Here’s My Fitness Journey – In A Very Small Nutshell
- nicholsnutritionpr
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
I always grew up active. Always into something. I started dance at a young age and trained in ballet until I was 18. I was in marching band in high school and snowboarded on the weekends in the winter. In college I ran across the Indiana University campus to classes and was at work on my feet when I wasn’t studying.
Then, I graduated and moved home. I didn’t have a job and wasn’t nearly as active anymore. When I finally got my first job, I sat at a desk for 8 hours or more day Mon-Fri. I eventually got a cheap commercial gym membership and started out walking on the treadmill for a few hours after work every day. I worked my way up to weight machines and doing my best to not look stupid, because I certainly felt like I looked stupid. I had no idea what I was doing or what would be best, BUT I was moving. Results weren’t really happening, but I didn’t even know what results I was looking for at that time. Somewhere in this time frame my good friend, Lauren, asked if I wanted to join her for a 5k. I’d never been a runner (and frankly, I’m still not), however, she said we’d get cheese coneys and beer at the end. So off to do a 5k which turned into longer runs and eventually 2 half marathons.
I was working out but not getting stronger. I remember sitting on a ski lift and thinking about how bad my legs were going to hurt when I got to the bottom of the hill. In that moment I decided it was time to make a change and learn how to lift weights.
Crossfit wasn’t the first thought I had. I started researching the best ways to learn to lift weights and build muscle. I knew I didn’t want to just go to the gym and rinse and repeat the same movements or machines over and over and over. Crossfit kept coming up in my research. There were a lot of mixed reviews. Some people loved it and some people said it was too dangerous. I decided I had nothing to lose and started looking up gyms in the area. I came across Cornerstone and sent them a message.
I was paired with my first coach, Simon, who unfortunately has since passed away. It’s hard to describe how intimidated I was going into my first Crossfit box having never touched a dumbbell before, let alone a barbell. Gymnastics movements- I didn’t think I had a chance. To keep this brief, Simon was patient and taught me each movement. I got into my first class and left ready to commit to a new lifestyle. I changed my diet and was in the best shape of my life.
Things happen in life and change is normal. After Covid, I walked away from Cornerstone (no fault of their own). The gym was changing, I was changing, and my personal life was falling apart. All these things were blessings in disguise and eventually led to me coming back to old friends and a new Crossfit gym that had just been built from the ground up. 50/50 Crossfit at Legacy Martial Arts Academy was a dream the owners, Ryan and Mandy Roach had talked about when I met them years before.
After being in class for a while, I was asked if I’d thought about coaching. At that point I hadn’t put a lot of thought into training people in movement. I had my Level 1 Precision Nutrition coaching certification at that point, but coaching Crossfit classes hadn’t crossed my mind.
I got my Level 1 Crossfit coach certification shortly after that conversation and, well, the rest is history!
It’s been a journey that’s challenged me in the best possible ways. There’s been broken bones, personal life struggles, body/weight changes and severe heart issues. I’ve always found my way back to the gym and the barbell. When I first started this journey, I never thought I’d run a half marathon let alone two. I told my coach Simon I never wanted to compete in Crossfit. Now, numerous comps later, meeting my amazing man, Nick, I’m now a part of a team coaching our gym members through their first days in the gym and competing in their first comps.
To anyone reading this and looking for encouragement, reach out and start making things happen! Whether it's with me or another trainer or gym, don't be afraid to try!
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