Our Brenda

In the first of our 'Client Stories' features, we caught up with Brenda Murray. Brenda has been a member of the 7:30pm crew for some time now though she is know to drop in to a few other time slots every now and again.

What made you join CrossFit Antrim?

I wanted to loose weight as I was always tired and felt very uncomfortable, I seen CrossFit as an opportunity for me and wanted to attempt this as I wanted to get a healthier lifestyle and increase my fitness. 

I found myself very stubborn and always wanted to show people that I can do it, I also wanted to show myself that I can't beat anything that comes at me. 
I found it as a challenge for me to step over the door into a whole new different surrounding. A very nervous day for me but I overcome the nerves and got signed up for the onramp. Once I done this I felt totally different as I knew I was ready for this challenge ahead. 

I completed the onramp and enjoyed every part of this as it was something different, learning different movements etc, I then decided that I would like some PT sessions as I felt this would help me gain more confidence when being in the CrossFit class. 
I completed the PT sessions and I found myself ready for the classes and from that point to now I have enjoyed my journey but this is a journey I am not ready to stop. 

What were your first impressions of CrossFit Antrim?

My first impressions of CrossFit Antrim was that I felt I wouldn't be able to do any of the movements during my onramp, but to my surprise I beat this and was capable of doing all. 
I love the whole concept of this as this is not just your normal boring running on a treadmill, CrossFit is totally different from anything I have ever done before. 

Another impression of CrossFit Antrim/Magherafelt would have to be down to the coaches and staff, each one of them are all very helpful and are always close at hand during the classes etc. 
Even outside of the gym I would generally receive text messages, these just being your normal check up message to see how I was getting on with the PT sessions. 

With being in a gym like Crossfit I find it great as I have met and became great friends with alot of folk. I believe this is what a gym is all about meeting people and having everyone there to help each other out. 

Why have you stayed?

This is easy......I love it, love how it makes me feel, love how my body has changed since I joined up (even though that was a nervous day), I find myself being more positive in thinking about my health and not having to worry as much as I previously did. 

Another reason as to why I have stayed would be down to the CrossFit family - I love them all, every coach, staff, members in both Antrim and Magherafelt they have been a big part of me staying. 

You feel welcomed every morning or evening depending on the class you have booked into, you feel accepted as everyone else. 
During each class it's all team work in the strength parts, but down to your workout if you are the last person to finish other members come over and encourage you to keep going until you have all the reps completed and also the coaches would be over to encourage you also. 

The coaches and the friends I have made are another main factor as to why I have stayed with CrossFit, you really are a valued part of CrossFit Antrim and I am please to be part of an amazing CrossFit family. 

What is your next fitness goal?

My next goal in CFA would be to get my double unders, to get these would be a massive goal for me and eventually get my pull ups. 

Another goal or goals I would like to keep on achieving would be to do more or the announced workouts in "RX" form and also increase my PB's. 

I was once told that I was not allowed to lift anything heavier than 2.5kg, but with being in CFA I have proved people (doctors) wrong and here is some of my PB's I have achieved during my year in CFA. 
~Deadlift 75kg
~Back Squat 55kg
~Front Squat 50kg 

I would love to beat my above PB's and achieve more! 

I have vowed to keep going and achieve more, I feel getting PB's make you feel great and give you a positive thinking as I previously mentioned "I can do it" 

What changes have you noticed to your health and fitness since joining?

Some folk may be aware of this and some may not, but I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2015. A very big shock to me, my husband and both families and including my friends. I never smoked, never consumed alcohol and understood I was healthy. 

During the time of my treatment I gained a lot of weight (which I couldn't help) but my treatment ended in December'15. 
My doctors recommended that I was to get fit and loose body fat to minimise the risk of it coming back. 

This is why I plucked up the courage and being nervous stepped over the door of CFA and spoke with MT and signed up in July'16. 
From being diagnosed up to present the doctors are very happy with my progress and have also noted the determination I have shown. 

Would you recommend CFA to a friend?

I have mentioned CrossFit to my family and friends in numerous occasions about getting them on board and getting fit and healthy. 
I would love to see a lot more of my friends in CrossFit as I am proud of how far I have come from day 1 to now. 

I enjoy doing CrossFit and especially everyone in here. This has been the longest I have ever stuck at a gym as I love it. 
This is not like anywhere else where you are left to work at it yourself. 

With CFA you have the help from everyone around you. 

CrossFit has changed my life in a very big and positive way. It is so much fun and incredibly supportive and motivating place to be. 

As I said at the start "I can do it" and I am proof of that. 

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