Written by Chris Johnson, CrossFit Dwell Member
I used to work out — running, hiking, and lifting weights here and there — but I never felt confident in what I was doing or how to safely push myself with heavier weights or new movements.
When I turned 40, I felt out of shape and knew I needed to make a change. Around that time, I had just gotten a new puppy and found myself driving past a gym regularly for vet visits. I saw Dwell and wondered, “Is this any different from the other gyms I’ve tried — Crunch, LA Fitness, or 24 Hour Fitness?”
I called and spoke with Lauren and Natalie about my goals. Honestly, I just wanted to be healthier — whatever that meant — and to stay active for my daughters. That simple phone call started it all.
It wasn’t easy. I knew mornings were my best shot because evenings were too busy. I began with the On-Ramp course with Natalie, then joined the 5:30 a.m. class. When it shifted to 5:15, I let that 15-minute difference become an excuse. Consistency and discipline — that’s the key. I drifted away from classes, tried personal training, but still couldn’t stick with it. Despite Lauren and Natalie checking in with encouragement, I fell off again.
Eventually, I canceled my membership. CrossFit became another “thing I tried.” I went back to doing random workouts — on and off, with long breaks in between.
Then, in December 2024, I decided to drop in for a class at Dwell — no membership, just one workout. Then another, and another. Before I knew it, I was showing up three/four days a week. That consistency was something new for me.
When you’re in a gym surrounded by people who make it look easy, it’s tough to remember that it’s about your goals, not theirs. The challenge is just as mental as it is physical. When I sat down with Natalie to set goals, I didn’t want to aim too high and risk failure, but I also didn’t want to go too easy. I set one realistic target: make the “Committed Club” — 15 classes in a month.
Just one month. That was it.
I did it. Then I did it again. And again.
By October, I’d only missed two months — once by one day, another by two. Some months, I’ve even gone beyond 15 workouts. When I travel, Lauren and Natalie send me workouts to do on the road. The mindset shift — just show up — made all the difference.
I’m stronger now. If I miss my morning class, I find a way to make it up later. My simple goal remains: move 3–4 times a week.
Beyond hitting attendance goals, I see progress in everyday life: lifting heavy things, climbing stairs, playing softball with my girls without soreness, even sleeping better. I often say there are two kinds of pain — the ache from doing nothing and the soreness from a good workout. I’ll take the second one any day.
Now, workouts feel purposeful. They make daily life easier and remind me why I’m doing this — to be healthier, manage stress, and show my girls what an active life looks like.
And on tough days, it’s the people — the coaches, the community, the checkpoint workouts to see the progress I’m making — are what keep me going. Some workouts leave me questioning why I’m there, but the answer always comes back the same:
To achieve fitness.
To be stronger.
To just show up.
If Chris’s story sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Sometimes the hardest part is simply showing up, and we will meet you right where you are. If you’re ready to get stronger, stay consistent, and feel better in everyday life, book a free intro conversation and let’s talk about your goals. Your first step could change everything.