Monthly Member Profile- Laurie Hellmann
Achieving True Strength… Mind, Body & Soul
Like so many of my friends at Four Barrel Cross Fit, I have been extremely active (playing sports, dancing competitively, teaching Zumba fitness classes and endurance running) most of my life. Over the years, I’ve also had memberships to several local gyms but honestly never really knew what the heck I was doing when I got there. So, 90% of the time, if I showed up to work out at all, I ended up only running on the treadmill because it was the least intimidating place to be.
Despite being “fit,” I still had a horrible body image and struggled to understand or appreciate the true meaning of what well rounded fitness looked like. Due to focusing predominately on cardio and a few lower body muscles, I found myself constantly dealing with injuries while training for marathons & essentially burning out from “exercising” due to only running. Not to mention that as I aged, my lack of upper body strength became a hindrance in my ability to meet some of the needs of my 65 lb, 11 year old son with Autism who often needs to be lifted or carried. I was frustrated with my body for being weak, irritated that I hadn’t taken the advice of so many who suggested cross-training as the best way to build up my core strength and angry that working out caused me stress instead of relieving it.
That all changed the minute I walked into Four Barrel CrossFit and talked at length with our owner, Case Belcher. His ability to relate to my running injuries and his knowledge of nutrition, weight training and everything Cross Fit represents was eye opening & exciting. I’ll never forget my first workout at the 4BCF box. I walked in and was immediately in awe by the sights & sounds of the WOD going on – bands hanging from the rig, boxes lined up across the floor, music blaring, people pushing their bodies to the limit, and screams of encouragement for those still finishing. I hadn’t even started my class yet and I WAS HOOKED!! The friendly, supportive and challenging environment of 4BCF is exactly what I had been missing from all my prior athletic pursuits. With each WOD came more self confidence and strength! I could only dead lift 50 lbs when I started and now I’m dead lifting 190 lbs! It’s such an amazing feeling to PR a lift, Rx a WOD or completely conquer something that you couldn’t do before – double unders, handstand pushups, toes to bar, overhead squats, etc… I constantly remind myself of all that I’ve achieved in 1 ½ years at 4BCF both physically and mentally. No longer do the phrases “that’s too heavy” and “no way I’ll finish” or the word “can’t” come out of my mouth. For the first time in my life, I actually know what I’m doing when working out and look forward to getting there to enjoy the classes with my friends – who now feel like family. I could go on forever about the amazing coaches and members of the 4BCF family. I am so lucky to have such fantastic people in my life and only wish I had found 4BCF sooner!
Of all the personal accomplishments I’ve gained since joining Four Barrel, seeing & hearing the admiration of my 9 yr. old daughter makes me the most proud. There is no greater compliment than having her tell me I am strong or my muscles look amazing – particularly when those statements come as she watches me now effortlessly lift her brother! I’m so proud to be a role model for her by illustrating that strength, a muscular (NOT skinny) body, and confidence are all powerful and beautiful attributes of a woman! Now, when I look in the mirror each day, I love my body and wouldn’t change a thing!