
When Nancy Reinhart, 69, first walked through the doors of CrossFit Influence in September 2023, she wasn’t sure if she belonged.
Retired and now raising puppies for Canine Companions, Nancy came to us with one simple goal: she needed to move again. Her body hurt. Her energy was low. Her confidence even lower. Everyday tasks — like getting down to the ground and standing back up — were a real struggle. And she wasn’t sure if something like CrossFit was even possible for someone her age.
But she showed up anyway.
In those early days, even just getting onto the floor required assistance. Movement felt hard, unfamiliar, and a little intimidating. Still, Nancy kept coming. And before long, the small wins started to stack up — first in mobility, then in strength, and eventually in confidence.
Within just a few weeks, she started to notice real change. Her pain began to decrease. Her energy picked up. She no longer needed help getting up or down. She was completing full workouts — not heavily modified, just using scaled weights and smart adjustments tailored to her.
Then came an even greater test.
Nancy hit a stretch where motivation was low. Just getting out of bed to come to the gym felt like a battle. But instead of quitting, she reached out — and the CrossFit Influence community showed up. A few check-ins. A couple of encouraging messages. The kind of accountability that only comes from a place that genuinely cares.
She kept showing up. Again and again. And every time she did, she left feeling stronger — physically and mentally.
Today, Nancy moves with confidence. She’s able to take care of her husband after shoulder surgery. She handles tasks around the house more easily. She’s stronger, more capable, and thriving in ways she never imagined just one year ago.
Nancy often says she’s always in a better headspace after getting to the gym. And what would she say to someone on the fence about joining?
“We really do cater to any level and we’re there for anyone — no matter where you’re at in life. You just have to be willing to come in, trust the process, and keep showing up.”
Nancy is living proof that it’s never too late to start. And that sometimes the hardest part — walking through the door — leads to the most life-changing transformations.