613 Success Story: Ildi Malcolmson

Kevin: Here we are with CrossFit 613 member Ildi Malcomson!

Ildi: Yes that’s right!

Kevin: So let’s get started, first question.. What were your health/fitness goals before starting with us at CrossFit 613?

Ildi: It was always to keep fit, get stronger, get rid of my back pain and live without pain.

Kevin: How long had you been living with back pain?

Ildi: I’ve had back pain for at least 10 years. Sometimes it would be so bad I'd be on the floor for weeks unable to move.

Kevin: Oh wow... ok so that kind of leads into our next question. What were your struggles? Clearly back and hip pain were some of your struggles.

Ildi: The struggles were walking, sitting, and sleeping. It was that basic. I would be waking up during the night because of the pain, at work I could not sit for long periods of time, it was even uncomfortable getting into the car. Generally just uncomfortable.

Kevin: Were you able to exercise?

Ildi: I used to do kickboxing, aerobics, and usually run 5 days a week but I couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t run because my hips and back were sore. I had to give that up and my focus shifted to strength training, I would do weights in a very controlled manner.

Kevin: How about your day to day activities, was it stopping you from doing anything? 

Ildi: Well here is a good example... the kids wanted to fly a kite when they were little and I couldn’t do it because I couldn’t run.

Kevin: That must have been hard... Ok so that leads me to the next question, when did you start at CrossFit 613?

Ildi: I started in February 2013 so 2 years ago now.

Kevin: Are there any stats you would like to share with us? Things that have changed since you began CrossFit? Weight, strength etc..

Ildi: well I actually have gained weight, but that’s more muscle. My pants don’t fit and I actually ripped a nice work blouse!

Kevin: So just to clarify for those who cant see where your pointing right now, where have you gained weight?

Ildi: my back and shoulders are stronger now!

Kevin: Just wanted to clarify that it’s not your waist your pointing at!

Ildi: So a couple more stats I can share, I am 44 now and I weigh about 145 pounds I can squat about 185 pounds. I was able to squat maybe 100 when I started. I couldn’t deadlift, I struggled with even 75 pounds because it affected my back. Now my max deadlift is 190 pounds. I remember when we started I could not do burpees at all, and now I can do burpees no problem. I couldn’t skip, and now I can do a few double unders. Now I can clean and Jerk 95b and it feels good! Before 55lb was as high as I could mentally go.

Kevin: Just so you know you’re not the only one, almost everyone has a mental block with something.

Ildi: I know, I’m still sometimes scared even though I have never hurt myself doing CrossFit. What I like to see is after a strength training cycle is small increments (10-15lb) on my lifts, I am very happy with that.

Kevin: And keep in mind the more you training those increments do get smaller, not because your not making progress but because your body is adapting and getting better! Ok so lets keep moving on... tell us more about what your health/fitness is like now?

Ildi: My health is very good, I feel strong, fit, I was always fit but never felt like this before. I feel better at work, at home, with the kids, and I like the fact that the kids can come and watch sometimes and can get inspired that someone my age can still get fit!

Kevin: What can you do now that you couldn’t do before?

Ildi: I was unable to run but now I am able to do some running. I couldn’t do double unders and now I can. I could not do pull-ups but now I can do 3 in a row.

Kevin: And these are strict pull-ups we are talking about?

Ildi: Yes 3 strict pull-ups! I couldn’t rope climb before either and now I m getting better and better at it. I’m loving it!

Kevin: So how has training at CrossFit 613 impacted your overall life? Not just your fitness but your general life?

Ildi: Well I do have issues with anxiety and I feel CrossFit, because it is mentally challenging, has helped me with my anxiety.

Kevin: Why do you think your didn’t achieve these results on your own or elsewhere?

Ildi: I didn’t have the guidance or the push. I find both of you really instill confidence in us and push us to do things we didn’t think we could do. I could never do it on my own.

Kevin: What do you enjoy the most about CrossFit 613?

Ildi: I love coming here because the people are amazing. We are all friends now, everyone is very welcoming and helps out. I remember when Eric started and he would point out little tips here and there and that created a really supportive environment.

Kevin: What do you think makes CrossFit 613 different?

Ildi: I think the people really make the difference and how the coaches care about every single person. You guys push every single person.

Kevin: Before we go is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Ildi: Well I encourage everyone to start exercising and I find this place because it is so supportive and guided, so we learn how to do all the proper movements, its very safe. So any one of any age and fitness level should try it. I encourage them to have the confidence to try it. I love seeing people come in who have not exericeed before come in and try it. I love talking to them and encouraging them.

Kevin: Awesome! Thanks for taking the time to share ildi!  And congrats on all of your great achievements.