I walked in a bit nervous but left feeling empowered! What gave me this empowerment you ask? I completed my first WOD! That’s right, I said WOD. What is that funny word? In CrossFit lingo, that’s the “Workout of the Day!” A friend of mine, who is also a Navy wife, kept talking about doing CrossFit and how she is finally happy with her body and how she feels better than she ever has and can keep up with her four kids now.
I knew it was meant to be when the owner of CrossFit 904, Josh Krehbiel, spotted me on this blog and e-mailed me inviting me to come and try his class. Come to find out I already knew Josh! This was all falling into place. After a few weeks of making excuses, I accepted his offer and showed up one Tuesday morning.
I love to workout, but I’ll be honest, the word CrossFit intimidated me. I pictured huge muscular men doing one-armed pushups upside down. So, as I said, I was a bit nervous walking in. Josh assured me there was nothing to be nervous about. He gave me some paper work to fill out then I went into the “box.” Box is just another CrossFit word that means gym. Everyone was so nice and immediately introduced themselves and shook my hand. You aren’t going to get that kind of welcome at a traditional gym folks.
Then Josh explained the WOD, which I’ll admit I understood maybe half of what he said and I’m sure I had that deer in the headlights kind of look on my face. I may have panicked a little, but then he walked over and explained everything again and it finally made sense. It’s even written on a dry erase board in case you forget what you are supposed to do next. Then he started the clock and music and we were off. It was an awesome workout and I left feeling accomplished. Did I mention how encouraging everyone was? The people who finished before me encouraged me to finish.
I am now three weeks in and an official member of CrossFit 904. I can’t wait to see what the WOD is each time I go because it varies every class. There is nothing boring about CrossFit! I absolutely love lifting the huge weights, and throwing them down when they get too heavy is a rush! And for those of you who worry about getting hurt, trust me, Josh will show you the proper way to lift and will stay on you until you do it correctly. I’m not sure how many times he has told me “elbows up!” He also spends time after class helping us with technique and form. How many trainers care that much to help after your time is up?
I know there are a lot of CrossFit facilities in Jacksonville, but here’s what sold this mom on CrossFit 904. Josh told me that they are all about family, and that is evident. I explained to Josh that I had several challenges in my life at the moment, including a deployed husband, so I was not looking to sign a contract or pay for something and lose my money when my kids are sick or I decide to travel to see family. Guess what? No contracts, no enrollment feels, and if you miss a class you have 60 days to make it up. And military people, listen up! They offer a hero discount of 15% off to military and their spouses. Sold! Also, just last week they moved into a new larger space that has two showers and a dedicated kids’ room. If you are expecting, Josh also coaches pregnant women, including his wife.
I asked Josh to take pictures of me doing some CrossFit moves. Please remember that I am a newbie so I am struggling in these pictures. We both agreed that I do not make the prettiest faces when I workout. Oh, the things I do for my readers.
I urge you to come and workout with me. Checkout the schedule on the website, which is also very informative and shows a video of members sharing their stories about why they love CrossFit 904. I attend the Tuesday/Thursday 9:30 class which Josh calls the “Unofficial Mom Class.” You can check out their Facebook page too.
Here’s the really awesome part! CrossFit 904 is giving away five two-week trial memberships to our readers who enter below. Swimsuit season is right around the corner ladies, so let’s do this thing!
Way to pump some iron Liz!! Sounds like a great place!
Great post Liz!!!!!
This looks awesome! Great job, Liz, on the tought WODs and the great post!
Awesome Liz!! Strong lady!! I would love to try CrossFit!