Unveiling the Inclusivity of of Invictus for Any CrossFit
Written by Tiffany Ammerman
Often associated with elite athletes and grueling gym sessions, CrossFit might seem daunting to those who are new to fitness or consider themselves “non-athletic.” However, the landscape of CrossFit is evolving, and online programming is breaking down the barriers of exclusivity. We reach out to Invictus Athlete and online program user, Candy Olkey, to see how she started her fitness journey and how online programming is for any CrossFit goal – not just for elite athletes but can truly be embraced by anyone seeking a path to improved fitness, health, and overall well-being.
CrossFit Goal? Invictus Has You Covered!
Contrary to the notion of isolation often associated with online programs, Invictus online platforms foster a strong sense of community for everyone regardless of your fitness level. Through social media groups, forums, and our coaches, participants can connect, share experiences, and motivate one another. This online community offers encouragement, advice, and a sense of belonging, helping to dispel the idea that online programming is exclusively for elite athletes.
Candy states that, “I’m far from a competitor…but I work hard and stay consistent and accountable. I have been doing CrossFit for 10 years [and] started in a local gym in Aug 2013. That was short lived. By Jan of 2014 I started following Invictus and was desperately looking for a gym that I could do my CrossFit workouts in. To my surprise I couldn’t find anything like the CrossFit community and seemed as though nobody understood the ‘need’ I had for the consistent routine.”
Why Invictus is for Any CrossFit Goal
Online programming isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about tailoring workouts to fit your unique goals and constraints. Whether you have limited time due to a busy schedule, specific physical limitations, or preferences for certain types of exercises, online programming can adapt. This flexibility ensures that online programming can seamlessly integrate into your lifestyle, making it more sustainable and achievable.
When Candy was setting up her home gym to begin her Invictus programming, she reached out to her iron-worker friend who transformed her garage into her personal gym to fit her petite stature. Candy tells us, “I certainly couldn’t afford to purchase all the equipment. He was able to build me my rack, ghd, jump box and much more. And when I say personal gym..I mean everything is built for my size/height (only 4’11”). Slowly but surely I’ve added things we use regularly. My family finally realized this wasn’t just a fad for me…it became my lifestyle”.
With her new, personalized garage gym, Candy began her fitness journey with Invictus’ online programming and has since grown in her love for fitness. The Invictus online programming emphasizes overall health and well-being, rather than just aesthetic goals. While you might see impressive transformations, the primary focus is on functional fitness – the ability to perform everyday tasks with ease and efficiency. This philosophy shifts the perspective from competing with others to improving yourself, making it more appealing to those who are wary of a competitive environment.
Candy says that she “take(s) great pride in being part of the Invictus community” and claims that she’s “just an old lady doing what she loves” and that “I’m going to be 52 this year. I gotta say I feel pretty good about that!”
Invictus online programming is a game-changer in breaking down the misconception that it’s exclusively for elite athletes. It’s a versatile and inclusive approach that welcomes individuals of all fitness levels and backgrounds. By offering a supportive community, gradual progression, and a focus on holistic well-being, the various Invictus online programming opens the doors for anyone looking to enhance their fitness journey. So, if you’re ready to challenge yourself, embrace your potential, and enjoy the benefits of improved health, don’t hesitate to explore the world of our online programming – it’s truly for everyone.
Coach’s Note by Michele Vieux: What can I say about Candy? Not enough, for sure. She has been a pillar in the Performance and Fitness community for many years. During that time, she has continuously posted her results, encouraging others to do the same; shepherded newcomers by answering questions, congratulating them, and generally being supportive; played a major role in building the community that exists in the comments (those folks have never met each other in person but they KNOW each other well, in large part to Candy’s efforts); plus, she asks genuinely stimulating questions about the programming and how she can improve. Recently she started following the online Masters Program and while I know her Performance Peeps surely miss her, they acknowledge that there is a new group of athletes who need her now. We know she will continue to make an impact on many lives in our community and are forever thankful for all she’s given back.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the workout, “Candy’s Delight” was named after this phenomoninal lady? That’s because of a couple of things. #1 – she loves lunging more than most people. #2 – We love her even more than she loves lunging!
“Candy’s Delight”
Four rounds for time of:
300 Meter Run
100 Meter Walking Lunges with KB/DB Farmer’s Carry (24/16 kg)
Create a plan for success with your CrossFit Goal!
