I have had the opportunity to train Belinda for a very long time. During this period we have developed an amazing friendship and seen each grow on many levels.
From a kickboxing fanatic to an avid Crossfitter, Belinda is one of the strongest mums I Know.
Below is Belinda`s journey in her own words.
You have been CrossFitting for awhile now. Share your CrossFit journey with us.
I started CrossFit when Gab very first took on his new baby which will be 4 years this November.
You were one of Metal Therapy's first members, and were training with Gab long before the box even opened. Tell us a little about your feelings in and toward the box and what motivates you.
Well this is a long story, over 7 years worth in fact. Gab was a Taekwondo instructor where Beau attends and so I first started Boot camp, PT sessions and Fitness Kick boxing classes with him. I was one of his Kettle bell students and when Gab decided to open his box It was another chapter in our training together. I guess what motivates me the most is that constant strive to keep getting fitter, stronger and lose weight again.
Many people have the misconception that they can't do CrossFit because of many deciding factors and a big one is "age". As a strong, fit, mature athlete, you completely debunk that myth. Can you share your thoughts on being a mature CrossFitter?
I believe everybody can do CF as every movement is scalable. I was a total newbie and some days still feel like a total newbie, but you I just don't give up. There are some days where I've actually gone to class and literally couldn't squat or lift my arms, but I have had to learn to listen to my body in order to train long term.
It is not all roses, all the time though. What challenges have you faced in your journey?
Oh gosh its been far from a bed of roses. I remember entering for the first time in the CrossFit open and the very first workout had Overhead Squats, by far one of biggest weakness.
I had an emotional meltdown and thought I would never go back.
Well I`m a lier! I`m still here and I have conquered the overhead squats.
Over the years, you would've undergone many changes to your body, mind and strength. Can you tell us a little bit about your transformation in these areas and how this has impacted positively on your life?
I've always battled with my weight and body shape. When I was Showing and Eventing horses I was at my strongest and smallest but its a different type of fitness to anything you ever do, I guess CF is a lot like it hence I love the challenges. I lost a lot of size over my CF journey, but then I gave up smoking June last year, got sick, winter hit and so my weight increased. But I know I'm stronger and feel like I'm slowly getting back on track which I think is because I am quietly quite determined.
Every time you hit a PB, we often say the words: "She is one strong mama!" What's your advice to other mum's out there wanting to get into CrossFit or strength training?
I always say to any new person or any body that says I couldn't do what you do whether they be a mum or not "that we ALL start somewhere and if you persist it will get better"
On the note of being a strong mama... your strength is mighty impressive. Tell us about your proudest achievement on your journey so far?
Probably just my constant PB's, but particully my front and back squats. They are my best lifts by far.
Sticking with CrossFit year after year, and constantly pursuing new goals, takes a certain kind of mindset. What is your approach and mindset?
I do have my days just like everyone else, but as I said before I'm a very quietly determined person which came from my days of competing with the horses. I believe that the way I was brought up and the self discipline i had to have competing at the level I did has made me train the way I train.
We've all got that one movement that makes us groan. What's yours?
Definitely Thrusters. It doesn't matter whether they are 15kg or 40kg they still hurt.
What's are your other favourites and what's to love about them?
Deadlift, I still remember the first time I PB'd. I was so excited lol. I also really enjoy Clean andJerk and Push Jerk, they are my fun lifts.
Now it's time to dig a little deeper into 'Belinda'.
.... if you could choose one song to capture the essence of 'Belinda', what would it be and why? Ha-ha Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi
.... if you could program your brain to do one thing, what would it be and why?
Oh lordy the list is never ending. I finally had Box jumps but then took both shins out so I really want to get over my box jump phobia.
.... if you could go back in time and tell your teenage self one thing, what piece of advice would it be and why?
Look after your body better because your going to suffer when you get older.
.... if you could wake up tomorrow and have the freedom and disposition to do absolutely anything, what would be the first thing you would do and why?
Travel the world because there is so much out there to see and learn.
.... if you could enjoy eating one food item daily without any consequences, what would you eat and why?
Rock Salt Potato chips cause they are my really bad weakness.
.... if you had the opportunity to overcome one fear, what would it be and why?
Probably Bungee Jumping as it's a weakness of mine
.... if you could relieve one of the craziest things you've ever done, what would it be and why? Ha-ha I have plenty but probably Skydiving, that was awesome
.... if you could have the answer to any question, what would the question be?
Where will my life be in 20 years?
Looking ahead, what are your goals in CrossFit over the next year?
o keep improving on all movements, but most of all keep enjoying what I do.
In the middle of a WOD, what animal would best represent you?
Oh dear that would be an Elephant that struggles to breath.
You've been asked to write a sales pitch for Crossfit. How would you pitch it?
If I can do it then any body can do it and trust me You'll never be bored but you may just become addicted. But most of all you're surrounded by awesome coaches and fabulous people while becoming fit and strong.
Crossfit Inc. decide to name and design a WOD in your honour. What would the 'Belinda' WOD be?
"Belinda"
1 Km Run
50 DU
50 Deadlift 40/60
50 DU
30 Hang Power Clean 40/60
50 DU
20 Push Jerks 40/60
50 DU
1 Km Run