-unders, climb ropes, or string together more than three pull-ups. But she’s wise enough to know that chasing those things recklessly isn’t the path forward.
“I’ve learned to listen to my body,” she says. “I’ve learned what’s worth pushing for and what’s worth modifying.”
This kind of mindset is key to longevity in fitness and in life. It’s why Cheryl is still moving, still making progress, and still loving it.
What Is Next for Cheryl?
Her goals these days are refreshingly simple: “Always show up and do the WOD.”
She’s found that four days a week is her sweet spot. It keeps her strong, energized, and motivated without running her into the ground. That rhythm, that balance, is something many people never quite find.
And it’s what makes her story so powerful.
A Word to the Newcomers
If Cheryl could go back and give advice to her past self or speak to someone who’s considering CrossFit for the first time, her message is clear:
“CrossFit is no doubt the best thing you can do for yourself. I love it, and like all of us, love talking about it!”
There’s a deep joy in her words. Cheryl has found her thing, her community, and her rhythm. “I’m so blessed to be a part of CrossFit Dwell,” she says. “So thankful! It’s my jam!!!”
And honestly, we feel just as blessed to have her.
The Takeaway
Cheryl’s story isn’t about chasing the leaderboard. It’s about showing up again and again for nearly a decade. It’s about choosing to move your body in a way that builds strength, improves sleep, relieves stress, and supports your future. It’s about wisdom and joy and the courage to do what works for you.
Her story reminds us that fitness isn’t about age or performance. It’s about making a decision to care for yourself, to be part of something bigger, and to stick with it.
Ready to start your story?
If you’ve been thinking about trying CrossFit or returning to it after some time away, Cheryl’s journey is proof that it’s never too late and never too early to start. You don’t have to be in shape, know all the movements, or be “athletic.”
You just have to show up consistently.
At CrossFit Dwell, we will meet you where you are, guide you every step of the way, and help you become the strongest, most confident version of yourself.
👉 Click here to book your free No-Sweat Intro and see what’s possible.
We’ll be here when you’re ready. Just like Cheryl was and still is.