by Christina Annunziata
Little did I know, two and a half years ago, when I first walked into Crossfit Danbury; how much “living under the bar” would change my life. Intimidated, nervous and unsure of what to expect, I walked right into the middle of the 2012 Open. The energy in the gym was incredible and I felt immediately welcomed. After that initial crossfit experience, I was hooked and haven’t looked back since. I was in awe of the determination and the commitment of the athletes, not giving up and giving the workout everything they had. If they finished before the person next to them, they immediately turned to cheer them on, encouraging them until the end. I felt right at home and wanted to be just like them.
Crossfit has taught me so much about myself personally and how I view the world around me. It has been such a positive influence on my life as well as my release. I have met so many amazing people who I have learned from and created life long friendships and bonds with. It has taught me how to take care of myself emotionally and physically and has shown me what I am capable of.
About a year in, I decided to take on my first competition and what an experience that was! Four months later we qualified for Regionals and I was chosen for the team. I couldn’t believe it and was so excited! Being amongst athletes of that caliber was absolutely incredible and to think I was able to compete alongside of them was mind-boggling. Since then I have been determined to get back to that stadium. The 2014 Open was a challenge and a struggle, but one I wouldn’t trade. It has exposed my weaknesses and my strengths, and has lit a fire inside of me I didn’t know was possible. Over the next year, I plan to bring it back to the basics, focusing on technique and honing in on my diet. Which to me means maybe swallowing my pride a bit, and taking a step back, scaling a weight or a workout to work on perfecting the movement. I am very happy and proud of my performance in the 2014 Open, but I know I have so much more in me.
I am so excited for what’s to come in the next year, so excited for the next chance to throw down with friends and teammates and thrilled to be a part of the 3Sixty team! The athletes at Crossfit Danbury are constantly inspiring me, old and new, as well as the athletes I come across in competitions and at other boxes. The community of people I have been introduced to has been absolutely amazing and so incredibly supportive. One of my greatest goals is to in return, be an inspiration to them- to help others see that hard work pays off, dedication and determination achieves goals and most importantly, to believe in themselves- both inside and outside of the box. After all, I owe it to my peers… it is what this community has taught me while “living under the bar.”