Against All Odds: Meet the Unstoppable Stephanie Bennett
Get ready to be inspired. This month, we're shining a spotlight on an athlete who embodies strength, resilience, and the unwavering power of the human spirit: Stephanie Bennett.
For the past three years, Stephanie has been a vital part of the Blackbird CrossFit family. Her journey began with Coach Matt and has continued to flourish under the guidance of Coach Rebekah for the last year and a half. Stephanie's path to our gym was marked by a life-altering horse accident that resulted in paralysis and the amputation of her right arm. Doctors delivered a devastating prognosis: she would likely never walk again.
But Stephanie Bennett is not one to be defined by limitations. Seven years after that accident, she now walks into Blackbird CrossFit ready to crush workouts. Her spinal cord injury presents ongoing balance challenges, which our coaches expertly address through focused core and stability training. What makes Stephanie's journey even more remarkable is the multiple surgeries and falls she has endured during her time with us, creating setbacks that would deter many. Yet, with unwavering determination, Stephanie always returns to the gym, focused on continuing her progress and getting back to where she was. Stephanie thrives on workouts that leave her muscles burning and her mind clear. Her favorite movements, push-ups, sit-ups, front squats, deadlifts, sled pushes and pulls, and rowing, are a testament to her strength and determination.
When Stephanie first joined us, she relied on a cane, carried extra weight, and understandably felt the weight of how her injury had changed her life. A lifelong equestrian, she knew what it meant to be active and fit, and she was determined to reclaim that part of herself. Her drive and work ethic are nothing short of amazing. She approaches every session with an intensity and focus that inspires everyone around her.
Blackbird has become more than just a gym for Stephanie; it's her happy place. Here, she's surrounded by a community of fellow fitness enthusiasts who welcome her wholeheartedly and see her for the incredible athlete she is. Despite battling significant phantom limb pain daily, pain that can be severe, Stephanie consistently pushes through her workouts. It's been truly remarkable to witness the transformative power of exercise in her life. She often walks in feeling miserable, and through movement, she finds relief, a distraction from the pain, and the joy of endorphins.
Looking ahead, Stephanie faces the need for two knee replacements, a step that will undoubtedly improve her walking and alignment. And after that, The sky's the limit. We are incredibly excited to continue pushing the boundaries with Stephanie, supporting her dream of competing in adaptive CrossFit competitions.
Stephanie Bennett, your strength, your determination, your unstoppable spirit, it's an honor to witness. You are a true testament to the power of the human will and a shining example of what it means to be a Blackbird athlete. We are beyond proud to have you in our community.
Meet Steph..
Tell us about yourself
Stephanie Bennett, 62, my bestie is my dog Marley.
I was an equestrian all my life. I competed and taught riding for many years. My passion is horses; and regardless of my circumstances now, it always will be.
What was the turning point that led you to CrossFit?
Before my accident, I was a beginner CrossFit enthusiast. It wasn't long after starting CrossFit that I sustained a life altering spinal cord injury while training a client's young horse. After spending almost a year in inpatient rehabilitation, I decided to look into adaptive CrossFit training. I found Blackbird and after 3 years, I haven't looked back!?
Can you share a specific instance where CrossFit has challenged you in a positive way? What did you learn from it?
Blackbird CrossFit has greatly impacted my ability to navigate everyday activities that many take for granted. Due to my spinal cord injury, I face extreme balance issues. Walking can feel like going across a balance beam, where a single misstep could lead to a fall. I've experienced several falls with serious consequences, including broken bones and a brain bleed. Coaches Matt and Rebekah have directly addressed this through targeted training with movements designed to improve my balance. This focused work in the gym has translated well into my daily life, providing a sense of stability and confidence outside of Blackbird.
What is your favorite memory or experience from the gym?
Without hesitation I can say that I'm most proud of my recent 62 birthday burpees!
What is your favorite CrossFit movement, lift, or WOD? Least favorite?
My favorite movement at the gym is my modified push ups! My least favorite piece of equipment is the ski erg!?
What do you enjoy the most about Blackbird or CrossFit in general?
As a disabled person, a constant fear in public is vulnerability, whether from unwanted stares, the risk of falls in crowded places, or the frequent lack of accessibility. But Blackbird is my safe place. The community is aware, but not overly sensitive to my situation. I have made quite a few friendships over the years, and I love that I'm welcomed and accepted the way I am!
Can you share a specific health improvement or positive change in your life that you attribute to CrossFit?
Prior to my accident, I was quite fit. The forced sedentary lifestyle not only left me without any muscle mass, but also had me almost 60lbs overweight. Thanks to some nutritional coaching from Coach Matt and a consistent 3 days a week in the Blackbird Sweat Lodge, after nearly two years I was able to get back to a healthy weight.
What are your CrossFit goals and how close are you to reaching them?
To be honest I have so many goals that I'm not even sure which one to write about. One day, I would really like to be able to compete in some kind of competition in the adaptive CrossFit arena.
When you are not CrossFitting what is your favorite thing to do?
I enjoy reading and coloring. I am supposed to get a service dog, so I'm really looking forward to getting outside to walk more when that happens. So many things require 2 hands which limits me, but I try hard not to let it get me down and I focus on the things I can do!
What is one fun thing about you that we may not know yet?
I was a competitive equestrian rider. I qualified and rode in the National Championships in Oklahoma where I earned a 3rd place out of 213 riders in the country!
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to try CrossFit?
CrossFit is such an inclusive sport where people of all fitness levels can be involved. It is also a community of great people!
How has your approach to nutrition changed since starting CrossFit?
I've lost almost 60lbs, but beyond that I feel better! My relationship with food has changed drastically. I don't eat to feel full. I eat to fuel my body, which in turn helps my energy level, my mood, and my focus among other things!
What is your favorite workout fuel? What about your favorite indulgence?
I drink Premier Protein Cafe Latte for a quick snack before I get to the gym! I love anything with sugar!
How have your specific life challenges shaped your outlook on life, the importance of staying active, being around a community, etc.?
There is no doubt that staying active is crucial to most aspects of life. For me, I suffer from chronic pain. Sometimes it can be debilitating and it forces me to be idle until it passes. But I've noticed that my body is happier when I'm moving. Whether that means at the gym, in my home, or in social settings. In the end, movement is paramount for my physical challenges.
Results? Tell us about your results!
Weight loss, confidence, friendships made, and a refreshing new outlook. I am completely grateful to Matt and Rebekah Titus and Blackbird CrossFit for stepping in at the most perfect time to help me be a better version of the person I'm meant to be every time I come through the door!
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