You may recognize her from our CrossFit Journal feature, “Famished, Force-Fed, 450 Pounds—and Finally Fit.”

Athena Perez once weighed 450 lb. and admits that she was terrified to walk into a CrossFit gym. After overcoming her fear, she has since lost over 200 lb. Now Perez says she feels completely comfortable at her box, CrossFit Lakeville.

Read more about Athena's inspiring journey on her blog, "Bean There."