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This is the third blog post from a newer member of the Pittsburgh FIT community. We’ll call her “Sally” (not her real name).
Sally has has been at Pittsburgh FIT for a little while, but when I asked for their story, she didn’t want to share at first. Details have been changed to keep her anonymous, but we thought there are more than a few people that haven't started yet that could benefit from knowing what it actually feels like when you walk through the doors.
And today, she’s allowing me to tell the story through her eyes.
Hey there! It's Sally, back again for the final post in my series about my journey at Pittsburgh FIT. If you've been following along, you know it hasn’t been a smooth, straight road for me—but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, and I know it’s just the beginning.
The first time I walked into Pittsburgh FIT, I was absolutely terrified. I had this idea in my head that everyone would be super fit, lifting all kinds of heavy weights, and here I was, feeling completely out of my element. I had a lot of doubts about whether I’d be able to keep up with everyone, and honestly, I was worried about looking like an idiot. I was especially nervous about lifting anything heavy and hurting myself in the process.
But after a few weeks, something started to click. I was working with Corey for personal training, and he was there every step of the way. He made sure I was lifting with the right form and not pushing myself too far too fast. And let me tell you, the first time I picked up a weight, it felt huge. But Corey reassured me that I was doing great, and that positive reinforcement helped me keep going, even when the weights felt intimidating.
One thing that helped me so much was the focus on proper technique. For instance, during deadlifts, Corey would walk me through the process step by step to make sure I was using my legs and not straining my back. I remember the first time I hit a personal record (PR) and lifted a 100-pound deadlift. At that moment, I had no idea how much was on the bar, but when Corey asked me how much I thought I had just lifted, I was shocked to hear it was 100 pounds. The pride I felt in that moment was incredible. It wasn’t just about lifting heavy—it was about pushing myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.
One of the things I love most about Pittsburgh FIT is that it’s all about progress, not perfection. I’ll never forget the “Bright Spots” tradition. Every Friday, the gym posts a reminder in the Facebook group where we share our wins for the week, no matter how big or small. The first time I shared my own "Bright Spots" was a moment of real reflection for me. I shared my 100-pound deadlift and my first successful box jump. Jim teased me about becoming a “CrossFit girl,” but I didn’t care. I was just proud to have overcome my fears, whether it was lifting heavier or jumping on a box.
But here’s the thing: this is just the beginning for me. I’ve come a long way since my first workout at Pittsburgh FIT, but I know there’s so much more ahead of me. I’m not going to magically hit all my goals overnight. But I’m learning to trust the process, trust my coaches, and trust myself. I’m taking things one step at a time, and I know there are many more PRs, challenges, and moments of personal growth waiting for me.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to be scared, it’s okay to feel unsure, but it’s also okay to push through and try anyway. When I first started, I was worried about looking like an idiot, about lifting too much weight, and about not being able to keep up. But now, I see that this whole journey is about growing, learning, and getting stronger—not just physically, but mentally, too.
So, here I am, still at the start of my journey, but feeling more confident and empowered every day. There are more challenges ahead—bigger lifts, new skills, and yes, maybe even double-unders (yikes!)—but I’m ready to take them on. I’ve got my coaches, my community, and my own determination to help me keep moving forward.
Thanks for following along on this journey with me. I can’t wait to see where it takes me!
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