Lana Trantham
How did you find crossfit?
My sister started CrossFit in Austin in the Spring of 2009 and she immediately loved it. I saw how good she was looking and feeling and she talked me into giving it a try. I slowly started researching gyms in Houston, but the more I looked the more scared I became. Everyone in the pictures looked so good and were doing crazy stuff with weights,
tires and big pieces of metal. Like a lot of people, I was nervous and intimidated, so I decided I’d work out on my own and get in better shape before subjecting myself to that kind of torture (and probably embarrassing myself thoroughly). Six months or so later, I was in no better shape and no closer to feeling prepared. With my sister’s encouragement and reassurance that I wouldn’t get laughed at or die, I decided to bite the bullet give it a try. Before long I was hooked.
What got you coming back for more?
The first day about killed me and I couldn’t touch my legs because they literally hurt to the touch. I returned the second day and worked through the pain because I was determined CrossFit was going to work. I knew that it had to be the answer to my constant yo-yo dieting and brief spurts of exercise (and then quitting, of course). Half of my closet didn’t fit and what did definitely did not look good on. I’d seen so many unbelievable before and after pictures online and new that if some of those people could do it, so could I. I started seeing improvement quickly, in both the strength work, wods and in the way I looked, and it motivated me to keep it up. Still to this day, it’s the little accomplishments like moving to a heavier kettle bell, not needing two bands for ring dips, and increased comfort in the movements/form that keep me coming back for more.
What were some of the first signs of improvements?
I could tell a huge difference in my strength and cardio in just a few weeks. I wasn’t gasping for air from the warm-up alone. Basic movements like lunges, air squats and push-ups got noticeably easier and I felt sturdier on my feet. I could see a difference in my appearance in about a month, specifically my shoulders and arms. It’s exciting when you can actually see the hard work start to pay off.
And anything else about the gym that has impacted you?
I must say that the coaches at Cannon are the best around. It’s obvious that they are passionate about what they do and it’s evident in every aspect of the gym. They are the most educated group when it comes to the human anatomy, nutrition, what the movements are designed to do, why we do them, how to avoid injury, etc. Additionally, the culture at the gym is unbeatable. In less than a year they’ve managed to build, and continue to build, a friendly, supportive and diverse community and strive to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable.
