CrossFit Changed My Life: Shannon DeGraw

By Shannon DeGraw

October 01, 2011

“When you realize that you’re getting stronger and that you can do this—it’s not just meant for, you know, elite athletes, that the average person can start doing CrossFit and do very well at it—it changed my life,” says Shannon DeGraw.

DeGraw has been CrossFitting at CrossFit Belmar in New Jersey for about a year and has lost 115 lb. since starting. Once she tried CrossFit, she says, “It was so much fun.” Although starting out wasn’t easy, her supportive affiliate family kept her coming back for more.

She shares her CrossFit story and the rewards it has brought her both inside and outside the gym.

“It changes your life. You’re able to do everything,” she says. “You just feel empowered.”

All it takes, she says, is a little effort.

“Anyone can do it. You have to want to do it,” DeGraw says.

7min 3sec

Additional audio: CrossFit Radio Episode 34 090216 by Neil Anderson, published Feb. 17, 2009.

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13 Comments on “CrossFit Changed My Life: Shannon DeGraw”

Vadim Noskov wrote …

Awesome! Great job, Shannon!

wrote …

It's only the beginning as well...you just embarked on a life long journey and the attitude and drive u have with you will take you unbelievable places. I wish u the absolute best.

wrote …

Amazing Shannon. Thanks for sharing your story. I enjoyed the video. I look forward to seeing you in "first pull up" video soon!

wrote …

Great work, Shannon! Keep it up, and before you know it, you'll have that pull-up!

wrote …

Very personal and thank you for sharing your story. Everyone should be as brave as you. Keep it up!

wrote …

Great job and keep it up!! Also, kudos to your coach who took the time out to reach out and wean you into the community which, in addition to your great attitude, made it possible. The best is yet to come!!

wrote …

Congratulations Shannon! I wish more people had the courage to do what you did, and I wish more coaches approached it like yours did. Crossfit needs more of these videos to inspire those that don't have ur courage. Please post your first pull up video.

Gerard Mcauliffe wrote …

That's brilliant Shannon, well done! You have until Christmas to get that pull up!

wrote …

Great story, keep up the hard work! Love your character Shannon!

wrote …

shannon girl, you kick ass
I understand so many of the things you said, and I can't tell you how much I admire your mental determination and strength.

wrote …

keep it up shannon! amazing!!!!

Nicholas Scarabosio wrote …

Sick and Amazing! Thats all I can sat. It's stepping in there and getting it done, great job!

wrote …

I thought this video might be cringe worthy but watched anyway.
Now it probably IS cringe worthy but I was so touched by her story and some great points made when comparing with regular gyms. I was tingling all over after watching, so cool =)