I recall telling my husband I had an appointment & when we arrived at our destination, my husband looked up & said, "Check the address again, I don't see any doctors office here. I only see a CrossFit gym." You see, for the last ten years, my husband spent his days off work driving me to my doctor appointments. Living with a few auto-immune illnesses, my doctors at the nation's leading hospitals had stopped me from anything physical (yes, that's exercising) & I spent 2-3 days at physical therapy (I was also a FT student). I was also placed in group therapy as there are no cure to what I have and I had to learn to accept & live with my condition. However, I couldn't just give up....on myself, my young children, their future, and my husband...I couldn't just sit at home & allow myself to become weaker--mentally & physically. All the 'what-if' & questioning myself if this next move I was about to make rational or had I lost my mind? Well, I'm here to say that today, this very special day exactly ONE year ago, I walked through CrossFit Shokunun's door & I have NEVER regretted my decision to go against the grain & do something I was told I could no longer do. The first time meeting Coach Joe, he asked a few questions regarding activity level, health issues or anything that would hinder performance, and a quick evaluation to understand where I was physically which was not great at all & we were done. Let's just say, I returned the next morning at 5:00 a.m for my very first CrossFit workout & TRUST ME--if you're in doubt about CrossFit because of your weight or limited physical ability, just look at me...I am still standing. Furthermore, I feel that it's important to address that when I started my CrossFit journey, I had NEVER done any type of CrossFit in my life although I was very athletic my entire life. That was before getting sick. Afterwards, I was the unhealthiest & heaviest I had ever been. Weight loss was not my primary goal. My goal was to get stronger & live longer for my family & this journey has been so much more. I am grateful for the community at CrossFit Shokunin which has become ohana. On my hardest days, someone is there to offer me support. When someone else is down--it's the other way around. Whether you're a seasoned athlete, first timer, scared, mature in age, mom looking for a gym with daycare, Shokunin is the place for you. I\There is no shame on your level of fitness, everyone is there to workout and support each other during hardships like death, breakups, divorce, welcoming Shokunin babies, academic accomplishments, members moving away, and empowering moments witnessing moms working out or teaching yoga with their babies cradled in their arms. Our members inspire and empower, undoubtedly, thanks to the wonderful coaches & owner, Coach Joe. I'm excited for Shokunin & what the future has in store. It's a great place & the energy, positive vibes is completely different from other gyms-- We workout & practice ALOHA at Shokunin. Love it so much, my husband and children joined. Niki-- I love to CrossFit with my family @ CrossFit Shokunin. The coaches really help me every time I workout & everyone is friendly. read more