SHARE

Hasbrouck Heights Trainer: CrossFit Isn't Scary If You Have The Right Gym

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J. — Seeing her clients and fellow gym goers fall off the band wagon wasn't all that uncommon for personal trainer Hazel Luque of Hasbrouck Heights.

Hazel Luque, 26 of Hasbrouck Heights, trains at Great White CrossFit in Hackensack.

Hazel Luque, 26 of Hasbrouck Heights, trains at Great White CrossFit in Hackensack.

Photo Credit: Hazel Luque
Luque lost fat and gained muscle since joining Great White in Hackensack.

Luque lost fat and gained muscle since joining Great White in Hackensack.

Photo Credit: Hazel Luque

It wasn't until she experienced that same problem herself that Luque realized it was time to try something else.

"It was the typical story of taking care of other people but not taking care of myself," said Luque, 26, who at the time was working at 24 Hour Fitness in Paramus. 

"I was a trainer, but I was extremely out of shape."

So she turned to CrossFit.

Accustomed to a body builder lifting split — Monday biceps, Tuesday legs, etc. — Luque had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

After all, she knew that was the only way she'd see her body change.

Her new community at Great White CrossFit in Hackensack made the transition easier — even fun.

"I was athletic my whole life so technically working out should've come easily to me," Luque said.

"People fall off the wagon because they just lose that motivation, and I guess I'm just like everyone else."

Before joining Great White, Luque had been training at another local CrossFit box. That lasted two weeks, though, despite a three-month membership. 

The people weren't friendly. She didn't feel encouraged. Luque needed more.

She eventually made it over to Great White, owned by her former colleagues Tara and Steve Ramos, and found herself coming back day after day. 

"CrossFit can seem intimidating," she said, "but it's the exact opposite at Great White."

For every new challenge there was also something she'd improved on.

Her strength, her confidence and her motivation to exercise was slowly restored.

"CrossFit is one of the few sports where the one who finishes last gets cheered on the most," Luque said. 

The people at Great White were so invested in my success as much as their own.

"The community keeps me coming back."

to follow Daily Voice Ridgefield Park-Hasbrouck Heights and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE