"I tell people that a surprising aspect of CrossFit is the people at the gym, no matter what ages they are, become your friends and it feels like a community or family."
On the two-year anniversary of CrossFit 816, a crowd gathered awaiting the announcement of the celebratory workout. The open bay doors released the humidity of the Midwest while welcoming the growing number of CrossFitters who no longer seemed to fit in the box as easily as the first birthday. Owner and head trainer Kelly Stripling looks around at the familiar faces she trains everyday and smiles. In the crowd she sees her mother, a committed CrossFit athlete.
Stripling was a distance runner who suffered hip problems and overuse injuries. She was about to turn 40 when she began to research what was keeping her from being fit. Stripling was doing the work, with nothing to show but pain and setbacks. “I was tired of hurting, tired of working so hard and still having cellulite,” she says.
Her journey was a puzzle she pieced together from websites, and others’ advice and opinions. She completed the puzzle when she clicked on CrossFit.com.
It did not take long for Stripling to realize she wanted more from CrossFit than a great workout. She wanted to bring CrossFit to her community and her family. This desire led to the opening of CrossFit 816. Her children, sister, brother and nephew were quick to sign up. However, her mother, Sandy Bock, wasn’t so quick.
Bock, 64, was no stranger to fitness when she met CrossFit. She walked, joined various classes involving bodyweight movements and even added some weight training. Bock wanted to be fit, but was skeptical when her daughter kept saying, “You need to try it, anyone can do it.”
Finally, Bock gave in. “What did I have to lose? I would get to see my two daughters, son and four grandchildren,” Bock says. “I did the intro class and loved everything about it, even though it was the hardest thing I have ever done.”
“Her self confidence is her biggest limiter,” Stripling says about her mom. “It’s not that she didn’t love the challenge, it’s that her challenge is her head. She gets upset when she can’t do what another can.”
With the support of her family and other members, Bock rose to the challenge. “From the start, I made it known that I didn’t want any special favors. I found out that CrossFit is also a mental process,” Bock says. “Sometimes your mind says you can’t do something and you want to give up. But with the coach's encouragement, you can overcome the negative thoughts.”
She now owns the gym record for the longest plank hold: four minutes. She can shoulder press 75 lbs. and follows a strict paleo diet. “Even our holidays are 100 percent paleo,” Stripling says.
“I see my mom at the gym more than anywhere, and CrossFit is all we talk about at family dinners. It really has made my mom, my family, closer,” Stripling says.
Stripling watches over her mom as she scales her runs. She reminds her form becomes more and more important at her age. Stripling recommends advocating a paleo lifestyle to all her trainees, but even more so as we get older. “It’s a hard, but necessary change, just like CrossFit is a necessary hobby for health.”
Bock’s recovery is also observed to make sure everyday she leaves feeling energized and strong, not beat down and weary. In fact, Stripling doesn’t want her mother training more than three times a week.
Bringing your mom to CrossFit is contagious at 816. “Now, other athletes bring their moms in. They want them to be just as healthy, independent and strong as my mom is,” Stripling says.
When asked what she would say to a resistant trainee creeping up in age Stripling says, “Hit ‘em with the facts, it’s not opinion. CrossFit works, we prove it.”
Bock shares her daughter’s sentiments, adding: “I am often frustrated that more people my age don’t do enough for their health, both physical and mental,” she says. “I tell people that a surprising aspect of CrossFit is the people at the gym, no matter what ages they are, become your friends and it feels like a community or family. It is just a win-win opportunity and maybe a little addictive in a totally positive way.”
CrossFit is giving Stripling and Bock daily opportunities for growth within the box, but none quite as telling as what happens outside. “It’s so rewarding to watch her outside of CrossFit. Going shopping is now so much fun. She looks great in everything,” Stripling says. “I have even heard my son’s friend say, ‘Your grandma is ripped,’ and I just smile.”
