Steph Hammerman, Who Lives With Cerebral Palsy, Opens CrossFit Gym

This woman opened her own CrossFit gym after doctors said she’s never be able to walk or talk.

29-year-old Steph Hammerman lives with cerebral palsy, a group of muscle disorders that affect mobility and speech. Signs and symptoms vary among people and over time.

When Hammerman was diagnosed, doctors said she might never walk, talk, read, or write. But she went on to earn a master’s degree and later became an athlete. In 2012, Hammerman tried CrossFit classes with a friend and became hooked.

“It was just this really cool feeling of acceptance everywhere,” she said. “It didn’t matter who you are or your ability or skill level — you accomplished something after a workout.”

In 2016, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma a cancer that develops in the lymph nodes. During her 29-week treatment for Hodgkin’s, Hammerman continued working out. In 2017, she became Nike’s first sponsored adaptive athlete after praising a pair of the company’s sneakers that held up during her unique training conditions.

In 2018, Hammerman opened her own CrossFit gym called Hammer Driven Fitness. She continues to train every day and motivate others via her Instagram.

“Thank you so much for all the positive comments. And just know that this transformation is worth it,” she stated on Instagram. “I’m not only doing it for myself but to be an example for other people.”