What Strong Means to Me Now

I am 33 years old and have been retired for 4 years from professional soccer. Today I would tell you that I am not only physically stronger but mentally stronger. My 18-28 year-old self, who was a professional athlete would have told you how strong I was for going through two ACL surgeries, fighting through sickness to play a game or ignoring all the signs that my body was worn down yet always fighting through anyway. For me, that stuff is easy because all of that is benefiting my career and my needs. Being a strong women to me, today, isn’t how much you lift or how amazing of an athlete you are or were…but having confidence and knowing who you are. Being a great wife and putting your husband’s needs before you, loving Christ in every aspect of your life even when its hard or you don’t want to, or loving others unconditionally. That, today is how I would define strength. My definition of strength today is different because all these things are hard for me. Digging deep and finding who you really are after sports, putting others first and loving people is a daily process that doesn’t always benefit yourself ..Crazy how growth and experience mold you into who you are today.

Owner. Professional Athlete., QTown CrossFit

When I was younger, like many girls, I wasted a lot of energy on body image issues and worrying about how I looked. It wasn’t until I started CrossFit when I was 25 that my “why” for working out (and eating) became about getting stronger, fitter, and healthier. Now, I’m about to have my 3rd baby, and I’m so thankful I had this shift in mindset before having kids. It amazes me every day what women’s bodies are capable of!

CrossFit Athlete, CrossFit 515

Growing up, “strong” wasn’t a descriptor that was used for girls. In sports, if anything, we were labeled as fast, tall, athletic, etc. When I was younger I remember that I was always able to lift heavier that most of the other girls, but other than one coach who encouraged me to develop that strength, lifting was only done as part of a “strength” & CONDITIONING program. Rather, an item to check off a list. After athletics, there was a period of time where girls were only doing cardio and ‘toning’. It really wasn’t until I started CrossFit that I was able to embrace and continue to develop the strength I had. Being physically strong was no longer considered the anomaly. It was no longer weird if I can lift as much as some guys can. It’s no longer weird if I have more muscle than the average girl. Being strong was no longer something that seemed to be reserved for boys. Being strong was finally something to be proud of and something to achieve.

CrossFit Coach, CrossFit West Des Moines

My definition of “strong” has certainly evolved. When I was young, I looked at being “strong” in the literal sense. As I’ve gained life experience, the word strong has come up in more areas than just the weight room. I was never the star athlete when it came to physical fitness. What I was good at was giving my best effort. This helped me develop more mental strength. Being mentally strong is just a powerful as physical strength. When up against a person who may be stronger and faster than you, having the mental strength to hang in there a minute, even a second longer can make all the difference. True mental strength, to me is giving your very best effort, having a great attitude, treating people really well, and being unconditionally grateful.

CrossFit Athlete, CrossFit West Des Moines

Strength is beyond muscles and willpower. Our strength comes from the people we surround ourselves with. It’s our support system and the people we love who build us up when we’re low on strength. Who motivate and inspire us to bring it out of ourselves. Everything takes strength, but I’ve learned that it’s a give and take. We need each other to be strong, and because we have each other, we are stronger.

CrossFit Athlete, CrossFit Ankeny

I was always self conscious of my body (mostly my huge thighs) but now it’s something I embrace because I LOVE how being strong feels. CrossFit has made working out a huge part of my life and it’s not something I feel I have to do, it’s something I look forward to everyday. I know that being strong and healthy benefits me in all aspects of my life, physically and mentally.

Owner. CrossFit Athlete., CrossFit 515

Strong is always something I have wanted to be. I wanted to be bigger, stronger and faster than all my opponents from a young age. Although I always had this view it became apparent at a young age that this was not the typical view of a young girl. My friends always wanted to be skinny and petite. The smaller the clothes size the better. None of my friends wanted to lift heavy weights or get “bulky.” As I got older and found Crossfit, what excited me was the image of the Crossfit Woman. She was strong, both mentally and physically. I LOVED this. The idea of being able to train our body to its fullest strength potential without feeling criticized for lifting heavy weights. That is what I think strength should embody for women; being comfortable in our own skin. Embracing the strength that we are capable of achieving. Women shouldn’t have to feel like they are expected to be petite, frail people. We should embrace the beauty of feeling strong. I believe that once we can tap into our physical strength and really embrace it, our inner beauty will only begin to shine stronger and stronger.

Owner. CrossFit Coach., CrossFit Iron Flag