Because of Isabella Fitness, my fitness journey was able to evolve into something incredible. I grew up in a culture where women lifting weights was frowned upon. When I joined the fitness family, I quickly learned how empowering it is to lift with other women. The community is nothing short of supportive, and the willingness of coaches to help us achieve goals we thought were outside of our reach keep me coming back. I can squat more than my weight, I can do pull-ups, and, more than anything, I have more mental toughness than I ever knew I could have. Isabella Fitness is my safe haven and my home.

Prior to joining CrossFit Sayreville in May 2012, I used to workout on my own. I ran a lot, went to the gym to use the elliptical machines, and occasionally tossed around the 5-pound dumbbells. I hated going to the gym, I mostly just ran, and ran, and ran! Although I loved to run, I wanted something else, so I started doing the Insanity videos after work hoping my coworkers would join me. That only lasted for so long. Finally, Peter brought me over to CrossFit Sayreville where he was already working out with a group of people. I didn’t even know what CrossFit was. I didn’t care, I just wanted to workout with other people and change up my old boring routine. Well, it definitely changed! I never touched a barbell before I started CrossFit. I was clueless! I didn’t think I would even be able to jump onto a 20-inch box, put weight on the bar, and lift it over my head, or especially climb a rope to the ceiling and coming back down without breaking a body part. But somehow I did all those things. I have come a long way and still have a long way to go, but it is fun for me. Coming to the box is something I look forward to, especially after being at work all day. It is a chance to get in a good workout while being surrounded by awesome people who push you to do better each day while joking around and having fun.