Name: Tasha McKinzie
Age: 31
Occupation: Business Security Consultant at Cox Business
When did you first start CrossFit? Fall 2012
Tell us about your sports & fitness background.
I started cheer when I was in 6th grade, and continued school and competitive cheer throughout high school. During competitive cheer I found a love for tumbling, which lead to me doing power tumbling through junior high and high school. Before I started CrossFit I used to run a lot, which is funny now because I HATE running.
How did you first get into Crossfit? How did it go?
One of my coworkers had just started and I heard him talking about how much he and his wife loved it. I brought it up to a handful of my friends and we all decided to start together. I found a box that was close to where I was living and my office and they had a beginners class starting the following week so I bit the bullet and signed up. As to how it went…I honestly thought I was in decent shape from all the running and traditional gym work I put in, my first workout was Baseline: 400m run,40 air squats, 30 sit ups, 20 push ups and 10 pull ups. Well, let’s just say I was completely embarrassed – I was not used to the CrossFit standard on sit ups, I could do about 4 push ups in a row and I had to use the thickest band they had to do a pull up. The box was dirty, the regular class had people grunting while lifting weights, I honestly thought I was joining Fight Club. But I loved it and I was hooked.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting Crossfit?
I have gained so much confidence in the way I look, I love my muscles, my broad shoulders, thick thighs, all of it. I’ve learned so much about diet compared to what I used to do, which was eat Lean Cuisine meals three times a day. I can lift weights I never thought I could lift now and things that used to scare me don’t anymore.
What impact has Crossfit had on your life?
My overall health and happiness has changed. I used to be so timid at the gym, but now I’m not afraid to be pushed outside of my comfort zone. The gym is a place where I can go to see not only my progress, but the progress in everyone at the gym. It also allows me to relieve all the stress that is accumulated throughout my work day.
What is your advice for people getting started or thinking about starting Crossfit?
Go for it! Everything can be scaled and learning takes time. There are still things I struggle with and it has been six years. You have so much support from your coaches and the new friendships you’ll come across in this sport.
What are your hobbies, interests, and other talents outside of Crossfit?
I love a good brunch with the hubs or friends/family. I enjoy spoiling my dogs with all the cuddles and bully rubs. I absolutely love being out at the lake with friends, it gives me a chance to catch up with them and relax.
What’s the wallpaper of your phone?
First kiss as husband and wife!