Since its foundation in 2008, my dad has been working out at CrossFit Vacaville almost religiously. My mom and I were hesitant at first, but my dad was too far in to be convinced otherwise, so we went with it. For a long time, I didn't see the draw of it; I mean, it was just a bunch of weight-lifting and cardio, what could be so difficult or challenging about that?

Boy was I mistaken.

Back in 2014, I tried CrossFit for the first time. They started me off, as they do everyone, with a set of standard beginner's workouts, after which I graduated to doing some lightweight WODs, or Workout of the Day. I strongly remember a workout involving flipping a huge tire; it was a 1-10-1 repetition of flipping the tire, then jumping into the hole of the tire, then jumping out. The flips and jumps increased in repetitions from 1 to 10, then decreased back down to 1. My arms were sore for a week, but I did it!

And to my surprise, I loved it! I was doing well, gaining muscle and losing fat, and I was very happy doing so. However, there was always something missing.

Two years later, having given up CrossFit to go to college, I found my way back into the groove. I had gained a lot of weight due to eating poorly and exercising—well, never—but I was bound and determined to work it all off. At this point, CrossFit Vacaville had moved a few blocks away to a smaller location, and yet the classes had grown immensely.

I began taking advantage of the 9am class, and quickly found a rhythm amongst the other CrossFitters, as well as with Coach Tiffany. That's when I met several of my now-friends, including a woman in her late twenties, K.J. K.J. and I hit it off when she told me to up my weight on my kettle bell swings and stop being a pansy, although she used much nicer terms. She had a purple streak in her hair and a sassy attitude that both cracked me up and warned me not to end up on her bad side. After getting to know her, I quickly made friends with a few other 9am-ers, including a CrossFitting couple, Christine and Ben. I began to babysit for them, as well as for K.J., and I absolutely love getting to see their kiddos at CrossFit during the summer.

Since re-engaging in CrossFit Vacaville last year, I've met several people who have made my experience there that much better. The camaraderie and community aspect of our location makes working out an enjoyable experience. It promotes friendly competition, pushing each other to do their best, and praising and encouraging your workout family.

Yes, it's hard. Yes, it hurts. Yes, there have been times when all I wanted was to give up, go home, curl up in a ball, and cry—but I didn't. These trainers are here to support me, to lift me up, to encourage my success, and to push me to push myself. My CrossFit family has helped me lose over 60 pounds, and they continue to help me reach my ultimate fitness goals. It's tough, sure, but it's tough love; even when your doubt whispers, "You can't." there is always someone there saying, "Yes. You. Can!"

Last year, my dad signed my cousin Josh up for a CrossFit location near his home in Michigan. This, along with eating well—and with support from his wife Amy, his three kids, and the entirety of our family—has helped Josh to lose upwards of 100 pounds. From where I sit, he is a happier, tougher, and stronger version of the wonderful person he was a year ago.

CrossFit isn't for everyone, I'm all too aware of that. It seems intimidating, hardcore, and even dangerous to some, and sometimes it is. You absolutely have to know what you're doing before you do it, and that's what the coaches at CrossFit Vacaville have helped me to learn. But not all CrossFit locations are created equal, and some focus on very different aspects of fitness. Finding the right CrossFit to suit your needs and your goals is imperative to reaching success.

That said, I do recommend trying CrossFit if you haven't done so before. Even if you have, try a location; you never know, you may find a community that boosts your confidence and helps you shatter your exercise goals.

Special Thank You to CrossFit Vacaville, all of their coaches, and Andy & Marcia for founding this location and inspiring us to reach new heights in fitness.