“I had heart surgery in December 2020. During that procedure, it was discovered that I had a 100% blockage of one pulmonary artery and 80% blockage of another. In the words of my cardiologist, it was not IF I had a heart attack but WHEN. I was 44, the age my father died of a heart attack. For years, I always put my health on the back burner while I allowed my kids to work on their goals. It was this surgery that made me realize I could no longer do that, or I would not be around for my kids. This is what brought my family to UAA. A place where both my daughter and I can work on our goals at one place. We joined in August 2021. After 4 months of hard work, I was seeing improvements in myself, but not as much as I would have liked. My diet, although not terrible, was lacking in the quality it needed to support crossfit training. I needed the proper nutrition guidance to support my goals so I joined the U-22 challenge. I have lost 14 lbs since January 1st. The weight loss is nice, but it does not reflect the true change in my body. Strength gains have been off the chart as I am setting a PR at nearly every workout. Proper nutrition is enabling my body to build and recover much better than before. A big think you to Jim, Jen, and Kate heading up the U22 challenge. Also a big thanks to the coaches and fellow members of UAA. You are what makes the community great!”
