Erin Heeres epitomizes the essence of CrossFit Virilis, embodying dedication and inspiration. For over four years, Erin has immersed herself in CrossFit, finding solace in the challenge of workouts like Murph, a poignant reminder of sacrifice. Drawn to CFV for its supportive community and professional guidance, Erin has transformed both physically and mentally, conquering obesity and health conditions while achieving feats like completing a half marathon. Her journey extends beyond fitness, cherishing family bonds. At CFV, Erin has found not only a gym but a lifeline, fostering genuine friendships and instilling self-worth and perseverance. Her message resonates with those embarking on a health journey, urging them to embrace self-care's transformative power.
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
Four years and a few days.
What's your favorite workout?
Murph. It’s super challenging but it is a great reminder that we GET to do CrossFit and everything else because of the sacrifices so many have made for us.
What's your favorite movement?
Hands down, it’s double unders. This is one of those “use it or lose it” movements that keeps you real honest about how much effort you’re putting into your training. It’s the one you have to do all the time or you digress. You can’t fake it or cheat it or bad form it; you either have it, or you don’t. And to have it and get better at it, you have to do it. This movement holds me personally accountable!
Why do you do CrossFit?
I chose a CrossFit gym during the pandemic because the options were seriously limited without the knowledge of what I was getting myself into. I’ve been coming back for years because I love the environment. The trainers have all taken their time to get certified and maintain and grow their knowledge to best serve us. They take all the guess work out of my workout routine and then show me how to do everything. They truly care about us as human beings first. There’s never any shaming or pushing anyone in unhealthy ways from the trainers or other members. The community is AMAZING! Everyone only wants what’s best for the people working out with them and they let them know in so many cheerful ways. So the short answer is the people, I do CrossFit because of the people.
What meal could you eat every day for the rest of your life?
Cheeseburgers. And I said that in my best Homer Simpson voice, slobber and all. 🤤
What has CFV helped you do, achieve?
To do is simple, everything. I can lift and move things most women my age struggle with. I can play with my grandson without tiring. I have the endurance to do hard things outside of the gym because of the hard things I’ve learned to do inside of it. It has also given me the power to influence and motivate several other people to explore their fitness journeys. Achieve, the half marathon. Never in my life would I have believed I could have completed a half marathon much less one with 30 obstacles! And overcome is probably my favorite. Having been diagnosed obese, on medication for hypertension and high cholesterol, and pre-diabetic, I was literally dying. In the last seven years I have been able to reverse every one of those diagnoses and CrossFit was the key. I look good. I feel even better than I look. And I am more healthy mentally and physically than I have ever been in my entire life and it’s all because of my commitment to showing up in the gym.
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My older sister, Rebecca. She died of Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 18. I would love the opportunity to tell her about where we are in life and introduce her to all of our children. I’d also like to tell her that her beloved Troll collection was turned into a really cute movie that my grandson has made me watch four million times. She’d love that!
Top three favorite movies.
The Lord of the Rings trilogyPractical MagicThe Harry Potter collection - I know, those are technically not individual movies but they’re so good!
What makes you the happiest?
My grandson, Flynn. I love when he puts his little arm around me and tells me that I’m his best friend. Having grandkids is the reward for having successfully raised your own children. The love you feel for your grandchildren is like the love you have for your kids multiplied exponentially!
Anything else you want to add?
Absolutely! Being a member at CFV has really been life changing for me. I’m sure there are other places that are just as great but God led me to this one and I couldn’t be more grateful. I always yell “Bye friends!” as I leave and I mean it. I’ve made REAL friends in that place. I’ve learned accountability and perseverance. I’ve learned self worth. And I credit that to my time spent at CFV and all of the amazing humans I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with there. Lastly, if anyone reading this has been on the fence about getting healthy, in ANY capacity, just jump. It doesn’t have to be as wild as CrossFit but do something. Even a little effort is better than none. It’s always worth it. YOU are worth it!
To learn more about members like Erin and how you can commit to your own health and fitness, set up a time to talk with us!
