The first rule of CrossFit is, ‘tell everyone about CrossFit’ – We hear this said in jest all the time, but there is something very meaningful behind a CrossFitter’s need to do this. There is a very genuine desire within the CrossFit community to help others. I was privileged to speak to one of CrossFit Kantok’s original members and a member with ten years CrossFit experience. Renee Fagan is an example of how determination and consistency can transform your health, change your outlook for your future, and inspire people around you.
Renee is super consistent with her CrossFit and Barbell and that is evident when you see her train or compete. Renee lifts heavy, conquers pull-ups with ease, and loves burpees to target! Okay – she’s actually very vocally opposed to burpees to target- but the rest is true!
Renee is an inspiration – she has turned her health around and is a competitive athlete. A part of the Legends Program at Kantok, along with her husband, Raymond, Renee is smashing goals and has no intention of stopping.
What was your history with health and fitness before Kantok?
When I first started CrossFit, I was a single mum. The doctor told me I had to lose weight, so I did. But (like so many mums) at first, my health was not incredibly important to me. I put my kids first and me last. Then my health problems got worse, so I had to start doing something about it. I tried to do it on my own, but that only lasted for a little while, and I got bored and unmotivated. Then I joined a gym, and I was lucky it had group training. After I discovered group training, I never looked back.
I was diagnosed with type two diabetes three years ago and had developed carpel tunnel in both wrists. I told no one about it because I was embarrassed thinking that people would look at me differently. Now, thankfully, with the right help with exercise and nutrition, I’ve been able to get it under control.
I hope hearing my story helps someone who has similar health problems and might worry about telling people about it.
Why did you choose CrossFit?
When I started at my second gym, it had a lot of group classes. Luckily for me, it had a CrossFit and Barbell class.
When I first started CrossFit, I thought it was for super-fit people and I didn’t think it was for people like me. A few competitions later, I had seen people of all ages and sizes do incredible things and that gave me the strength to try.
What was your experience like when you joined CrossFit Kantok?
I find that at CrossFit Kantok the coaches, the programs and community support me better than the other places I’ve been to over the years.
A big difference for me has been the support. Not a lot of places or other boxes, give support at the same level. Before Kantok, I wasn’t used to having that level of support both in and out of the gym. I find the Kantok community helps in times of need, both mentally and physically. And in the last few years, with all that is going on in the world, I don’t have a lot of places to be just plain me, Renee. Just showing up and doing a class helps me, which, in turns helps me be a better person to my loved ones.
In the past, at other gyms, I was one of the oldest, but here, I’m one of the young ones, which is nice. This gives me hope that age is just a number and makes me want to keep on trying. Doing Kantok’s Legends program inspires me to keep going. I want to give thanks to Mark (Kantok coach), and Gary and Felicia (Kantok owners). Without their support, I would not be here still going. They help me see age backgrounds don’t matter.
Besides reversing type two diabetes, which is incredible, what has been your greatest achievement since starting at CrossFit Kantok?
Completing my 10th CrossFit Open was a bucket list moment for me.
What are your CrossFit goals for the future?
I plan to be one of those old girls well into my 70s or 80s still doing the CrossFit Open! This is the other half of my bucket list!
I plan to continue my CrossFit and nutrition journey.
I have never been to a spin class or yoga class. CrossFit keeps me active and always guessing; the classes are never boring! It’s just become a way of life that I’ve done now for over 10 years. In that time, I’ve passed it on to my kids. They know all the quotes to get a person motivated, which can’t be a bad thing!
As a mum and nana, as well as a wife, it’s important for me to show my kids and myself that anyone can do this.
I have no plans soon to stop or give it up in the future.