LIZ DIAS

HOW DID YOU GET INTO CROSSFIT?

I started on my CrossFit journey just over a year ago. Before that, I worked out at F45 for the last 4 years. I had always wanted to try Crossfit, but was extremely intimidated and nervous. I had never done any type of heavy lifting or Olympic lifting. I was told by my doctor just a year before that I should stop deadlifting due to chronic back issues and I had also never done any type of gymnastics movements. Aside from the physical demand of Crossfit, I was also scared of what Crossfit might do to my body. I’d been told many times that I had a ‘body like a man, or that I was too jacked and muscular. I thought doing Crossfit would only make that insecurity and perceived fear worse.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE WANDERLUST AS YOUR FIRST CROSSFIT EXPERIENCE?

I met and became friends with Martin and Alex, who were members at Wanderlust, and they convinced me to come try a class. Having their support and guidance along with the coaches, really helped me to step out of my comfort zone and kept excited for more.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT TRAINING AT WANDERLUST?

My favourite thing about training here is definitely the community. Wanderlust isn’t just the place I train, it’s become a place where I’ve met so many amazing people who share similar values and goals and have become like family. It’s a place that makes me feel safe and like I’m at home.

WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENTS?

Whether it’s during class or the few events I›ve competed in, I’ll never forget the feeling of having people yell my name and cheer me on while I’m dying and wanting to give up during a workout. The level of kindness and support from the coaches and members has been overwhelming and like nothing I ever felt, even while playing sports growing up.

DO OR DID YOU HAVE ANY STRUGGLES WITHIN THE SPORT, AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM?

My greatest struggle has been comparing myself to others. The feeling of inadequacy when I compare myself to someone who has been doing Crossfit for years and wanting to be just as good as them. Or getting upset when I don’t get a certain movement as quickly as someone else. But over time I’ve learned to honour exactly where I am in my Crossfit journey and to stop comparing my skills and strength to everyone else around me. I also get gentle reminders from friends to stop being so hard on myself, be proud of where I started and how far I’ve come.

ANY ADVICE FOR NEWBIES?

My advice to anyone new is first of all to just enjoy the ride and have fun. Pick 1-2 movements you want to get better at, then be intentional about how you’re going to do it. Set some small, achievable goals, then come in even if it’s just for 15 minutes 3-4 times a week before class and work on some drills to improve and progress at those goals.

WHAT ARE YOUR 2021 GOALS?

My goals for 2021: master double unders, handstand holds and do at least 10 unbroken toes to bar. Also to continue working on gaining strength in my cleans.

HOW HAS CROSSFIT CHANGED YOU?

Crossfit has taught me so many things: first to love and value my body for what it can accomplish, and not just how it looks. It’s also shown me that I can do hard things with the right mindset. It has given me tremendous confidence, and taught me that confidence isn’t the lack of insecurities; it’s the ability to face, work through and learn from them. Then slowly, over time, letting them go. Lastly, I learned the importance of having fun, being brave to suck at something new; and that with a lot of consistency, hard work and patience, the results will come.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR DOWNTIME?

When I’m not training, I still spend a lot of time being active and playing. I’m currently learning to surf and I love dancing and playing various sports like football, volleyball, spikeball and frisbee with friends at the beach. I LOVE eating and often go for dinner or even just a coffee and something sweet with friends. I’m a sucker for ice cream and desserts. I also enjoy going on adventures exploring this beautiful place I get to call home.

@lizdias7