Four Years and Counting
Chris Madsen was in her late 50's and had just been diagnosed with osteoporosis. She was scared, was unsure of her future, and was pretty desperate for some answers. Chris had never been a part of a gym before so the whole idea of lifting weights was foreign to her. This is her story.
First 100+ pound weight loss, coaching CrossFit Games athletes, training professional athletes and the list goes on of milestones you reach as a fitness coach.
In 2010, Chris Madsen strolled into our lives and we embarked on one of the most rewarding milestones we could ever imagine. Chris Madsen was in her late 50's and had just been diagnosed with osteoporosis. She was scared, was unsure of her future, and was pretty desperate for some answers. Chris had never been a part of a gym before so the whole idea of lifting weights was foreign to her.
Two years later, she returned for her bone density scan to discover she had reversed the progression of the osteoporosis and her bone density to the osteopenia range.
For a 61 year old, gaining bone density, increasing muscle, learning about proper nutrition, and a complete lifestyle change is not easy. Her journey has been incredibly inspiring. She is a glaring example of hard work and commitment.
Every morning at 7 AM she fills the room with her positive energy. I find her journey important and as she heads in for another bone density scan, I wanted her to tell her story, in her words.
Introduce yourself. Who are you, how did you get here, and what can we find you doing when you are not working on getting in really good shape at San Diego Athletics?
My name is Chris Madsen and I am one of the most senior members of San Diego Athletics at age 62. You might be wondering why someone so old would even walk through the doors of CrossFit PB (the name when I joined) so here goes. At age 58 I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I was devastated. In my numb state, my brother walked me down the 4 blocks to the newly opened CrossFit on the corner of Garnet and Fanuel, saying that I needed to lift weights for my bones. I had walked by it before and thought that I just did not belong with strong people pushing barbells who were at least half my age. We talked with Anders and he enthusiastically took me on as either a charity case or a challenge or both! I started the next day and could barely walk home afterward. For the first month I could only lift the PVC pipe….yes, it took me a month to be able to lift the women’s bar!
When not at San Diego Athletics, I work at home for WideOrbit, a San Francisco based software company. We provide software for media outlets: TV, Radio, Cable, and Satellite. I also love to hang out with friends & family, travel, read, enjoy & create art, theater, take classes and learn new things, and walk my dog, Roxy.
How long have you been at San Diego Athletics?
In May of 2015 it will be 4 years.
How would you describe yourself before joining SDA?
Before I joined SDA, I had been a runner for 25 years. Over the years by knees and hips starting hurting so that by the time I started at SDA, I hadn’t been running for a few years. I really missed the aerobic workout. My muscles were also getting weaker with age and my balance was suffering.
What are the biggest physical, mental, and lifestyle changes you have noticed since joining SDA?
Where do I start? This place has changed my life! I no longer have osteoporosis and I no longer worry about the possibility of having it. That does mean that I will be at SDA for as long as I possibly can! It has given me so much confidence in my body, in my balance, in my ability to be active. I feel strong, I have upper body muscles that I have never had in my life. It has increased my endurance.
What programs have you participated in?
CrossFit, Open, Nutrition
What accomplishments are you the most proud of at SDA?
My biggest accomplishment is beating osteoporosis without taking any drugs. Also just showing up 4 times a week and participating as much as I can. I may not be anywhere near as strong as the younger members but I do what I can and I feel great.
What keeps you coming back and what are your future goals?
I keep coming back because I want to keep my bones strong and healthy. I keep coming back because I feel strong and confident. And my goal is to just keep participating as much as I can for as long as I can.
My soapbox speech is that I think that older people should really be participating as much as they can in crossfit or bodybuilding. It is OK not to be the strongest one there; it is more important to just do it. SDA is one of the best things to happen to me and it started as a health issue. I am so grateful to Anders and Brian for taking me on and always making me feel a part of the community!
