When did you join EverProven and what brought you here?
I joined EverProven in October of 2020 through the CrossFit for Recovery program. I had a false start in February of 2020, but then COVID hit and I had an excuse to bail. A couple of friends encouraged me to try CrossFit and when the CrossFit for Recovery program started up, I jumped on it. I think the fact that I was held accountable by that program in addition to myself kept me from dropping out again. I’ve briefly disappeared a couple of times, but I’ve been really consistent for the last year.
What do you like best about EverProven?
Honestly, what don’t I like about EverProven???? I literally call EverProven my “safe space” and I’ve joked that I should start receiving my mail here. I love the community aspect of EP. I love that everyone is so genuinely accepting and supportive and friendly. When we are in the gym together, I never think about our differences as people, only the things we have in common–like the love of CrossFit, striving to be healthier, taking pride in accomplishments, and growing in all sorts of ways, to name a few.
Can you share a specific health improvement or positive change in your life that you attribute to EverProven?
Again, what hasn’t improved? So much has changed for the better with my lifestyle I don’t know where to start. It’s hard to talk about what has changed without talking about where I came from and that would take many, many words. The short version is that I have a history of disordered eating, substance use issues, trauma, and I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for most of my life. Now, I have my nutrition in check and I enjoy eating for real. I’ve been sober for over five years. I’ve worked through trauma issues and I very rarely feel TRULY anxious or depressed anymore. Eating healthy WORKS. Exercise WORKS. Having people around you who are (really) on your side WORKS.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to try EverProven?
Seriously, just do it. You don’t even know what you’re missing. When I started I had not done any real exercise beyond casual hiking and the RARE jog in so many years it’s kind of embarrassing. I had NEVER ONCE touched a barbell. I thought I would never be able to do CrossFit. But anyone can. Like, ANYONE. Every workout, movement, skill is scalable to whatever level you need. Coaches and existing members want to make you feel comfortable and want you to keep improving, but never in a pushy way. If you bring a willingness to do some work and have a growth mindset, there is absolutely nothing to be worried about.
When you aren’t at the gym what is your favorite thing to do?
I LOOOOOOVE paddleboarding and hiking the most, I think. Both being on the water and being on a mountain allows you to see perspectives–literally and figuratively–that you don’t get to see in everyday life. I’m also a sucker for all the animals in the known universe (especially squirrels, hahaha) and I enjoy helping them or just spending time with them as much as I can.
What is one interesting fact many people don’t know about you?
I’m fascinated by the paranormal, especially ghosts. But I’m also terrified of all of it. I have a ghost tattoo on my arm with a heart inside his chest which I got partly as a way to keep the love and drop the fear. I’ve spent a lot of my life controlled by fear and it’s exhausting.