Caitlin Woolley AND Jordan Scott! It's a MUST READ! Alex, I and all of us at Chateau absolutely Love and adore you Jordan and Caitlin. We have truly enjoyed getting to know you both, enjoyed watching you both become more empowered and be an incredible light amongst our Community!

Jordan:

I’ve always been a naturally big and strong person. Unfortunately, I tended to focus on the big part a little too much.

In high school I worked out with the football and wrestling teams because I was able to keep up and the coach didn’t mind.  Then, in my 20s, I got into bodybuilding and started working out at a Gold’s Gym. It was great for a while and my trainer taught me a lot but it ultimately didn’t pan out. I found myself with more body dysmorphia and disordered eating.

Since then I’ve tried working out in big box commercial gyms but it’s often crowded, frequently dirty, and always demotivating. I also found writing my own effective programming was difficult and sticking to it was even harder when the gym was so crowded I couldn’t work into an area I was hoping to use.

Cait and I tried a gym that offered a HIIT style workout, but not much else. It was factory fitness without any personalization or skill building.

While we continued to shop around for gyms I was surprised when Cait mentioned checking out CrossFit Chateau. I honestly didn’t think she’d go for that.

I remember our first class at Chateau and meeting Coach Logan. Deadlifts, nice. I can do these. But wall walks? Toes to bar? Box jumps? No, no. I won’t be doing those silly things, I’m here for the weights.

But do those things I did.

Well, at least my best version of those things. I was completely gassed from that workout and felt sore for a week but I wanted to go back. I felt welcome, supported, and safe. The gym passed the vibe check and I knew this would be a place that would challenge me for a long time.

Along with joining Chateau, going to therapy has helped me with my mental health.

I’ve been able to change my focus from chasing aesthetics based on self-hatred to goals of strength, endurance, flexibility and building a foundation for a longer, more active life. I’m more concerned about what I’m able to do than how I look.

We’ve been going consistently for about a year and half now and it’s just the best. Even on days when we would rather do anything else, we’ll go, get our workout in, and feel better afterwards.

I’m in the best shape of my life. I have more confidence in myself in my day to day and I’ve made some friends in the process. ‘

However the best part has been watching Cait grow into a stronger, more confident version of herself.

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Caitlin:

A few years ago, Jordan and I went for what should have been a simple walk—flat terrain, just a mile—but my body certainly didn’t agree. I was out of breath, sore, and exhausted. Sitting on the couch the next day, I realized: at 30-something and in decent health, this wasn’t normal. And If I didn’t start moving, these stiff legs and sore feet were just the beginning of my problems.

So, we started gym-hopping. After some trial and error, we decided to try CrossFit. Our first session? Sumo deadlifts (Akebono lifts? I wondered). I remember how Coach Logan immediately felt like a friend (she still does!). She guided Jordan and me through each movement and soon other members were coming up to say hello, share their love for CrossFit Chateau, and encourage us to join. I was amazed that anyone could be so happy in a gym.

I certainly never had been. For much of my life, my relationship with fitness was steeped in cruelty. I struggled with body dysmorphia and disordered eating, convinced that the only path was to hate myself into smallness; and if I could only get small enough, maybe I could disappear altogether.

I tried—hard—to mold myself into the shape of someone whose body I felt had value, that even my own unforgiving reflection could accept.

But cruelty cannot carry you forward. It is no worthy catalyst for change. CrossFit has taught me that what can sustain you is community—people who believe in you before you do, who find many ways to say: we’re glad you’re here, we’ve got this.

(One of those ways is to help pick you up after you royally biff a box jump.)

At first, I was riddled with nerves, shaking like a new baby gazelle. I felt ungainly and uncertain as I learned the basics and moved my body in new ways. But in moments of doubt, the coaches were there, guiding me, keeping me safe, and reminding me of my own strength. And slowly, I began to believe them. I began to see that I was capable of so very, very much.

CrossFit has changed my life. I’m stronger than ever, and I’ve barely scratched the surface of what I can do. But more than anything, I love the community—the support, the camaraderie, and knowing that as I age, I’ll be strong enough to take care of myself (yes, even wipe my own ass when I’m old!).

I’m so grateful for CrossFit Chateau and the people in it. This journey has been about far more than physical fitness—it’s been about reclaiming my life and my sense of self.