suhelen lopez

I joined CrossFit Central in May of 2024, and to say it has changed my life would be an understatement. I had tried many different things over the years—Orange Theory, extreme dieting—and while they sometimes brought short-term results, they were never sustainable. I might hit a number on the scale, but my energy was drained and I never felt great.

My fitness journey has always been inspired by my dad (Benny). He has consistently lived a healthy lifestyle, not just for himself but for our family. He has always been my example. As a mom of two, I want to be that same example for my kids—to be a parent who doesn’t just encourage them, but does things alongside them. We had driven past the gym many times, and from the outside, CrossFit always seemed completely out of our reach. But after hitting a slump and realizing our goals weren’t being met, we decided to take a leap and join.

Of course, misery loves company—so not only did Benny jump in, but I also convinced my sister-in-law, Julie, to join. What started as simply signing up together quickly turned into accountability. Julie and Benny became my gym accountability partners, and there were countless mornings where we’d text each other to make sure no one hit snooze or talked themselves out of going. Knowing someone was counting on you makes all the difference.

We signed up fully expecting not to last because, honestly, it was intimidating. During our very first introduction, we were told this would change our lives. At the time, we had no idea how true that statement would be.

Within just a couple of months, I could see and feel the changes—not just physically or through weight loss, but in how amazing I felt overall. While the workouts are incredible, I know 100% that the difference comes from the supportive and uplifting environment. Coach Carey’s passion and love for CrossFit are undeniable, and her genuine care for helping us reach our goals truly stands out. Every coach has been incredibly supportive and encouraging—yes, even Coach Zach and his tough love.

The Coaches all always show their passion and care to the community and because of that, I have seen wonderful gains both in my strength and in my physical numbers. Before CrossFit Central, my fitness efforts were always about reaching a specific goal for an event or special occasion, followed by struggling to stay consistent afterward. Now, it’s no longer about a short-term goal—it’s a way of life. CrossFit Central has become something I hope to continue for the rest of my life.