A few years ago, my cousin AJ invited me to a workout at CrossFit Central. I loved CC and joined immediately! Just a few months later, my husband and I made a spontaneous decision to move to Hawaii. While living there, I reverted to what I knew for fitness: yoga, running a few races, attending bootcamps, surfing, and hiking a lot, usually feeling okay but not great.

In late 2017, we returned to Austin. I got sick and had surgery that resulted in a relatively long recovery. I attended a CrossFit Central workshop to improve my mindset and began using several recovery tools offered there. After healing in 2018, I finally decided to start attending classes at CrossFit Central twice per week and have slowly increased my frequency as my fitness improved. From 6/18 - 10/19, I lost 9% of my body fat and gained seven pounds of muscle. Now I realize that I am both physically and mentally capable of more than I thought was possible.

Michelle lost 2 lbs, 10% body fat and gained 7 lbs of lean muscle.
She Lost 12 lbs. of fat!

CrossFit has definitely changed my perspective on life for the better in so many ways. Here are a few examples!

*After flipping a tire several times in class, it’s easier to smile and wave to the driver who cuts me off in traffic later that day — rather than flipping my lid.

*I feel much stronger and find myself offering to help others more often — I catch myself saying things like “yeah, I can carry that. I lifted a barbell in the women’s only class this morning that weighs more than that.”

*When I’ve pushed myself hard in the gym, the things I know I’m supposed to do have naturally become easier to do — I get better sleep, drink more water, and eat well.

*CrossFit is great therapy for the stress that naturally accompanies being human — I find more joy in life these days and it sounds cheesy but it is true…I feel more alive than ever.

*Recovery modalities I’ve tried through CC including breath work, sauna, ice baths, PEMF, myofascial release, and improved nutrition have made all the difference — I do not get as sore as I used to and am learning how to bounce back more efficiently mentally and physically.

*Despite being over 40 years old and vegetarian, I am getting in better shape with the LIFTOFF nutrition program. Thanks to my coach, Lisa, I have gotten great results. My body composition improved, I feel stronger, more energetic, and feel more balanced overall.

*I always leave class feeling better than when I arrived —there are seriously good vibes at CC that carry over into the rest of my day. The community at CC is amazing.

*My routine of yoga and CrossFit complement each other in calming my mind, improving flexibility and strength.

*I learn something new every time I go to the gym — awareness of habitual movements that will save me from pain later in life, a new mantra to get me through challenges, how to get unstuck and grow, or how to improve overall health and wellbeing.

When I look back, I am so grateful to have become involved in CrossFit Central and proud to be part of this community. Thanks to all of the coaches and friends at Central who have helped make me a better person.

I look forward to hearing your story as well. Cheers to the best version of you! 

Coach Lisa Thiel

“Michelle takes time to learn what is being asked of her - compare it with her goals and take action. She plugs into the community events and special seminars like Oly lifting classes and LiftOff nutrition. She has an incredible worth ethic and her confidence has blossomed. She is an under assuming BEAST! Michelle is extremely coachable! She is dedicated to her progress -she is consistent and always has a great attitude.”