I remember the day Amy walked into Motor City CrossFit. As with most people I make an immediate snap judgement (probably shouldn’t, but I do). I always think – Is this person in it for the long haul? Regardless, every time somebody comes in for their intros I give them an honest to goodness shot. It doesn’t matter if they are going to be ‘good’ at CrossFit or not, it doesn’t matter if they’re in shape, young or old, clumsy or coordinated. Everybody gets my time free of charge for the assessment and it’s up to them when they come back for the intros or not.
Amy is a suburban ‘Soccer Mom’. Very active in her community, 2 kids, husband is a firefighter – nothing too crazy. Amy has a job and a family like many of us. I know her family fairly well. Her children (Ash and Dyl) are very good kids, well behaved, smart, play sports etc.
On any given day you may find Amy doing some grocery shopping, taking the kids to soccer practice, watching their soccer game or doing yardwork. Just some of the typical things that people do. You also may find her doing other stuff…I guess it really depends on how well you actually know her.
Most people hear about CrossFit from somebody that loves it and won’t shut up about it. Amy is no different. Her husband Tom has been a member of Motor City CrossFit since about the beginning. I remember him telling me how much he tries to get other people to give it a go (Thanks Tom). That’s just how some people are. Like when you get a good massage or something. You’ll probably tell as many people that want to hear about how great your massage was, but if it was a less than stellar massage you’ll probably keep it to yourself. I imagine that’s what happened with Amy. The whole ‘CrossFit, blah, blah, blah’ coming from her husband day in and day out.
Amy followed a pretty common exercise program and saw good results. I don’t know all the details but I think she was pretty consistant with the elyptical machine or treadmill at her local gym. This is good (any exercise is better than none). But one day she gave in. Since Tom wouldn’t shut up about it, she figured she would at least do the intros so she could at least tell him to leave her the hell alone. That she gave it a go, and it wasn’t for her. (This was just my assumption)
When Amy walked in for her intro and we started going through everything I could tell that she wasn’t that into it. I remember going over the kipping pull-up and the look on her face when I told her that yes, we do pull-ups. The look on her face said…”That’s fine, but I’m never going to do a pull-up”.
She did fine though. Did the assessment workout and that was that. She also signed up for the intro sessions. I gave her my best and she gave the old college try.
So, do you know Amy? I do now! If I remember correctly she went through her intros in November of ’09. It’s almost May and Amy doesn’t do the elyptical anymore…Amy does squats now. And deadlifts, cleans, jerks, lunges, push-ups and sit-ups. Amy does kettlebell swings, double unders and the barbell snatch. Amy runs 5 K’s. Amy does wall ball shots and box jumps. Amy pushes herself and at least once a week does something she has never done in her life – it’s called a PR. Or personal record. It’s usually pretty easy to tell when Amy gets a PR because it’s followed by a loud scream…
I don’t think she ever screamed after getting off the elyptical but who knows.
So if you don’t know Amy, you should. And here’s a few pictures of Amy doing ‘Helen’. Which included 36 pull-ups.
I know Amy. And Amy does Pull-ups.
Oh, she does pull-ups alright…..I saw her do 100 of ’em last night. I said to myself…..”that girl is bad ass!”
Very cool…Amy you are AWESOME!!!!
Amy, you’ve come along way! You are an awesome CrossFit competitor/athlete and an amazing mother! I miss working out with you, sista! However, I’m glad that I had the chance to do so from your beginning stages ’til now… you have certainly grown into a “beast” and I mean that in a good way! Keep getting better… I have no doubt that you will! 🙂
Amy you rock! It’s great to work out with you. You are truly an inspiration!
Is Gunny all ways looking a for a pair of socks at the house? (or as we call them hand puppets) Good work keep it up.
It’s sooo nice to read a story about a ‘Mom’ who tried crossfit, and not only LOVES IT………….HAS AMAZING RESULTS TO SHOW FOR IT!!!!
I really wish I could get more of my friends to try it. Amy you’re such a pleasure (I know that sounds gay, but I mean it) to have in the gym. Hilarious about the scream after a PR!!! I would imagine you’ll be doing that for a long time to come!! Nice work!
JD, great article….as usual! 🙂
Thanks JD for the article…I feel like a celebrity…LOL! Should I give my speech now?
Before I even joined Crossfit, Tom would tell me it is more than just working out, it is a family. Just so you know it…”I LOVE” my family. You guys are the best and I couldn’t ask for better trainers to motivate me, cheer me on and to never give up on me. Thank you JD, Vinny, Matt, Carey and Jim. There isn’t a day that goes by that I am not thanking Tom for having me try out Crossfit.
Just a last thought, I want to just put out to everyone that goes through the pain with me everyday, you are included in that “family”. I think it is great how everyone cheers everyone on…it is a great motivater and I thank YOU ALL for that 🙂
Amy’s a Crossfit hottie…ya look great and are always there pushing everyone else to better themselves….”You off da HOOK “!!!
Amy,
You have been a tremendous inspiration! I am not going to lie though I miss picking on you!
Awesome article! Amy I think I have only met you once or twice but I wanted to share a quick story. I’m the head trainer of a gym in Cincinnati (when u see me at MCC it’s because I’m driving 4 hours north to train with the best, in my home city). I check the MCC home paige daily for ideas and to see how all my new CF friends are kicking ass. The other day I was training one of my female clients and part of her workout was to run. I ran along with her on the last round and kept saying about every 5 seconds “Keep Running!” This round almost brought her to tears because she hates running so much. I asked her to read “Do you know Amy?” for homework. She left me a comment on my facebook as soon as she got home… “Thanks for the workout today. I WILL be a good runner! I read about Amy & I want that to be me. Thanks for the motivation Brad ♥”
Well Thanks for the motivation Amy! Keep kicking ass!
And keep spreading the gospel of fitness my MCC family!
321 go!
-bradley berlin
Cool story Brad!
Thanks Brad…that was an awesome story and I am glad that the story was an inspiration for someone 🙂
Have a great weekend and hope to see you back at the box soon!
Nice story JD and Amy I am glad that it was about you… I have worked out with Tom for a while now and it is nice to see that his wife is not a sedentary housewife(LOL) but a woman has taken charge of her life and health to be the best mom and Amy that you can be- That is nice and You ROCK!!! Pull ups are a great challenge and you got it! Great Job!!!
side note- I love how much everyone supports one another!! It is so great to read all the positive feedback and I love Crossfit!!!