CrossFit captures civilian Published Dec. 21, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Melanie Iannaggi 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Expectant mothers typically have a lot to do before the baby arrives. Between going to Lamaze classes, shopping for baby clothes, going to doctor's appointments and working full-time, Molly Gazzo, 56th Medical Group advanced medical administrator, who is in she can squeeze into her busy life -- CrossFit. Mrs. Gazzo, wife of Airman Nicholas Gazzo, 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, has been a week. "Before CrossFit came to Luke Air Force Base, I never worked out," Mrs. Gazzo said. "Instead of playing sports in school, I worked at Dairy Queen and ate with me when I was about 20-years-old and I knew I had to do something." Mrs. Gazzo is a good friend of Sherri Biringer, 56th Force Support Squadron CrossFit supervisor, who got her started doing CrossFit. "Sherri is a great motivator and encouraged me to keep going when I was complaining," Mrs. Gazzo said. She said CrossFit works for her because the workouts are planned and different. "Running on the treadmill and lifting weights is hard to stick with because, for me, it is boring," she said. "I'm addicted to CrossFit. If I don't go, something must be wrong." Since starting CrossFit a year ago, Mrs. Gazzo said she has lost 16 percent body fat, 14 total inches off her body and has lost 25 to 30 pounds. "I'm also able to do about seven pull-ups now compared to zero when I started," she said. Mrs. Gazzo plans to continue with CrossFit throughout her pregnancy and afterward to lose the baby weight. Mrs. Biringer said CrossFit is safe to do when pregnant as long as the doctor approves. "Instead of Molly doing 65-pound thrusters like she normally does, she will drop the weight down to around 35 pounds and during the last trimester to about 15 pounds," Mrs. Biringer said. "During abdominal work, she will use an abdominal ball for added support. And, we will make sure she stays hydrated." CrossFit has also inspired Mrs. Gazzo to make career changes. "I'm going to school right now to become a personal trainer," Mrs. Gazzo said. "I want to teach people everything that I've learned and mentor them the way Sherri did for me." Mrs. Biringer said Molly has improved greatly both physically and mentally since January. "Her total self-esteem improved," she said. "Her attitude changed from 'I can't' to 'bring it on' and she has gained a lot of strength and endurance in the process."