I AM CFG (Shannon Gardner)

Gardner

I started the CrossFit Gardendale Beginners On-Ramp class in February 2015.  I really wanted to start much earlier than that but I just kept making excuses as to why CrossFit was not for me.  I have always been a runner/cardio workout kind of person; weights seriously intimidated me!  Every time I thought about lifting weights my constant thought was I don’t want to lift heavy weights, get bulky or look somewhat manly like some of the women in the magazines.  In my mind I wanted to workout and look slim and toned and not like a bodybuilder.  Not wanting to get too bulky was one of my biggest excuses for not starting earlier. As I approach my one year anniversary with CrossFit Gardendale, I reflect back and sorta laugh on how uneducated I was about lifting weights.  I actually enjoy lifting weights now.  The workouts CFG provide are so diverse.  I feel like every time I go into the box my entire body is getting a workout not just one or two areas.  My favorite workouts are the ones when we lift weights and run.  I feel so much better since I started lifting weights.  I can certainly say that I have gained muscle mass and lost fat.  I feel stronger and healthier than I have in a long time.  I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when people comment on the muscle tone of my arms when I am just doing random things.  It just makes me laugh and in my mind thankful that I FINALLY figured out that working out and lifting weights are my new way of life.

I am a runner, I am not bulky, I AM CFG!

April On-Ramp begins April 4th! For more info on On-Ramp and how to get started click here.