We like to introduce you to Josh, a CHALKBOX member. He has a story to share that will motivate us all:

“Being active has always been a huge part of my life. Even as a young child I was always the kid out on his bike, or climbing in trees, or upon the roofs of buildings.

I didn’t “train” as such but I was pretty fit and going into late teens and adult life I found adventure sports like climbing and white water kayaking which only pushed my fitness up.

Josh joining a rowing course at CHALKBOX with Cameron Nichol - training for rowing a marathon to raise funds for the Air Ambualance

In 2010, I had a 35ft fall which broke my back in two places, smashed up my ankle and snapped my wrist. It was horrendous. I had no feeling or movement from the waist down with no reason to believe that would ever return but I was always very aware of how fortunate I was to survive the experience and doctors and physios were pretty clear that my fitness level and basic strength was a pretty huge factor in how well my body had handled the fall. It could have been so much worse.

The relationship between our fitness levels and our bodies robustness and resilience is huge. We can literally make our bodies more capable of handling the challenges that get thrown our way.

Post-accident, I knew I would need to take training seriously. Whether it would help me get back on my feet or not was an unknown but even as a full-time wheelchair user, keeping fit was so key to allowing a good quality of life. From Stoke Mandeville’s rehab facility I was wheeling to the local gym to supplement the rehab work as an inpatient.

Since then I’ve pursued fitness. I’ve always said my rehab will not be complete until I can do anything I could have done prior to my injuries in the full knowledge that’s not an achievable goal and I would rehab forever. I’m ok with that but take far more enjoyment in looking for other goals to supplement it, form returning to the sports I loved - I’ve climbed competitively for the GB team and I love throwing myself around in a white water kayak, to qualifying as a personal trainer, to setting myself crazy challenges like marathon rows and Everest rope climbs, to pushing myself in CrossFit comps.

I absolutely believe that fitness is for everyone! You might feel like your body is completely broken (I’ve been there and can sympathise), you might have never been for a jog or touched a barbell in your life, but there is always a something you can do. For most people, the hardest thing is making a start.

CHALKBOX and the team there can help you do just that.

Crossfit isn’t just about the Rich Fronings and Mat Frasers out there. It’s about everyday people moving more, moving better, taking control of their own health. The positives knock-ons are immeasurable! From improved mental health, improved physical health, the ability to keep up with the kids or grandkids more easily, not getting puffed out taking the dog for a walk - there are so many little wins to embrace.

Make a start. Invest in you.

Sanity and mobility