Each month the coaching staff at EHP selects a member that is “Better Than Yesterday!” The selected recipient is a great example of EHP’s CREDO—demonstrating compassion, honesty, resilience, perseverance, and tenacity. Katie Melquist was selected as September’s “Better Than Yesterday” recipient.

Why did you start CrossFit?
I had always struggled to find consistency when it came to fitness. I could never find anything that gave me that desire to make a lasting change. I was trying to lose weight with little success. Discouragement and laziness pushed me into a deep hole of apathy regarding my health. Alcohol pushed me to rock bottom. In 2020, I gave up alcohol cold turkey and have never looked back. It was time to start healing my body and taking charge of my well being. In 2022, just after turning 40, I decided to give CrossFit a shot. I was so nervous walking into the gym that first day, but after the first workout, I knew EHP was where I was meant to be.

Why do you continue CrossFit?
CrossFit pushes me to be the best version of myself and keep reaching for my true potential. I have become stronger not only physically, but even more so mentally. I have learned to push harder and dig deeper. I now strive to live every aspect of my life by the EHP credo of “Better than Yesterday,” to strive daily to be the person I want to be, the mother I want my kids to see. I have become a better person inside and out since joining EHP.

What has been your greatest achievement since starting EHP?
The last year has been full of so many fitness achievements that I can’t just pick one. I ran the Red River 15k, competed in the Able Games and the Meltdown Throwdown, and finished the Younglife sprint triathlon. I conquered the 5000-burpee challenge and the 8-week Hero WOD challenge.

How has your life changed since joining EHP?
I have a newfound confidence like never before. I no longer let my insecurities hold me back. CrossFit is not just something I do, but part of the lifestyle I now live. It’s not just about putting in the work at the gym, but focusing on my nutrition, recovery, sleep, and overall health. I feel so blessed to have a supportive community with amazing coaches surrounding me and rooting for me to succeed.

Anything else you would like to share about yourself, fitness journey and/or EHP.
There is a quote from Theodore Roosevelt that says “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I remind myself of this often.  I spent most of my life comparing myself to others. It’s easy to do this at the gym. To feel like you’re not good enough or strong enough. CrossFit is teaching me how to get tunnel vision during the workout so I only focus on myself. It’s just me against me. It doesn’t matter what the person next to me is doing. They are on their own journey. It’s celebrating every victory no matter how small. It’s remembering it’s okay if I have a bad day. It’s about finding that joy, being myself, and having fun. It’s never too late to change or start over. I am proof of that. I am forever grateful to have found this community, and I can’t wait for what is to come.