Before I began my CrossFit journey I was your typical Planet Fitness member; I’d go to the gym a few times a week to run on the treadmill and use the circuit weights. I was content with my body, but I never thought of myself as strong or in great shape.
In January 2013, at the request of my good friend Lauren, I signed up for my On-Ramp class. Although I was a little intimidated to attend, after that first class I was hooked and have never looked back! I initially was only going three to four times a week due to work, but in November 2014, I switched to mornings classes and it became my daily routine. Monday through Friday at 6 a.m., I was there; ready to take on the daily WOD. I felt myself getting stronger and faster everyday….then in August 2015 I found out my husband and I were expecting our first child.

I immediately became nervous about weight gain, fatigue, loss of strength and endurance. Although doctors recommend not lifting over 25lbs during pregnancy, I continued with my CrossFit training after consulting with my midwife, and she agreed a healthy mom equals a healthy baby. Since I had been CrossFitting for over a year she encouraged I keep doing so. Yes, there were things I had to modify as time went on, but I personally never felt stronger! My coaches and 6 a.m. family supported me every day! I only gained 19lbs, which I attribute to RXing workouts and PRing movements that I continued until the day I gave birth (four days past my due date I showed up to my 6 a.m. class and had my son 8 hours later!).  I truly feel that keeping up my training helped me avoid many pregnancy symptoms and helped me keep the strength and endurance I needed to have a quick, natural birth to a handsome 7lb 9oz son.

After 6 weeks I got the okay to return to the gym. Post-pregnancy I have lost my baby weight, but am scaling workouts and lifting less weight. At first I had a little pity party with myself because I thought I would bounce back much faster than I have, as I’m an extremely competitive person, but I have found a new drive and motivation to slowly get myself back to where I use to be.

Without CrossFit New Hampshire, and the coaches and friends I have made there, I know my pregnancy would have been much different and many of these things would not have been possible. I am so grateful for this support system and I know they will be right by my side during my new training journey.