Katies Return!
One of the hardest parts of the business we are in is having to say goodbye to our members. We know that without the members, we would have no community. Without the community, we would have no Blitz. But we understand that sometimes life gets in the way and people have their personal reasons for parting ways with us.
The great thing about the aforementioned community is that it remains open. Whether you left us 6 months or 6 years ago, we will always welcome you back with open arms and get ready to pick up where we left off.
Katie Returns
Katie recently rejoined us after a break and, besides wishing she had done it sooner, is loving life back amongst the Blitz community. Read on to hear a little more about what brought her back through our doors and how life has been since…
What brought you back to Blitz?
First and foremost, it was friendship that brought me back. I took a 'short break' from Blitz when work moved me to Mexico City. Back in the UK - two years, a lot of travel and many tacos later - I thought I'd get fit again and then re-join…. And then the pandemic happened.
I accidentally tripped and fell onto the sofa and didn't get up for another couple of years. One evening, my phone recorded a new PB of SEVEN WHOLE STEPS. I ordered a box of crunchy nut cornflakes and two chocolate eclairs to make myself feel better. It seemed that everyone else was getting increasingly 'prison fit' during the lockdowns, whereas I looked like I'd been in solitary confinement (sponsored by Deliveroo.)
However, I had kept in touch with friends from Blitz. I had remained in the unofficial ‘gin club', the ladies 'book' club, the occasional ‘swim at the lake club’… just the gym part was missing.
I had tried a few other places but nothing was quite right. One Friday, I joined the lovely Lisa Jaffrey and a few Blitz friends for a social at the box. Something clicked. I REALLY needed to move more; I always felt better after seeing these people… Tim asked me why I hadn't come back yet, and I had no idea. I signed up.
What do you value most at Blitz?
The coaching and the community feels! The people at Blitz are the best. There were so many people at my first class back (only some of them laughed and pretended not to remember me!) - it was lovely. CrossFit can seem intimidating at first, and again after a break, but the Blitz lot really are a welcoming bunch and have created a genuinely inclusive, friendly and fun training environment.
Every workout can be scaled and adapted, and I feel supported to go at my own pace while I'm building back up, (as well as getting a little nudge in the right direction when required). If I haven’t been to a class in a while, someone always checks in to see if I'm ok.
Why does this style of training work for you?
I have a busy job and a busy brain and find it hard to switch off. I love being able to turn up knowing that I will see friendly faces, get a varied and challenging workout and any support I need with technique - without having to plan my own programme or think too much about anything in advance. Sometimes I don’t even look at the workout before class, it's one less thing to worry about.
I come from a rugby background and love sports that have a place for everyone. You don't have to be a giant or a gymnast to do CrossFit. I’m 5’2” with tight shoulders and arthritic knees. Some people can lift heavy, some people can run fast, some people can do box jumps without making a sound (I KNOW). Some people hate wall balls more than me, but I haven’t met them yet.
What advice would you give someone struggling with an exercise routine?
Start, because it only gets easier once you're in the door. If you're new to CrossFit, the Foundation Course is a great way to learn the basics and meet other new people.
Stick around, start a conversation, and stay for a drink or a coffee if you can. I came for the training but stayed for the people. I've met some of my closest friends at Blitz over the years. YOU COULD BE NEXT.
Set your own goals. You don’t have to do every exercise or train every day. Sometimes, making it two or three times a week is a HUGE win for me. You don't have to understand all the acronyms, lift big weights, wear tiny shorts or watch CrossFit on YouTube in your spare time. You're also very welcome to do any or all of those things. Or you can be like me - all the fear, some of the gear and the occasional idea.
Stay. Don’t get disheartened if you miss a session or a week here or there. Apparently, it’s a lot easier if you don’t keep leaving and coming back again though (I should know.)
