Friendly, Humble, Hardworking
Congratulations Kirstin Killen the May 2022 BSC Athlete of the Month!
Where were you in your fitness journey before BSC and where are you now?
I have been participating in Crossfit for about seven years at different locations. My fitness journey can be divided by before 2020 and after 2020. During 2020 when gyms closed down I continued to try to work out at home in my garage. I really missed the push I received from being in a structured class with a coach. I joined the “comfort-food eating club" during that year and also began having extreme pain and both hips. Towards the end of 2020/beginning of 2021 I had bilateral total hip replacements and began my journey back to trying to be as active as I had been. 4 months after my second hip replacement I decided it was time to get back into eating healthier and finding a new Crossfit location. I was looking for a place with excellent coaches, coaches who knew what they were doing and would help make suggestions for me in my recovery process.
What were your goals when you started and have you achieved any of them?
My goals when I started at BSC were to try and gain the strength back I had lost after my surgeries. I am not quite there yet but I feel like it is attainable.
What about BSC makes you keep coming back?
What I am really enjoying and keeps me coming back are the coaches, the programming and the community. It is so hard to push yourself in the way that we do in class if you are by yourself. The support we receive from others here is motivating and seeing others learn and strive to do their best is inspiring.
When/what was your "ah ha!" moment?
My “ah ha” moment was shortly after first starting Crossfit. I have always tried to be active, jogging, spin class and traditional weight training. I always felt this pressure to look your best. After starting Crossfit I felt that pressure begin to subside and what I loved was the switch from feeling like workouts were “physique driven” to “performance driven.” I loved learning new skills and striving to do better just for myself. I learned that rather than restricting calories, it is better to eat for your health. I’m 56 years old and I think it is great that no matter how young or old a person is, there is a place for you at BSC. There is always a way to modify a movement and complete the workouts here.
Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
I am inspired by the young athletes we have in our community. The dedication they have to learn, the way they push themselves at such a young age and the respect that I see from them for others is admirable. I am also truly enjoying the coaching staff. Each one brings fresh ideas, great warmups and a little humor to the class. I always leave class knowing I had a great workout. Thanks BSC, I’m so happy to be a part of this community!