Vickie C is 47 years old and lives in Belfountain, ON. She never considered herself to be the athletic type when she was young and then her father introduced her to bodybuilding. Her fascination with lifting weights lead to her to a new passion – CrossFit. This is her story as she shared it with SeeWhatSheCanDo.

Intrigued by weight lifting

I was never very active as a child other than your typical play outside kind of stuff. I was extremely thin as a young girl and not athletic in any way. I participated in recreational dance, figure skating and gymnastics, but never went to that next level.   

What I did have though, was a father who introduced me tobodybuildingg. As a young girl, people lifting weights intrigued me and it left an impression in my mind. I started lifting weights when I was in my twenties, but again nothing that would really challenge me.

Stress management

It wasn’t until my thirties that I really turned to weight lifting as a form of stress management. Exercise helped me deal with a number of things; work-related PTSD (I work in emergency services), postpartum after my first child, and my father’s passing. Somehow pushing myself past physical and mental barriers became cathartic and an essential way to deal with stress in my life.

CrossFit is my thing

However, there came a time when lifting weights just wasn’t enough.  Enter CrossFit.  It changed my life.  A friend of mine mentioned that she had this gym in mind – she thought that I would really love it.  Not knowing anything about CrossFit, I went in blind. Walking in, I thought to myself, “Okay, this is different”!   My first class was exhausting and my body hurt for days afterwards but I felt so invigorated and I knew that I was hooked. 

Since that day, I have incorporated both styles of exercise into my physical fitness. Being in my late forties and able to climb ropes, do handstands and lift more weight than I ever thought possible, was incredible to me. Soon, I began getting messages from other women who told me they were inspired by my posts on Facebook to get back into fitness. The thought that I could inspire someone was extremely humbling to say the least. 

Bring on the competitions

I now, at almost 50, also participate in fitness competitions. With an organization called Ultimate Fitness Events (UFE), I have placed first in bikini and first in fitness model, tier one. Participating in fitness competitions gives me a goal to work towards and keeps me accountable to myself. UFE puts an emphasis on being all-natural within the bodybuilding industry and focuses on having fun while competing.

My coaches

I have been lucky to have some amazing CrossFit coaches at two different affiliates – CrossFit Groundworx in Newmarket and coach Tyler Robbins, main coach at Crossfit Orangeville out of The Athlete Institute in Orangeville. You can follow Tyler on his Facebook page at Tyler Robbins Fitness.

Nutrition is equally, if not more important to support my fitness goals. I have worked with two phenomenal nutrition coaches, one who shows passion for holistic wellness and a love of athletics, Dr. Alli Cain; and one who is passionate about fitness as a coach and mentor, teaching and empowering women in health and wellness, Nichelle Laus.  Both women are extraordinary role models and inspirational.

Nichelle Laus can be reached on Facebook at Nichelle Laus, on Instagram at Nichellelaus or Otctoronto or on the web at www.nichellelaus.com or www.otctoronto.com

Dr. Alli Cain can be reached on Facebook at Dr. Alli Cain, Instagram at drallicain or on her website at www.draillicain.com.

My advice to other women

Do not let self-doubt or lack of confidence prohibit you from getting out there and being active. It is NEVER too late to start! You only have one life, make it a healthy one.

Do not be intimidated to try CrossFit. It is not just for the elite athlete, it is for everyone. The workouts can be modified to suit any physical capability. So many times I hear women say, “I could never do cross fit, it’s too hard”. No it’s not. It is only as hard as you want to make it.

My motto: Be true to your heart.

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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