Karen O.

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Years ago, friends introduced me to Paula at a Taste of Carrollwood event.  At the time, she gave me an introductory gift certificate.  Fast forward, two years later, I was bored of going to a typical gym spending hours on the treadmill and doing various fitness classes for minimal results.  I wanted to mix up my workouts, have some fun and get stronger in a relatively short amount of time. I heard a lot of great things about Crossfit Jaguar from many people. I finally got the nerve to go in and see what Crossfit was all about.  I ended up purchasing a CF Jaguar Groupon, because needless to say, the gift certificate had long been expired.

My first impression was "Wow this is really crazy! I can't possibly do this stuff at my age!"  I was inspired by watching other members push thru their WOD. Members of various ages, shapes and sizes. I was hooked after a few days. I thought, if they can do it, than so can I.  Here I am, years later, still doing it. I love it and hate it all at the same time.

I am so much stronger than I was in those early days.  I used to have a very weak lower back which would cause me occasional pain. I no longer have lower back pain because my core is so much stronger.  I'm embarrassed to say that I could barely do one push up back then.  Now I am doing deficit push ups and explosive push ups.

I am working on building muscle. Paula has me doing the JackedStreet program which I really enjoy.  A lot of heavy weights and less cardio.  I'm not a cardio girl. I started this program with the thought of doing a figure competition in a masters class.  I still have a competition on my agenda.

I do not have one particular favorite Jag memory.  I have been working with Paula, one on one, for a number of  years.  We have had many good times and laughs throughout those years.  Paula pushes me to my limits, picks me up off the floor and makes me do more.  She puts up with me cursing her on a daily basis. She puts up with my often times crazy and inconsistent schedule.  She is a great coach and friend. For that, I am grateful.