I’ve been doing CrossFit since 2008. For the past 17 years, my mom has heard me talk about it—how I fell in love with the CrossFit methodology and its focus on functional movement for longevity.
One moment, in particular, really drove this home for me. I watched my in-laws install a raised toilet seat with handles for their aunt, who was in her 70s at the time, so she could use the bathroom safely. That moment burned into my brain. Maintaining independence as we age isn’t just about luck—it’s about training for it. And that’s exactly what CrossFit does.
CrossFit teaches that the needs of my grandmother (or my mother) and an Olympic athlete don’t differ in kind—just in degree. While an elite athlete may need to squat hundreds of pounds for their sport, my mom, myself, and that athlete all need to be able to squat their body weight with balance, strength, and control.
For years, my mom stayed active in her own way. She’d tell me how she did push-ups on the kitchen counter while cooking or got up from the couch to do squats. She took walks now and then. These were great habits, but I noticed something else—she lacked regular social interaction and the kind of muscle- and brain-stimulating exercises that truly promote long-term health.
The Gift of Strength, Independence, and Community
Muscle mass is our insurance policy as we age. The more we have and can maintain, the better our quality of life. And just like muscles, our brains need constant challenge and stimulation to stay strong.
I knew that if I could give my mom one thing that would check all those boxes—physical strength, mental engagement, and social connection—it was CrossFit.
So when I visited her this past July, I took her to a CrossFit gym near her house. We met the owner, who shared the same love and values for CrossFit that I do. The plan was for my mom to start their beginner program.
But here’s the thing… it’s hard to take that first step.
If you’ve ever had someone in your life encouraging (or pushing) you to do something new, know that we do it because we understand how hard it is to start alone. We just want to help.
So, in December, since she still hadn’t signed up, I did it for her. My Christmas gift to my mom was CrossFit.
Honestly? I was scared.
Would she hate me for making her go? Would she even go? What if she hated it?
But then I thought…
What if this is the thing that makes the next chapter of her life amazing?
What if she finds friends? Feels strong? Feels empowered? Stays healthier longer?
That was a risk I was willing to take.
And She Went.
Now, the texts and phone calls I get from her are:
“Guess what I did today?”
Or—“My coach was so excited that I lifted X amount of weight, she almost texted you right then!”
She even brought my nephew for their “Bring a Friend” week. She’s showing up for CrossFit events, meeting new people, and sharing stories with me about her workouts and her gym community.
My heart is so happy, and I am so proud of my mom.
She has always shown me strength and resilience in life. Now, I get to help her see how strong, resilient, and capable she still is.
CrossFit is for Everyone.
Not everyone will choose CrossFit, and that’s okay. But if you or someone you love is looking for a community of like-minded people and a way to improve their physical and mental health—find a CrossFit gym.
If you’re in the North Phoenix area, come see us at WildFire CrossFit!
We welcome everyone in our group classes and offer a special First 30 Package, which includes five personal training sessions to set you up for success.
We also have our LIV 55+ class three days a week at 11 AM. (LIV stands for Longevity, Independence, and Vitality—because that’s what it’s all about.)
If you’re not local, find a CrossFit gym near you. I promise they will take care of you and your loved ones, just like CrossFit Falcon View in Colorado Springs has taken care of my mom.
The First Step is the Hardest.
But it could be the start of something amazing.
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