If you asked me six months ago if I ever thought I would join CrossFit, I would have shot you back a stern "no." Even with being a Division II athlete, I thought the lifts and workouts looked way out of my league. I spent months scrolling through Instagram, marveling at how muscular and athletic people who do CrossFit are. I dreamed of looking like those CrossFit stars that would pop up on my screen. I wanted so badly to make that dream a reality, but could I? I had just had hip surgery eight months before and now faced another health obstacle. The doubt consumed my thoughts until one day, I picked up the phone and called the closest CrossFit Gym. Next thing I knew, I was weeks into classes, having the time of my life. Throughout my time at the gym, I learned that CrossFit isn't just about working out; it's about so much more.

1.You will become a part of one huge, loving family who craves working out just as much as you do.

Eat, sleep, breathe, workout. Okay, well maybe that isn’t realistic, but you get the point. There’s nothing quite like having 10 workout buddies at once.

2.All ages and fitness levels are accepted.

Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. You may very well get your butt kicked by a 60-year-old and be completely embarrassed. That’s totally okay, though - each experience keeps you humble.

3.Everyone will support and cheer you on.

When your legs feel like Jell-O and you want to drop dead on the floor, don’t even think about it. Your friends won’t let you. They will cheer you on until you go the extra mile and get that extra rep in. Motivation is the name of the game.

4.There’s no such thing as a bad day if CrossFit is in your schedule.

Every workout has the power to clear your mind and make you feel refreshed. The negativity will be sucked out of you and the positive energy will flow in.

5.You only have to dedicate one hour a day to working out.

Each class is only 60 minutes!!!! Skip that Netflix show and drive five minutes down the road to your closest CrossFit Gym.

6.Every class is like a mini competition.

Who doesn’t love a little competition every day?! You are continuously trying to get new PRs and show everyone up. I don’t know about you, but being the best is pretty cool.

7.There’s nothing quite like WODs anywhere else.

Everyone loves a good Workout of the Day. How about “Triple 3” – row 3k, 300 double unders, and a 3-mile run?! Or maybe my personal favorite – wall balls (lol).

8.You will push yourself further than you ever thought you could.

When you think you can’t go anymore, your body will perform a miracle and keep going. You may feel like you’re dying, but I can assure you that you aren’t. You will be astonished by how much you can actually do – what a confidence booster.

9.You will get ripped.

Those abs or quads you’ve always wanted, yeah, you’ll get them. Say bye-bye to those love handles that no one loves!

10.You will walk out of class looking like you jumped into a swimming pool, but you will have zero regrets.

Every class is a new adventure, and you’ll sweat your brains out, but as you walk out the building, you’ll feel like a new person. If you don’t know this feeling I’m talking about, find the closest CrossFit gym to you, and get your butt off the couch and join!

Thanks to CrossFit Black Pearl, my eyes have been opened to an entirely different world of working out and staying active. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and challenge your body and mind with CrossFit. I promise you that you'll leave feeling like a new person - rejuvenated and full of life.