From HR Leader to Stronger That She’d Ever Imagined
As a Director in HR, Stephanie Wilson’s day-to-day is focused on developing others — guiding teams, fostering engagement, and driving organizational health. But outside of work, her world is full of joyful chaos: raising two energetic children under the age of five. Life was a constant blur of responsibilities. After relocating from Toronto to Stoney Creek in early 2022, Stephanie craved connection — not just to new people, but to herself. That’s when she discovered the Mom Strong program at Outlaw. What started as a search for local community and a moment of self-care quickly turned into the beginning of a powerful transformation.
From Surviving to Reclaiming Herself
When Stephanie joined Outlaw, her daughter was just nine months old. She had spent the previous few years in an emotional and physical whirlwind: two pregnancies, postpartum recovery, sleep deprivation, and a global pandemic — all while adjusting to a new city. She was drained. “I had spent over two years just trying to make it through each day,” she shared. “I needed something that would help me reconnect with myself and rediscover a sense of balance.”
She didn’t just want to feel better — she wanted to feel alive again. And she hoped, in the process, to meet others who were navigating similar challenges. What she found at Outlaw was something far more impactful.
The Climb — Inside and Out
Though Stephanie had experience in bootcamps and gym classes, walking into Outlaw felt like entering a whole new world. “I remember looking at the workout board and feeling like I was reading a foreign language,” she admitted. CrossFit’s unique terminology and movements were daunting. But from day one, the Outlaw coaches and community erased those fears. Their support was immediate and unwavering — guiding her step-by-step, celebrating her small wins, and always making sure she felt confident and included.
Stephanie started with a realistic goal: two workouts a week. That small promise to herself evolved into something much greater. After a series of health scares in her family, she had a wake-up call. “I realized how vital it is to prioritize my health,” she said. What followed was a 10-month streak of hitting the gym four times a week — proof of a mindset shift from temporary fix to lasting habit.
Her progress became tangible in ways she never imagined. At the 2025 CrossFit Open, “I think I even had the second-fastest time in the one of the divisions!” she laughed. And perhaps most symbolically, she finally conquered a goal she’d held since childhood: climbing the rope. “I’d dreamed of doing that since Grade 5.”
Stronger in Every Way
Stephanie’s transformation goes far beyond the gym walls. She’s dropped 35 pounds and over 12% body fat (and counting). Her clothes fit differently, but more importantly — so does her life.
Her energy is up. Her confidence is steady. She eats with intention, moves with purpose, and sleeps like it matters. The “mom guilt” that once accompanied self-care has faded. “I now understand that investing in my health is one of the best things I can do for my family,” she said.
What surprised her the most? The friendships. The accountability. The way Outlaw turned a fitness routine into a source of joy, laughter, and resilience. “It’s not just a gym. It’s a community that lifts you up — literally and emotionally.”
“It Changed My Life — Don’t Wait”
Looking back, Stephanie wishes she could tell her past self not to be so intimidated. “Joining Outlaw changed my life — and I almost didn’t do it because I was scared I wouldn’t fit in.” Now, her workouts are non-negotiable. Her mindset is anchored in longevity — not numbers on a scale, but years spent playing with future grandkids and showing up fully for her life.
To anyone standing where she once stood — tired, lost, unsure — her message is simple: “Don’t wait. You deserve to feel strong. You deserve to feel proud of yourself. Outlaw is where that begins.”