Vivian started out with CrossFit two years ago simply because it was the closest gym to her. It didn’t matter that it was a CrossFit gym, but it was convenient to her life in Baltimore and a good change of pace after working with a private trainer. The gym she found was welcoming - the coaches were great, programming was good, and the people were friendly (but not annoyingly so). But life doesn’t always cater to make fitness easy. Vivian got a new job in Virginia and began the CrossFit search again.

The first Virginia gym Vivian found was close to her job but pricey, and even after a few trial classes, it was not a place she would feel comfortable. After searching a bit more, Vivian tried a class at CrossFit Tysons Corner, and she liked it. According to Vivian, the person who taught her Day One class was really nice - they were accommodating, they scaled things, they were friendly. And there was also inclusivity. Vivian describes it as a fine line between community that feels like a cool-kids club, and community that feels like people willing to engage others that aren’t part of their group yet.

But then there had to be Day Two. “The thing is, I’m not really good with change. What’s going to happen now?” Vivian thought. Yet, the second day was also good - two classes, two hits. Vivian could see herself sticking with it. She was consistent, showing up multiple times a week, gradually building strength and what became more important - building a routine and building confidence.

I don’t do well with change, but I really liked this gym a lot more than I had liked other gyms.Then came CFTC’s most recent nutrition challenge. During the spring and summer of 2018 CFTC held an 8-week nutrition challenge with body composition before and after the challenge. Vivian had tried every nutrition challenge out there - short paleo challenges, Whole30, you name it. With those challenges, though, the extreme restriction was just too much. It wasn’t something that could last.

I’ve done every nutrition challenge you could possible think of. Paleo challenges, Whole30, this, that I’ve done it all.

The CFTC nutrition challenge had participants record and track their food every day for 55 days. The experience of tracking and balancing macros was an eye-opener to Vivian. It made her really choose what food she valued on a given day. Was it something she was craving and would really enjoy, or was it food just out of boredom and habit? Vivian described a default snack she would always have - hummus. During the challenge though she realized that the hummus should would seek out, wasn’t actually something she enjoyed, especially when you started to count its carb and fat content. For Vivian she could spend those macros on food she actually valued for that day.It was a really useful experience of finding how I valued food - what I really wanted to eat vs. what I was just eating. What is the thing I really want to eat today vs. what is just filler on a busy day?In terms of advice for people who have hit a wall with nutrition, Vivian’s advice is to get to a place where there’s room to add in what can be a very mentally difficult battle.

I needed to be in the mental headspace to change the food to begin with. I wasn’t there yet six months ago or nine months ago. I couldn’t address nutrition until I was in a fitness routine, and I had already set aside an hour of my day to take a break.

During weeks one and two of the challenge, Vivian saw a significant amount of weight loss. Even with some slip-ups in weeks three and four, Vivian used the full eight weeks to establish more sustainable routines. Over the eight weeks, she lost over two percent body fat with the majority of the fat loss coming from the gynoid (midsection) region. Her results were obvious to everyone in the gym, regardless of the quantified measurements of the second scan.

More than 2% bodyfat and 10 lbs. lost

She admits that one of her main goals was aesthetic - to look good in a business suit during an important presentation that would last through August. The fitness progress was a side benefit, but we all have our reasons.

Next up for Vivian is getting that first pull-up before the end of the year - she’s the closest she’s ever been.

Vivian’s advice to people just starting out?

Build a routine. Get to a space where you’re going to go, regardless of the workout. I’m at the point where I’ll look at the workout, dislike it, and still show up. That’s what it takes. I’m really happy here.