Another Reason I Love What I Do
Written by C.J. Martin
As I have said many times on this blog, working with the amazing individuals that walk through our doors is a dream come true. Walking into the gym each day and interacting with the members of our community is as rewarding as any career I could have imagined. Notes of appreciation like the one below from Isabel are the cherry on top. I owe so much to the coaches and the members of the Invictus community for making Invictus a place where everyone should feel comfortable and capable of thriving, that I thought it was appropriate to share Isabel’s note:
During my time away from Invictus I have come to some realizations that I wanted to share. I hope you already know all of this, but I just wanted to thank you. Invictus has become so much more to me than just a gym. I have learned what it is to truly be healthy and strong. So many people struggle at other places to project an image, and it’s just that – an image, a toned body that is lean. However, that is not what it means to be strong and healthy. It’s a lifestyle change that you have to decide to make. I have become more aware of what goes into my body not only to take it to the next level, but honestly because you feel it at your next workout.
I love that everybody is viewed equally no matter if your lifting 200 lbs. or just the bar; everyone gets the same encouragement and push. Invictus not only leaves me feeling healthier and stronger but overall better about myself. It means so much to me when I complete a workout, I feel as if I actually accomplished something with my day, and that is not something that I get to feel often. I have more energy and strength to carry on. The people that you get to cheer you on or workout beside have become so much more than just another body. Invictus is truly like another family, I love all the ladies and men that I get to say hello to when I walk into the door. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of Invictus.
Thank you Isabel, and thank you for being one of the amazing individuals that has helped to create our wonderful culture.
What a great “warm-fuzzy” to start my day! Nice work to all!
Isabel, you are an AMAZING person in life and in the gym! You are one of the people who makes Invictus a special place. You so eloquently expressed exactly how I feel about Invictus also. It’s an incredible place and I feel extremely lucky to be a part of it. Hope to see you at 9:30 soon:)
Right on! Ditto to all of the above.
And a big thanks to Michele of MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMgood Meals and her cooking class. I got some great ideas from her and am happy to say that we’ve expanded our menu based on her teachings. I was a little scared to try some of the foods she showed us how to prepare, but now they’re a regular part of our diet.
Hey guys!
GREAT article CJ. Just plain, good stuff.
You rock Isabel. Keep it up sister!
As we are slowly getting our garage gym
going (we have a bar, a few plates, kettlebells and a pull up station!), every time I hit a WOD, I recall some motivating morning at CFI. I really miss that environment, but I draw on those experiences now that I train alone. I think that is a testament to the lasting effects of the quality training and lessons learned at CFI.
What is happening down there can’t be replicated and it’s really a special place to train.
Anyway, I think The Freischlags are LONG overdue for a visit and we are coming soon. Just adjusting to my new work schedule.
We sure miss everyone!!!
BC and Family
Isabel,
You hit the nail on the head when it comes to the vibe at CFI. Collective encouragement and appreciation for how hard the work can be and how much focus a consistently serious effort requires are staples that we feed on. I can’t recall a workout where someone didn’t offer a kind word, good technical advice or just a shout out for a “big push!” Invictus appears to be one of those rare places where desire, humility, effort and empathy converge … kind of like the Olympics, every day.
Cheers to your continued progress.
I couldn’t agree more. Invictus is truly a amazing place, a special place that no
matter what it will always be part of me. Everyone that is attending Invictus truly has the best all around coaches, staff, and members. Thank you Crossfit Invictus