The WOD Life connects with athletes to learn more about why they sweat. Keep up with all of these individuals on our Why I Sweat page.

“I truly believe that small changes over a long time lead to massive changes.”

That’s one of the rules that Hannah Merkin lives by.

Originally from California and now living on the Gold Coast, Hannah’s first exposure to athletics was gymnastics — which she was enrolled in because of her impressive energy. But not long into that journey, she discovered ballet, and she would end up devoting herself to that art for the next 10 years. It’s a dedication to physical activity that has persisted: “This is what it’s about for me — showing up day by day and just giving it your best.”

This chapter of her life, while fulfilling, also left her with a lot of pain. She struggled through hip, knee, and back injuries, along with ankle surgery.

Still, Hannah knew she’d need to find a new outlet, one that would allow her to care for her body in the way she wanted and needed while finding fulfillment and healing from a grueling career as a ballerina.

And then came CrossFit.

It happened while visiting a gym on holiday. Hannah was immediately drawn to the sense of community — one of the absolute best parts of functional fitness. She also realized it was going to be perfect for someone so goal-oriented like her because there’s always something to work on. Having become so used to being coordinated and in control of her body through ballet, CF caught Hannah’s attention because the sensation was the complete opposite.

While CrossFit is seemingly nothing like ballet, Hannah could certainly tell that her history as a dancer was going to help her in the box. She stuck with it and ended up falling in love.

With such vast experience in health, Hannah has also turned to coaching others in their training, stretching, and nutrition. “My passion really is helping people,” she says, noting that her approach is holistic, taking into account the body and mind. But why does she sweat? “I sweat firstly because it’s something I preach to my own clients. I really think that we only have one body, we have one physical body, one mind, why would you not want to fuel it with good food? Why would you not want to physically exert yourself through some sort of movement? Why would you not want to cherish your body through recovery and stretching? I love it because it’s therapy to me.”

Fitness and nutrition are two things that have changed Hannah’s life for the better. And now, her goal is to share that love with others.

If you want to learn more about Hannah’s story, watch our full video below!