FINDING MY TRIBE
Listen to Katerina's journey from beginner to a seasoned CrossFitter
Kat’s CrossFit Journey at CrossFit 1864
Starting something new is rarely easy. Walking into a CrossFit gym for the first time can feel intimidating, confusing, or even scary. Kat’s story is a good example of why that first step matters and how the right environment can completely change someone’s relationship with training.
Kat joined CrossFit 1864 without any prior CrossFit experience. Like many people, she wasn’t sure what to expect, whether she’d be able to keep up, or if CrossFit was “for her.” What she quickly discovered was that CrossFit isn’t about being fit before you start. It’s about starting where you are and improving from there.
This is her journey.
Who Kat Is
Kat is a busy professional living and working in East London. Before joining CrossFit 1864, fitness wasn’t a consistent part of her routine. She had tried going to a regular gym before, but like many people, she found it hard to stay motivated, unsure what to do, and often felt like she was training alone.
She wasn’t chasing competition or elite performance. Her goal was simple: feel healthier, feel stronger, and enjoy training again.
Starting CrossFit for the First Time
Like most beginners, Kat had doubts.
Would she be able to do the workouts?
Would she feel out of place?
Would everyone else be far fitter?
Her first sessions were about learning the basics. How to squat properly. How to move safely. How workouts are structured. Everything was scaled to her level, with coaches explaining movements clearly and making sure she felt supported rather than overwhelmed.
Instead of being thrown into the deep end, Kat was guided step by step. That made all the difference.
Training at CrossFit 1864
One of the biggest changes Kat noticed was the structure and coaching. Every class had a purpose. Every workout had a goal. And every movement could be adapted to match her ability on that day.
She didn’t need to plan sessions or guess what to do. She just showed up.
The coaching team focused on:
Proper movement and technique
Progressing at a sustainable pace
Building confidence before intensity
Over time, Kat began to feel more comfortable with movements she once thought were impossible. Strength improved. Conditioning improved. Most importantly, her confidence grew.
The Role of Community
One thing Kat didn’t expect was how important the community would become.
Training alongside other people, all working at their own level, created a sense of accountability and belonging. She wasn’t training on her own anymore. She was part of a group that encouraged effort, consistency, and showing up, even on tough days.
This sense of community is what separates CrossFit 1864 from a regular gym. People know your name. Coaches notice progress. Small wins are celebrated.
Results Beyond the Physical
Kat’s progress wasn’t just physical.
She felt:
More confident in her body
More consistent with training
Less intimidated by fitness
More motivated to look after her health
CrossFit became something she looked forward to, not something she felt she “should” do.
Advice from Kat to Anyone Thinking About Starting
Kat’s message to anyone considering CrossFit is simple:
You don’t need to be fit to start. You just need to start.
Everything is scalable. Everyone begins somewhere. The hardest part is walking through the door for the first time.
Is CrossFit 1864 Right for You?
If you’re based around Poplar, Canary Wharf, East India, or Blackwall and you’re looking for:
Structured training
Professional coaching
A supportive community
Long-term results
Then CrossFit 1864 might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Kat’s story isn’t unique because she’s special. It’s unique because she showed up, stayed consistent, and trained in the right environment.
And that’s something anyone can do.