Meet member Sheila!

Before we meet Sheila and read her profile I just want to take a moment to explain what a truly amazing person she is. Back in January she emailed us and explained her situation and her desperate need to get in shape. We exchanged a few emails and then she just showed up to talk in person and check out the box a day before her scheduled intro. Let’s just say I was as nervous as she was. I was nervous about her putting her trust in us. She had already committed to clean eating and now needed to add in exercise. She explained a little about her lifestyle and then we got to know even more about her. This woman is nothing short of amazing. Not only does she have huge workout goals BUT…..this is a woman that works full-time, goes to school full-time and will receive her Bachelor’s Degree in September (ahead of schedule), is a mother to 5 children and a single parent. This lady legitimately COULD use every excuse in the book…..I am too out of shape for CrossFit, I am too busy, I am too old to get in shape, my kids are busy, I can’t afford the gym, I can’t afford healthy foods, my schedule doesn’t allow me to get to a gym, I have a bad knee (in fact she had surgery in March on a Thursday and was back in the gym on MONDAY) and on and on and on. She has NEVER, EVER used any of these excuses!  Next time YOU have an excuse think of this lady who is busting her ass off (literally as you will see in the pictures) day in and day out! She has NEVER quit a WOD and never says “I can’t”. Rock on Sheila all your CrossFit Sting family loves and supports you 100%.

Name: Sheila Algammaz

Age: 47

Occupation: Phlebotomist

Previous workout/exercise history before starting CrossFit? Coach Potato

CrossFitting Since: January 2013

How did you learn about CrossFit Sting? My Brother in New York has been a CrossFitter for 4 yrs. He sent me a link and when I liked the site, a link to CrossFit Sting was sent to me.

Was it love at first WOD? Not so much love, but an obsession after the first week.  (Sheila was amazing during her intro WOD.  She was wheezing, beat red and out of breath but refused to stop.  I think I actually had to demand that she take a few seconds to catch her breath and then finish.  I am happy to report the wheezing only lasted about 2 weeks.  The human body is amazing and the changes have been so fast.)

Favorite WOD or movements? Michael is my favorite because it was my first RX and now that I can do burpees I actually like them……Don’t tell anyone that please!!!  (She is also deadlifting 265#, front squatting 165#, doing box jumps, handstands, running in 5k races and too many more impressive things to list.) 

Least favorite WOD or Movements? Wall Balls due to my height deficit!!!!  (Sheila is not even 5 feet tall, I think.)

Favorite CrossFit Sting moment? I was the last to finish the WOD and I had 15 burpees left, everyone completed my burpees with me!!! It was really an emotional moment for me!!  (Of course, now Sheila is the pro and is the first to pay that forward and do extra work to help another CrossFitter finish the WOD.)

Describe your experience here. My experience at CrossFit Sting has been AMAZING!!! I have started a journey to a new beginning with a large amount to weight to lose and I literally feel like CrossFit Sting has saved my life!!!! Beautiful friendships have been built, and I could not have done this without Jessica and Danielle. After my intro WOD I think Danielle may have thought I may not return, now I can’t get enough.  (See above…before the intro WOD I was skeptical but from day 1 I had, and continue to have, no doubt in my mind that this lady is the most determined member we have and will meet all her goals.)

Why do you CrossFit? Because I want to be healthy and a great role model for my kids…..Plus strong is the new sexy.  (She is a HUGE role model to everyone in the gym.  Also, her daughter Ebony is  now a member and the two of them are WODing together.  It is awesome!)

Tell us something new about you that we don’t already know? I have my CDL drivers license, not a truck driver but I used to drive a school bus.  (Again, there is so much to this lady and I have a feeling that we will be doing a repeat on introducing her to everyone as she continues this journey to being a stronger, healthier person.  She was strong on the inside when she came to us and now she is becoming strong on the outside……and a lot smaller!  Good things come in small packages and we think we will keep this one!)

NOW CHECK HER OUT……….