Our Best, Meet Leanna Aranki

Finding GSX was part of, what I believe is, the “bigger plan.” For the last few years I have dealt with a health issue that made many things in my life complicated and difficult. Once I began to take charge of my recovery plan, I found many resources from different avenues that helped me gain my health back. The last part of my journey proved to be the hardest and most emotionally and mentally challenging. Conceiving a baby was difficult for me and my body, and I had begun to “give up.” My doctor gave me some valuable input. He said that my body needs to know that it is strong, healthy and able to conceive and carry a baby. Great! But how do I go about doing that? He first suggested that that I actually cut back on my hour long workout routines. In my case, he told me that it was actually being counter productive by stressing my body and affecting my adrenal functioning. He suggested that I look into a strength training program mixed with cardio. So, I tried strength training classes. They turned out to be boring and exhausting. Next, I tried working with a few personal trainers, each of which was very costly and each trainer told me a different thing to do. Frustrated and believing there must be a better program I began to do my own research. I believe that when you search out the truth, you will find it…and I did! I found GSX here in Ft. Worth and thought it would be worth a call.

The first contact I had at GSX was with Tucker. I can’t remember exactly what was said in our first conversation, but I do remember the feeling I had after talking with him. I felt like I had hope again. In one conversation Tucker expressed the philosophy and goals of CrossFit. What also came across was his intense passion to help people. Everything he said made sense and I had an amazing sense of peace that I had probably found not only the right program, but the right place. After our first few sessions and the first few weeks at GSX, I knew that this was where I should be. After only two months, I felt strong, I felt healthy, I felt good for the first time in a long time, and then I felt very pregnant!! I have continued to do CrossFit since day one of my pregnancy. My doctor says that I am in great shape and to keep doing what I am doing! It has helped with my energy level and has kept me strong and ready to face the last three months of my pregnancy. My faith, family, friends, GSX, Tucker, Josh and the most awesome group of people who I sweat with and endure to the end with at each session have been the very best part of my journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Ethan David Aranki will be welcomed into the world April 28th 2009. I can’t wait until I enroll him in the CrossFit Kids!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

great story leanna. this crossfit is powerful stuff.

Anonymous said...

Congrats guys!

Mo said...

A mushy CrossFit story? :) Congrats on baby Ethan!

Anonymous said...

It's great to know you, Leanna. What an inspiring story! You are giving your baby the best gift of all...a strong, confident mom!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Leanna, that is awesome!

Anonymous said...

It has been great working out with you, your husband, and brother.

Lisa and I are honored to know you and your family! and we are praying for a smooth and healthy delivery.

tuck said...

Wonderful Story! Remember - you wer ethe one brave enough to take the first step! And then you kicked some serious @$$!

Love you and your wonderfull family!

tuck

Anonymous said...

Leanna,

You are amazing!! I am scared to see you when your NOT pregnant. You'll be kickin' all our butts!
Great to watch you on this journey.
Sharon

Ali said...

Leanna - Loved reading your story, thanks for sharing it with us! Your positive and no whining attitude inspires me everytime we workout together. 2009 Mother's Day is going to be a very special and deserving day for you. Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

I will babysit Ethan!

Rhonda

Anonymous said...

See....where can you find a place with so many amazingly encouraging people? Truly, ALL of you have been such an encouragement and inspiration to me!! You guys rock!!
And… a trend must have been started b/c we also have another GSX mom, Sarah :-) She is amazing too…

Hope your doing well Rhonda, and thanks for the offer!! :-)
-Leanna