Joan S.

“Strength Ratio is where I take care of myself first....It’s so refreshing to participate in a program that doesn’t hurt my body while it helps me get stronger.”

Strength Ratio is where I take care of myself first.

I had always been active and involved in sports or worked out at a gym or at home. But as my life flew by, there were times when I missed months or even years of taking care of myself.  At 50, I realized I wasn’t where I wanted to be with my health and fitness, so I did two things.  I started an online class called Unbeatable Mind and I joined a CrossFit gym.    

I eventually plateaued within CrossFit because, as a master’s level athlete, I was always struggling with programming that was written for athletes who were much younger and in much better physical shape than I was.  I was injured and frustrated.  I needed more personal programming, and so I started looking for other options.  My gym friends, Claire and Flora had been going to SR and encouraged me to try it out.  It was so refreshing to participate in a program that didn’t hurt my body while it helped me get stronger.  

I was curious about competitive weightlifting since my daughter had been a youth weightlifter.  At SR, I eventually felt strong and confident enough to try it out.  Weightlifting is one of those addictions that gets deep in you…the sound of banging barbells and plates is one of my favorite sounds.  There’s timing and technique and the grind… all things this girl loves.  I’ve learned how to set realistic goals for myself and to have a plan instead of just hoping to “not get injured,” which was my only goal at CrossFit. 

Strength Ratio has a strong, supportive community and I’ve felt a part since my first day even though I’m one of the oldest on the team.  I’ve made a lot of friends, and while there is an atmosphere of discipline and accountability, it’s always fun and there’s daily dancing.  The coaches are always patient. If I’m having a bad knee day or bad shoulder day, or I just didn’t get enough sleep, there are always options to accommodate whatever is going on.  My fitness journey taught me how to take care of me first, so I am able and available to work and take care of my family and be there for my friends.  SR is a wonderful place to learn to do that.  

Strength Ratio taught me to wait for the cookies!!!