We asked Fixx athlete, Beth Peterson, a few questions about her CrossFit journey…
What brought you to Bootcamp classes in the first place?
“My journey to Bootcamp started with personal training with one of the many wonderful coaches at the gym. A good friend is a member and she recommended Heiselle for personal training. I wasn’t doing anything that built muscle and felt like it was really missing. I was pretty consistent with getting cardio exercise between using a home elliptical machine and running, but it was creating some imbalances in my muscles and I wasn’t as strong as I wanted. I was feeling some knee pain and definitely did not want that to persist. I started working with Heiselle at the gym and there were other classes ongoing that I could observe. Once I felt like hey, I can do this too (both from the observation of the classes and because of the work & encouragement with Heiselle), I tried a few classes just check it out. I appreciate the opportunity of having a few classes to try before committing, but once you try it, you are hooked. I tried the rowing class and the Bootcamp class. I liked them both a lot. I like cardio and I liked adding more strengthening exercises to my workouts. I didn’t know people in these classes and yet everyone went out of their way to make me feel welcome.”
What was your first impression? How has that changed?
“I like that you are both part of a class and an individual working in your own way. I’m not going to do high impact exercise and there is always a modification that works for me. I’m able to get what I need out of the class and yet share the experience with others. The coaches have a deep understanding of the muscles being used, the technique of the exercise, and when to push you just a little harder. I have a lot of respect for their knowledge and that continues to grow the longer I participate. I had initially joined pre-COVID and been very impressed with how the gym coped with all the necessary changes to keep people safe and engaged, whether online only or even outside. I like that tenacious spirit and it’s clearly created a stronger bond within the community.”
What was your first “bright spot”? (Positive moment)
“I recently went up in the weight I’m using for dumbbell exercises. I like that feeling of getting stronger. I don’t have the knee pain or stiffness I did pre-Bootcamp. I feel more balanced. I feel like I can do the exercises better and I know what it means to engage my muscles in a way I didn’t before. Being more engaged with the physical side of myself is rewarding. My job keeps me mostly in my head (and chair) so it’s nice to have this part of me that feels more fit and physically capable. As I told Heiselle, I want to strong enough to hoist my carry-on luggage into the overhead compartment with ease and I feel like if I ever travel again, I’m totally ready!”
What are you working on now?
“I don’t have a specific focus right now for something I want to work on. I like showing up and seeing what the class brings. Each class brings such a diversity of movements that it’s more fun that working on the same thing day in and day out. Sometimes when an exercise shows up in a class that I struggled with before, it’s gratifying if I can do that movement just a little bit better – better form, more weight, and/or more reps. I can feel a general improvement in my ability and that keeps me coming back!”
What is your favorite FIXX memory?
“My husband joined the gym with me and I really enjoy working out with him. It’s a good, healthy shared activity. We did the Crossfit Games together at home on different teams during the pandemic. We did the judging course first and learned a lot about the movements. Then we judged each other (nicely!). I liked having the camaraderie with him and a different type of activity to do together.”
Do you have a favorite movement? Favorite style of workout?
“I like Dead Lifts. Kettlebell Dead Lifts. Single Legged Romanian Dead Lifts. I like the Ring Rows as well. They seems so straightforward and easy and then they catch up with you! I like when we have a Tabata style workout as well. The variety of approaches to the workout keep it fresh and exciting.”
