• Share this story:

"I was 280lbs when I started…I was sad, totally defeated, un-inspired, and had 0 confidence in myself and my abilities! That literally all changed after my first class!"

Member at:

Farmgirlfit Cd’A

Occupation:

Medical Supplies Procurement at Kootenai Health

Tell us about your fitness journey. How did you come to Farmgirlfit?

I have been an athlete for most of my life! I played volleyball all through high school and college. I steadily gained over 100 lbs. after I stopped playing. Literally woke up one day and did not recognize myself! I knew that something had to change, and I knew that I needed to challenge myself. I completely changed the way that I was eating and looked into various types of exercise programs. When I saw Farmgirlfit I knew that it was perfect. I had tried Crossfit and liked the premise, but I found the actual experience intimidating. I liked the idea of all women and leveled workouts. I knew that I had a HUGE mountain to climb, but I could do it with the right type of environment!

If you could tell your Farmgirlfit story in 100 words or fewer, how would it read?

I almost didn’t go into my first workout because I was so scared. I sat in the car until I only had 5 minutes before class started. I told myself if I didn’t go in I would most likely be fat forever, and that’s kind of been my motto ever since. I try to do something in every class that scares me, even a little! I have lost over 50 of those 100 lbs. and done things I never dreamed my body could do. I still have way more to go, but know that I’ll get there! I love this place and the couches and actually get excited to work out!

What has been your greatest fitness/performance accomplishment so far?

Strict push-ups, running more than 100 yards at a time <-- sad I know :-P, better form on the lifts and increasing weight, box jumps on actual boxes, starting to do level 2/3 on most Grinds!

What are your next health and fitness goals?

I want to keep going and keep improving! I want to get the rest of this weight off the right way, while continuing to get stronger! I have tons of specific FGF goals: a strict pull-up, 24” box jump, rope climb, OH squat with weight…too many to name!

Who inspires you to be fit?

My daughter! She likes to come watch and when we're done says, “Mommy’s strong.” It means more to me than anything!  

Favorite exercise at FGF is:

Deadlift, back squat, row, wall balls, push press, split jerk, way more I'm forgetting… :-)

Least favorite exercise at FGF is:

PLATE PUSHES!! <-- HATE THEM!!!

Favorite workout song?

Anything besides that AWFUL EDM that Brandy always makes us listen to! :-)

When the Grind is kicking my butt, I’m thinking…

About how far I have come, but also how far I still have left to go!

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

The coaches and the environment! It has been critical to my success! The environment is supportive yet constantly pushes you to be better and try harder. I like that it strives to make you uncomfortable in the best way possible!

How has the rest of your life been influenced by Farmgirlfit?

I try to do something active every day, whether it’s take my 3 year old in the backpack on a hike, go on a long walk, or integrate a Grind into a traditional gym workout. I was comfortable for FAR TOO LONG, so it’s been my goal to get a little uncomfortable daily. It’s been a huge factor in my success. I love that saying, “We grow when we get outside our comfort zone!”

Do you have a funny Farmgirlfit story?

My sister (Ashley) and I work out together. One morning we were arguing about adding more weight (I thought she should be doing more). I noticed a new member looking at us with kind of a scared/worried look on her face. She looked at Brandy who was coaching and asked her if things were normally so intense. Brandy cracked up and said no, that we were sisters… So now we always clarify when we’re being hard on each other, which is most of the time! ;-)

When you're not pumping iron at FGF, what does the rest of your life look like?

I have a wonderful husband and a very active 3 year old girl! We try to remain active either on our boat in the summer, sledding and snowshoeing in the winter, and just basically trying to get outside whenever possible!

I’m proud…

Of my daughter and of doing that first Farmgirlfit class!

You might not know this about me:

I'm extremely competitive!! My husband and I DO NOT play board games together!

Any advice for new members or your fellow farmgirls?

I was 280 lbs. when I started, I had not done any kind of intense physical exercise in YEARS! I was sad, totally defeated, un-inspired, and had 0 confidence in myself and my abilities! That literally all changed after my first class! I couldn’t move mind you, but I just kept going and kept trying, and things just got easier, and started making more sense. There comes a point when things start to click and it’s a really wonderful feeling! KEEP GOING! If I can do it, literally anyone can!