I recently moved to Florida and swore that this was the time that I was going to get in shape (although I had told myself and attempted that at least 1000 times before). I felt that crossfit would be a great fit for me and my personality, but I was also scared. I’m not strong (never have been) and I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to do what I see those amazing crossfit-ers doing. I researched the boxes in my area and decided that CrossFit Jaguar would be the best fit for me to give crossfit a shot. The website is very thorough and professional and I loved that.

I began with private training sessions and on the first day, Paula did such a thorough assessment — physical and nutritional. She also took the time to get to know me, inquiring about why I chose crossfit and what my goals were. For the past five weeks, I’ve been doing private crossfit sessions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and. along with crossfit, I have also tried to just watch what I eat a bit more. Nothing crazy…just opting out of carbs a bit more than I did previously. If I want dessert, I eat a bit of dessert.. I still drink coffee and have soda, when Ii want it. In recent years, I haven’t been a terrible eater and I’ve never been one that eats a lot. My husband has always joked that Kiele (our now 13-year-old) eats more than me. But I just eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m full.

Yesterday was exactly five weeks since my start of crossfit and my pre-crossfit measurements. I decided that I would love to post a 5-week update and so asked my trainer if she would do my measurements (so that I could include with my update). She said that normally she doesn’t do them this early but if I wanted them done, she’s game. and so we did…

I’m blown away by the results. I’ve already lost 4 pounds, 4 percent body fat and two inches in my waist. I didn’t really need to lose weight and that wasn’t part of my goal, but it’s an added bonus of working hard and eating well. My body looks different. My clothes fit different. I have never felt so healthy and strong.

With Paula’s encouragement, I have done things that I didn’t think were possible and that I would have never attempted on my own. CrossFit Jaguar is also big into proper form, which is so important to me. They make sure you’re getting the most out of every workout, while ensuring you don’t get injured.

Without a doubt, I will continue crossfit although I’m probably only going to do one or two days with a trainer and do the other days with the group. My original goal was simply to get my body fit and in shape. That goal remains the same — but fitter and stronger. I long to wear a bikini this summer, as I haven’t worn one since 1996 (pre Kiele). I didn’t think I was overweight prior to crossfit, but I knew I was out of shape (or as I called it, fluffy).

I’m a firm believer in everything in moderation. And sometimes I worry about others, who lose weight with the aid of crazy diets, drastic measures, etc. remember that different strategies work for different people. Find the strategy that is a good fit for you, your body and your personality. Like anything…do it right and do it well. Do something you can stick with long term.

I feel so great — healthy and strong(er) and can’t wait to see what the next five weeks has in store for me

The entire staff at CrossFit Jaguar are awesome — professional, motivating and extremely knowledgeable.

I can’t wait to see what the next five weeks bring me!!

Before

After