Aimee's Story (so far..)

  This is Aimee Gullo.  Aimee has been training with us since late December and is already seeing some impressive results.  A former US Marine, Aimee is busy pursuing her degree in Physical Therapy as well as working a full-time job.  She attends CrossFit class once or twice a week, depending on her schedule, and incorporates our movements into her training at home. 

'I got out of the Marines in October 2004. At that time I weighed 130 lbs and was accustomed to exercising 3-5 times a week. For our physical fitness test, I could easily run three miles in 26-28 minutes, complete 100 sit-ups in under 2 minutes, as well as the prescribed female flexed arm hang for 70 seconds.'

'When I got home it was hard for me to transition to the 'local gym' scene.  I couldn't find any motivation within myself, to reach that next goal or push myself to my limits. I wanted to be competitive, but aerobic classes felt cheesy.  The weight rooms at the gym made me feel lost and intimidated.  Athletic leagues were too clicky..  And finally, running by myself...  Boring!!!  In the end, I simply gave up.'

Through a friend, Aimee was referred to CrossFit Delaware Valley and attended her first class in late December. 

'That first class back in December was all it took. It was EVERYTHING I had been looking for. There was the instruction on technique, explanation of everything, group camaraderie, variety of workouts..  I could go on and on.  The overall atmosphere is unbelievably welcoming, friendly, and supportive.'

'Between my school and work schedule my free time during the week is extremely limited.  That said, my Saturday class attendance has become almost religious.  I just need the physical activity.  Given my schedule limitations, I wasn't looking to see any changes from what I thought was really minimal effort.  My daily food intake could be assessed as a sketchy form of 'healthy'.  No fast food, but not a rigid plan.  At my first class I weighed 170lbs.  Over the next few weeks, though, I started to feel better about myself and my body image.  My clothes were fitting a bit better and others were starting to comment that something had changed about me.  Without making any diet changes, I decided to get back on the scale.  To my surprise, I gained 4lbs, taking me up to 174lbs total!  Once I started breathing again, I remembered that I have a muscular build and that I need to give this some time.'

'After speaking with George [CFDV Instructor], I decided to give the Zone Diet a real try.  I visited Crossfit.com and printed off CF Journal number 21, which is sort of a 'Zone Diet for Dummies' and has a easy block chart for calculating food intake'.

'Now, I follow the Zone Diet as best I can. Not everyday is perfect, but such is life. Since starting to pay more attention, I have already lost 9 lbs, and this is with what I consider to be minimal effort. I'm hopeful that things will continue to go well! My goal weight is 140 lbs. My Crossfit goals are many, but I will definitely be at more classes this summer once the semester is over.'

Aimee doesn't mention it, but her performance in our workouts has improved dramatically.  She has gained strength, endurance and stamina and can really compete on Saturdays. 

Congratulations, Aimee, and we wish you continued success in the future!

AIMEE UPDATE 3/21:  Aimee has now lost 15 lbs with her Zone Diet/CrossFit combo!

Comments

[Colleen]

Aimee it is truely inspiring to watch your dedication and progress from week to week! Keep up the hard work because you are killing it!!