Jennifer Hawver

2011 Leaning Challenge Winner

Most people are drawn to CrossFit for the challenge, the variety, the results. In the case of Jennifer Hawver, it was the threat of puking that brought her here. "A friend of mine told me that she threw up after her first time doing CrossFit," she explains. "So I HAD to try it."

While Jennifer's never lost her Paleo cookies during a WOD, she has lost a substantial amount of weight and some serious inch-age from her waist. So it came as no surprise to us (although it did to her), when Jennifer was crowned the co-winner of our 8-week Summer Leaning Challenge. Time to break out those booty shorts!

Jennifer's quest to lose weight goes back to 2001. By 2005, she had dieted and cardio'd her way to losing 100 pounds. But it wasn't easy for her, and she continued to struggle with weight issues. By the time she walked through the doors of CFLB, Jennifer had recently put on 20 pounds and was ready for a change.

"I was in really bad shape mentally and physically," she recalls. "I guess I was trying to kick my own ass back into reality."

Before starting CFLB, Jennifer had tried the gym routine, and hated it. "It was so boring. I would search for reasons not to go, and couldn't wait to leave. I never really pushed myself."

Anyone who's had the pleasure of working out with Jennifer will tell you she pushes herself way beyond expectations, including her own. As someone who "never lifted a weight in my life and couldn't even run 200 meters without having to stop and rest," Jennifer has undergone an incredible transformation in her strength, stamina, technique and skill level. She remembers having to use the small 4 LB medicine ball for wall ball shots in On-Ramp. Now she goes for the 14-pounder every time. And forget 200 measly meters; today Jennifer runs 5k. Uphill.

"On my first day of On-Ramp, I sooooo wanted to quit," she admits. "When I started I was scared to try stuff, scared of the weights. Now I can do so many things I couldn't do before."

Since joining CFLB, Jennifer's also adapted a positive attitude about her weight and healthy eating habits. It's still a challenge, but it's no longer a struggle. "I've tried a lot of diets and exercise programs, but none have worked like Paleo and CrossFit."

She points to the support she gets from her CFLB community for helping her win the Leaning Challenge and for excelling in the group classes. "People are there cheering me on, it reminds me not to quit and to keep going."

Physically stronger, Jennifer is mentally stronger as well. "I am SO much happier now. I am actually someone that I want to be."

On behalf of your entire CFLB family: Jennifer, we're SO happy you found us. You've taught us all a lot about perseverance.

"I think Jennifer is one of the funniest people here; she is one of those personalities we couldn't live without" says Coach Chad. "She also is extremely consistent in coming to classes and works hard in every workout. Her dedication has paid off in a big way."