My CrossFit Journey - Mandy West

Hi my name is Mandy and I’ve been training at Crossfit Moreton Bay for almost 6 years and I was asked to write a little bit about my fitness journey and why its possible for everyone.

People often ask me how I do it!

How I look the way I do, how I train the way I do and how I juggle full time work, parenting 2 kids, training, nutrition and a balanced life. Well the truth is I haven’t always been this fit, and to assume it’s been an easy road is by no means a definition of the path I have travelled. 

So what did that path look like? Well…..

I was relatively active and fit in my childhood years and then In my early teens I was diagnosed with an adolescent disease in my back causing kyphosis ( excessive spine curvature)

Unfortunately this back disease caused chronic pain and deterred me from progressing to a lifestyle involving health and fitness. Consequently, I gained weight and lost sight of my health and fitness goals.

Then in my early 20’s I was told that due to the condition in my back, it was unlikely that I could carry children without being in a world of pain throughout the pregnancy.

Also Carrying extra body fat increased pain and aesthetically the kyphosis in my spine was very pronounced and obvious. 

The choices were do nothing and lead a shitty life OR make a change……

I decided it was time to make a change!

It was time to lose weight, It was time to decrease my back pain and it was time to feel better!

Not really knowing any other way to get fit I did what most people do and joined a regular gym. This was a changing point for me and I knew by addressing the fire in my belly I would change my life around, I would find happiness, positivity and regain my health and fitness. I lost weight slowly and carefully through “general fitness” at a the gym which was fantastic, and losing the weight helped me able to carry my two awesome boys through 2 pregnancies, but even though I had lost the weight, the pain in my back during both pregnancies was still severe and after having my babies I wondered if it would be like this forever…..

So……My husband Mick had been doing CrossFit at CrossFit Moreton Bay for 2 years, and had been trying to convince me to join him - in fact every day after training he was telling me to come along, so finally, and with trepidation, I did it.

Watching some “CrossFit” and hearing about the type of training involved I had mixed emotions before starting and was worried that my back wouldn’t cope with that style of training, and that level of intensity.

If only I knew then what I know now….

After the first 6 months of CrossFit my body made the quantum leap from chronic pain to pain management. I realised in that first 6 months I had nothing to worry about as had wonderful coaches to guide me through my technique and range of movement while spending time helping me overcome my fears.

After now doing CrossFit for approximately 6 years I no longer take pain killers for my back and I no longer doubt my ability. Those who have experienced any type of chronic pain will understand just how massive that is! I found that CrossFit was strengthening those muscles that support my spine, making me stronger and reducing my pain. I understand that there will always be injuries and bumps in the road as there is with any sport, but I feel the coaches are always here to help you through them.

I feel stronger, I feel fitter, I love the powerful community and camaraderie at CrossFit Moreton Bay, and most of all I love that I am pain free and have found a way of life that brings so much happiness.

This is me now and this is what I do!