Everyone needs a place where they belong.
A place where they can connect with others, sharing equally in life’s joys and sorrows. Supporting and celebrating one another — and pushing each other to be better.
For both members and staff of the affiliate, that place is Auburn CrossFit in Auburn, California.
“I can’t overstate how meaningful it is,” says member Dane Sanders, who found friendship in the gym after moving across the state. “These are my people.”
What brings them together, he continues, is a common ethos.
“What we practice at CrossFit is hard choices, and the result is we get a better life,” Sanders says.
It’s a practice that does not discriminate. Athletic or deconditioned, young or old, if you put in the work, you’ll get results — and you’ll be supported every step of the way.
“Everyone welcomed me,” says 93-year-old Auburn CrossFit member Annie Holmes, who joined the affiliate at 89. “It makes you want to stay — and I did.”
With affiliate owner Cinnamon Prior at her side, Holmes made those hard choices. At an age where no one would balk if she decided to spend her days knitting on the couch, Holmes chose to be active and engaged with her community. The result? At 93, Holmes can get down on the ground and back up unassisted, do jumping jacks, and squat to full depth.
“I just (fell) in love with the way my body was changing, that I was finding muscles I never had,” Holmes says.
“You’ve got to connect with other people … and stay active.”
Comments on Auburn CrossFit Through a New Member’s Eyes
I love crossfit, crossfit and vegetables are my all life !
This has to be one of the most inspirational stories that I have seen on Crossfit.com. Crossfit owner struggles with loss yet with the help of cf community she is able to overcome while coaching others who inspire her and everyone around them that doing hard things in community makes people and life better. 😍
That's a pretty magical bit of story telling about a magical story.
Best Life Story I've heard!! This video needs to be shared with everyone, young and old. I couldn't agree more with everything said here. LOVE THIS!
I really enjoy hearing about stories like this, it keeps me motivated to keep moving and to challenge myself.
Great video
This gym will always have my heart, amazing crew of people! Elijah Hrbek created something very special and Cinnamon Prior was able to take over and keep this special place going. Seeing the Legends class morph into what it is today; a full class of motivated seniors is so cool. Love Auburn CrossFit and all the work Cinnamon has put into keeping the box open!
Auburn CrossFit Through a New Member’s Eyes
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