Some time ago, you walked into the Fort for the first time. You stared wide-eyed at the people working out shirtless. They were sweating, grunting, and they appeared to be in great pain. For a moment, you considered turning around and leaving.

"I could never do what they're doing. This looks WAY too hard. I'm not in shape enough to be here."

But you stayed. You took a deep breath, filled out the waiver, and started the most amazing journey of your life. This isn't the type of journey with a map and GPS. This journey can take twists and turns that you were never expecting!

Do you remember you back then? I do. I remember each and every one of you when you first walked through the door at my gym. I can remember how nervous and shy you were. Do you remember working out under the loft, kind of tucked around the corner because you thought people would be staring at you? Do you remember feeling embarrassed the first time you tried to get in and out of a pull-up band? Can you remember the absolute terror you felt when you had to sign up for your first "real class" outside of ramp-up?

You remember, right? Of course you do. Know what else I remember about you? I remember all the things you told me that you'd never be able to do. You'd never get that first pull-up. You'd never be able to do a whole workout as prescribed. You'd never be able to lift weights like everyone else. You'd never feel good enough about yourself that you could do a workout without a shirt in front of other people.

And look at you today. Look how far you have come since you first walked through my door. You have gotten stronger, faster and healthier. Your self confidence is higher than it has ever been. Perhaps you even use a picture of you working out as your Facebook profile picture. And maybe, just maybe, you can't stop telling everyone you know about this little thing called "CrossFit" that has completely changed your life.