Britteny Handt loves adventure, so when saw a post on Facebook advertising the Best Self Challenge at Deathproof CrossFit, she decided to invest $250 and take the intensive six-week course.
The course teaches how to introduce healthy eating plans and proper methods of exercise to about 40 people who can receive the maximum benefit from the information.
“We didn’t want people enrolling in this challenge to look like Brad Pitt,” Deathproof CrossFit co-owner Jase Robinson said. “If you already look like him, that’s great. You already know all about living a healthy lifestyle. There are other classes here you can take.”
Instead, Robinson was looking for people like Handt, a 33-year-old waitress who just wanted to get in the best shape of her life. She and the group often work out to a 1980s rock soundtrack. Because of the valuable experience and education they are all gaining during a one-hour workout each weeknight, Handt knows she’s hardly living on a prayer, and she’ll reach all her goals.
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“As a waitress, I’m up on my feet all the time,” Handt said. “My husband and my co-workers are noticing a difference in my energy level and my attitude. I’m in the fifth week of this six-week course right now, and I’ve really been enjoying the camaraderie. I’ll definitely be joining this gym. Robinson helps motivate us, and we all look forward to working out now.”
Another facet that makes the experience special for people like Handt is the experience of Robinson. Since July of 2018, he is one of only six certified Level 3 CrossFit trainers in the state of Indiana.
With Robinson’s eagle eye, he can watch the bodies of the participants move and can spot anything that seems out of place. This gives people the security to know they are learning to do things the right way as they stretch, lift weights, do barbell exercises and other aerobics as they move through their group workout.
“I see the body as an automobile,” Robinson said. “I used to work as an engineer, so I’m able to see movements and levels, masses and levels and I’m able to see the force on the person’s skeleton. So sometimes, I wonder about if I need to adjust this person’s suspension or springs.”
Anyone can drive toward the checkered flag and be victorious at the finish line. All they need is motivation and some self-confidence.
“I used to go to a gym and not know what to do,” Handt said. “But physically and mentally, this has been life-changing. It really has helped with my anxiety and depression.”
Kim Benefiel enrolled in the course because she wants to change her son’s life.
“I have a 1-year-old son who was born with a congenital heart defect,” she said. “When he gets older, doctors say he will have heart disease because his arteries are still clogged, even though the defect is fixed. I have really bad PTSD from all I’ve been through with my son, so this gets me out of the house and around other women in a class setting where we’re accountable for our actions.”
People who continue to follow these principles will remove some of the suspense and apprehension for their lives. Robinson believes if everyone who follows this vision and follows a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and lean meat and continue their exercise regimen, everyone will win. The proper food will fuel their metabolic engine as they race through life.
“I’m getting more and more upset at the end of every day,” Benefiel said. “I don’t want this challenge to end. Everyone should want to do this because it’s beneficial for men and women.”
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The next challenge at Deathproof CrossFit starts on May 13 and is a five-week program called the Lurong Summertime Challenge. Deathproof CrossFit is taking applicants through its Facebook page.
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