Name: Kasi McLaughlin
Age: 41
Occupation: Employee Benefits Account Manager at HUB International

When did you first start CrossFit?

I began doing CrossFit at Eclipse in April 2019.

Tell us about your sports & fitness background.

I was very active as a kid. I played multiple group sports before focusing solely on softball. I played softball for Norman High School and then all throughout college in intramural leagues. After college I belonged to various gyms and attended group fitness classes.

How did you first get into CrossFit? How did it go?

My husband Ross started CrossFit at Eclipse in the summer of 2018. He really enjoyed it and kept nudging me to try it out. I attended one class in the fall of 2018 and was very intimidated. I walked away from that class thinking that CrossFitters were insane and didn’t know why anyone would put themselves through such adult hazing voluntarily!

After this experience I joined Orangetheory, but soon realized that it wasn’t flexible enough for my lifestyle. Since Eclipse was on my way home from work and had several class options that I could attend I decided to give it another shot (8 months after my first class)!

The second class I attended at Eclipse went much better. I knew more about what I was getting into and told myself not to compare myself to others and realize that I was just going to feel stupid for a while!

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting CrossFit?

I can definitely tell that I have gotten stronger and in better shape since I started CrossFit, as I have been able to lift more weight and finish cardio faster. I was able to see little improvements in my body just by coming to CrossFit and pushing myself to lift heavier weights, however, it wasn’t until I started doing WAG, with Grace as my coach, that I started to see any differences on the scale or body scans. Prior to WAG, I didn’t watch what I ate at all. I figured I would just burn most of it off by doing CrossFit. But I soon realized that I wasn’t going to see the results in the gym that I wanted if I didn’t start watching what I put into my body. The first week of WAG I lost 6 lbs. (I also bitched and moaned a lot too). It hasn’t been easy, but after sticking with it for almost a month now I don’t crave the bad food like I used to, I am more mindful of my portion sizes, and I don’t eat because I am bored.

What impact has CrossFit had on your life?

CrossFit has given me a great sense of community. When I go to class I am going to see my friends as well as workout! It also gives me something to look forward to. I like setting goals and being able to work toward them.

What is your advice for people getting started or thinking about starting CrossFit?

Don’t let your intimidation or fears stop you. Everyone, even the competitors, were beginners at some point. It may take you a while to feel like you know what you are doing, but everyone is there to help you and remembers what it felt like when they first started.

 What are your hobbies, interests, and other talents outside of CrossFit?

When I am not at work or Eclipse I am normally attending my son Andrew’s sporting events or chasing him around. I am an OU and Thunder sports fan and enjoy reading mysteries and dining out without kids! I am also a member of Boston Avenue Methodist Church.

What’s the wallpaper of your phone?

A picture of me, Ross, and my son Andrew.