When Amy first walked through the doors of CrossFit Reincarnation more than six years ago, one thing was immediately clear: she holds herself to a high standard. Outspoken, determined, and committed, Amy made it known from the very beginning that she wanted the best coaching possible. And since then, she’s shown up—week after week, year after year—building strength, confidence, and a community around her.
A Rough First Impression
Amy’s very first CrossFit experience almost turned into her last. She joined the gym before Cori became the owner, at a time when there were no On Ramps or Foundations programs for beginners. New members were simply thrown straight into class.
Her first workout was a partner workout that included partner deadlifts—lifting the barbell together with another person. The coach paired Amy, who had never done a deadlift before, with a much stronger and more experienced man simply because they were the same height.
“I felt so weird telling the coach that I didn’t know how to do a deadlift,” Amy remembers. “I was super afraid of hurting myself, so I finally had to admit I’d never done one and had never lifted anything. At that point she unpaired me and showed me, but if I wasn’t already comfortable in a gym or knowing what my body could do, that could have been a disaster.”
Looking back now, Amy often laughs about that story and says how thankful she is that things have changed. Today, every new member starts with a Foundations program, where they learn proper form, gain confidence, and get personal coaching before stepping into group classes. And even after six years, Amy still appreciates that coaching. “I’m still working on form so I don’t hurt myself,” she says. “I’d rather lift lighter and do it right—especially at 55 years old.”
We’re grateful Amy didn’t give up back then—and proud that she’s witnessed and experienced the improvements we’ve made in how we welcome and support new members.
A Teacher, Writer, and Quilter
Outside of the gym, Amy pours her heart into teaching cadets at Battle Born Youth Challenge Academy. She’s also a talented writer/writing coach (check our her blog!), and loves quilting (we’re still waiting to see which quilt design she’ll create for Alex!). Like many of our members, Amy’s fitness journey has been about more than just exercise. She wanted to improve her health and navigate the challenges of pre-menopause with strength and resilience.
Wins Big and Small
Over the years, Amy has celebrated big wins, like completing workouts RX and conquering her fear of being upside down with wall walks. In fact, she even wrote about that milestone on her personal blog; a story that still makes Alex laugh with pride.
Her strength progress has been steady and inspiring, especially in squats and mobility. “It took almost a year before I could do an overhead squat with just a 5-pound bar,” Amy says. “I kept tipping over and falling. I had to start with just my hands above my head, then move to a PVC, then finally a 5-pound bar. It probably took me three years before I could do 25 pounds.”
That slow, consistent climb is exactly what CrossFit Reincarnation is about; scaling, progressing, and improving at your own pace. Amy says she appreciates that immensely. Here’s another blog Amy wrote about comparing one’s self to others without judgment; something we value greatly at CFR.
Today, she’s setting her sights on linking toes-to-bar and mastering strict pull-ups.
Bringing Energy to the Room
What truly sets Amy apart is her presence in the gym. She’s funny, positive, and always ready to chat between sets. Partner workouts are her jam, and her ability to connect with everyone makes her irreplaceable in the CFR community. When she’s away visiting her kids, members constantly ask, “Where’s Amy?”—a testament to the joy and energy she brings to every class.
A Coach’s Perspective
For Alex, coaching Amy is an absolute pleasure. She scales smartly, focuses on form, and always seeks out intensity in her workouts. One of Alex’s proudest moments as a coach was watching Amy complete her first wall walk, a challenge that pushed her outside her comfort zone. “Amy encouraged me when I first said I wanted to become a coach,” Alex shares. “Her support gave me the drive to step into this role—and every day I try to be a better coach because of her.”
Looking Ahead
Amy’s journey continues as she works toward her pull-ups and toes-to-bar, building even more strength and confidence along the way. But beyond the fitness milestones, she’s a friend, encourager, and inspiration to everyone who knows her.
A Note to Amy
Amy, thank you for your unwavering support, your laughter, and your presence in our community. You’ve made CrossFit Reincarnation a brighter, stronger place for all of us.
👉 If you’ve ever thought you were “too old” or “not ready” for CrossFit, Amy’s journey proves otherwise. With consistency, a supportive community, and the right coaching, anything is possible. If you’d like to start your journey head here and book an appointment!
