Kim’s fitness journey began long before she stepped into No Excuses CrossFit. A former high school athlete, Kim excelled as a volleyball setter and cherished the daily runs she took to stay in shape. But it wasn’t until May 2012 that she found her true fitness passion—CrossFit.

“A friend of ours, Cathy Mele, one of the coaches at No Excuses CrossFit at the time, kept bugging us to try it,” Kim recalls. “Todd and I were hooked from our first trial workout—a 10-minute Cindy…who knew how long 10 minutes could be!!!”

Overcoming Challenges, Building Confidence

CrossFit didn’t just challenge Kim physically; it pushed her to overcome mental hurdles as well. “I feel that I have conquered so much just by joining CrossFit and showing up each time and not holding back,” Kim shares. “I see that confidence in other areas of my life now too, although I still can’t get contacts in my eyes!”

That newfound confidence extends into Kim’s everyday life, where she uses her fitness to tackle daily tasks with ease. “I use it to do normal everyday activities—like competing with my grown boys, rearranging furniture in the house, and loading and unloading the weekly supplies from Costco,” she says.

Motivated by Community and Coaches

For Kim, the key to staying motivated lies in the vibrant community and exceptional coaching at No Excuses CrossFit. “Everything keeps me coming back—my coaches, the people in each class I attend, the varied programming, and the sweating! Gotta love a good sweat session! And did I mention the coaches? They are awesome!”

Kim’s motivation is also fueled by those around her, especially her fellow gym-goers and family. “The list is long, but most of them are on the whiteboard each day. I am always looking to see what I need to do to ‘beat’ a score or push myself towards something new!” she says. “Lastly, my family inspires me. We love to share what we did while exercising that went beyond what we had done before or what we thought we could never do!”

Memorable Milestones and Future Goals

One of Kim’s most memorable moments at No Excuses CrossFit was overcoming her fear of box jumps, thanks to the encouragement of one of the coaches. “My favorite moment was when Mario, one of the former faithful 6 am coaches, helped me overcome my fear of box jumps! He kept piling up the rubber plates until I had an amazing 17” plate jump! I can still feel the exhilaration from that moment!”

As for future goals, Kim has her sights set on back squatting her body weight. “I would like to be able to back squat my body weight. And I will continue to work on double unders, pull-ups, front squats, bench press, and anything else that happens to be scheduled in the WOD!”

Advice for Newcomers

Kim’s journey with CrossFit has taught her invaluable lessons that she’s eager to share with others, especially those new to the sport. “I had a doctor tell me 5 years ago…try something new that will get you interested in staying fit and keeping your weight off. I tried CrossFit, and I have never regretted it! I have been ‘sidelined’ a couple of times over the years due to health issues, but I always looked forward to the day I would be able to be back in the gym because that is where I face myself and grow…in a room filled with others who are going through the same ‘battle.’ Life isn’t easy, but this has made me stronger.”

Why Kim Loves No Excuses CrossFit

When asked what she loves most about No Excuses CrossFit, Kim’s answer is simple: “Hands down…the people! That includes every coach and every competitor that I have had at No Excuses CrossFit. The coaches are so knowledgeable about the movements and the reasons they help us get stronger. They are always willing to encourage me to be a better athlete. They look for opportunities to create a positive atmosphere in the gym and for avenues for us to build friendships outside of working out together.”

Kim’s story is a testament to the power of community, the importance of strong coaching, and the personal growth that comes from facing challenges head-on. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone just starting out, No Excuses CrossFit offers a supportive environment where you can achieve your fitness goals and build lifelong friendships.