Jennifer | 24

I have been doing CrossFit for over 3 years and originally started in my hometown of Gisborne. On moving to Auckland for University, I found CrossFit Mecca.

Mecca is more than just a gym, it is a way to meet like-minded people who want to see you succeed and achieve your goals. It is a place where you are able to be yourself, a place where people are like family, and a place where there are plenty of plants and dogs too 😍.

Joining Mecca has allowed me to grow in confidence and has helped spark my passion of helping others with their health and wellbeing. When I first started CrossFit I struggled with really bad social anxiety and depression and I was unable to bring myself to attend a session alone. I would often find myself driving back home before attending the session. My friend inspired me to join and helped me to attend my first few sessions - I'm so glad she did! I have grown in self confidence and also have used CrossFit as a way to help with my mental health.

If anyone had told me 3 years ago that I would be attending multiple CrossFit sessions a week, in another city, I wouldn't have believed them. Since joining Crossfit Mecca I have even taken the step in attending multiple competitions and even my first individual one too. I would encourage people not to be put off in thinking that you maybe aren’t fit enough to start CrossFit or that everyone who attends is the 'perfect shape' or fitness level. I made those untrue assumptions for a while before trialling and all it did was hold me back from starting my fitness goals. Did I finish workouts last? Yes, and I still do, but the truth is that every workout is scalable to your own level and there are members of all ages, shapes and sizes participating and killing it every workout in their own way!

The coaches are always there to assist with technique along the way so that you are doing the movements safely. At Mecca you will be welcomed with open arms, plenty of first bumps, and cheered along every step of the way. And before you know it, you’ll get better and stronger and feel great about accomplishing your personal goals.