Become an Inspiration

Ellie McKenzie • February 24, 2025

How Taking Ownership of Your Health Can Impact Others

I remember watching a famous athlete on TV in high school who said he never asked to be a role model—he just wanted to play sports, make money, and have fun. I don’t recall his name, but I do remember my reaction: What a wasted opportunity. Because whether we like it or not, we all have a responsibility to be role models and to inspire others to greatness, no matter what we do.

The Power of Sharing Your Journey

When I first started my fitness journey and dove into CrossFit, I began sharing my experiences online. I hesitated at times, wondering if I was posting too much or if anyone even cared. But I kept going because I believed in the power of fitness and wanted others to see how life-changing it could be.
Then, something incredible happened. Messages started rolling in—people telling me that my posts inspired them to start prioritizing their health. I was shocked. I had assumed that only my close friends and family (if that!) were reading what I shared. But here were strangers, taking action because of my words.
And then I started seeing it in my clients. Over the years, I’ve worked with so many men and women who walked through the gym doors full of apologies—Sorry, I’m not an athlete. Sorry, I’m clumsy. Sorry, I’m weak. My response has always been the same: If you already knew how to do everything, I wouldn’t have a job. I’m here to teach you, and I love doing it.

Confidence Takes Time


One of the most powerful moments in my journey came when an old boyfriend from my early 20s showed up at the gym. I didn’t recognize him at first. He had found my Facebook page years ago, followed my posts about health, and decided to make changes in his own life. He quit drinking, cleaned up his diet, and started working out. He had a wife, a son, and a newfound commitment to his well-being—and he came to say thank you for inspiring him.

That moment reinforced something I had already started to learn: You never know who is watching, who is listening, or who needs that extra push.


From “Never” to “I Will”


One of my favorite client stories is about JJ. When she first started CrossFit, she was terrified of even trying a push-up, convinced she’d smash her face into the ground. She apologized constantly and shut down any idea of pushing beyond her comfort zone:

 • You don’t have to worry about me doing a CrossFit competition—that will NEVER happen.

 • You don’t have to worry about me stringing pull-ups together—that will NEVER happen.

 • You don’t have to worry about me lifting heavy weights—that will NEVER happen.

But little by little, everything changed. JJ got comfortable with failing as part of the learning process. She fell, got up, and tried again. And as she built strength, her mindset transformed:

 • I WILL try new things.

 • I WILL get better.

 • I WILL succeed.

And she did.

Today, JJ is an Olympic weightlifter. She has won Texas State, placed second in the U.S., and ranked seventh in the world for her weight and age division. This didn’t come without adversity—she’s battled injuries, undergone neck surgery, and even had COVID days before a competition. But she’s learned that setbacks don’t define you—your willingness to keep going does.



YOU Have the Power to Inspire

A few years ago, I told JJ how inspiring her story was. She looked at me in disbelief and said, I’ve never inspired anyone in my whole life.

I knew that look. I had worn it myself.

That’s why I feel sorry for that athlete I saw on TV all those years ago. He missed out on one of the most fulfilling experiences in life—lifting others up and helping them realize their own potential. Now, when a new client walks into the gym, nervous and afraid of looking foolish, I tell them JJ’s story. I tell them how I never thought I could inspire anyone either. And then I remind them of one simple truth:

We all have greatness within us. And we all have the power to inspire others to find their own.

You just have to start.


If YOU want help starting your Journey to Extraordinary, give us a call or go to our website, www.CrossFitOdyssey.com. We would be delighted to help you become the inspiration you always wanted to be.