CrossFit Masters 60+ Part 8: You Don’t Know What You’re Training For—Until You Do

In Part 8 of the CrossFit Masters 60+ series, CoachMD sits down with Karen Agrifolio—a longtime coach and CrossFit gym owner—who shares her powerful journey of fitness, resilience, and recovery. Karen is not only an inspiring figure in the CrossFit community—she's among the top-ranking competitors in her age group (60–65) and is actively competing for a spot in the 2025 CrossFit Games. What's even more remarkable? She spent six months in 2024 sidelined by a life-threatening blood clot that nearly cost her the use of her leg. After visiting six doctors and receiving multiple misdiagnoses, Karen trusted her instincts, became her own advocate, and finally got answers. Her comeback story is a testament to the power of functional fitness, persistence, and a strong support network. This episode dives deep into Karen’s beginnings in Jazzercise and group fitness, how she launched one of the earliest female-owned CrossFit gyms on the East Coast, and why she’ll never abandon CrossFit—no matter what life throws at her. 🎧 Whether you're 35 or 75, this conversation will motivate you to trust your body, keep learning, and never stop moving. 👉 Watch the full episode now on YouTube 👉 Subscribe to the CoachMD Podcast for more powerful stories 👉 Share this episode with someone who needs inspiration today 👉 Leave a comment if Karen’s story resonated with you—we’d love to hear it! ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the CoachMD Podcast 01:35 – Meet Karen Agrifolio 03:20 – From Jazzercise to CrossFit: The fitness journey 07:15 – Opening one of the first female-owned CrossFit gyms on the East Coast 10:45 – Coaching through judging: Mentorship and movement 13:30 – What’s the difference between L1 and L2 certifications? 16:20 – Why every CrossFitter should take the L1 18:50 – “Don’t worry about your food, weight, or looks” 21:00 – The inclusive power of the CrossFit community 23:00 – The blood clot that changed everything 29:00 – Misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis—and how she found answers 33:40 – Getting back into the Open after a life-threatening health scare 36:30 – The measurable health impact of CrossFit 39:45 – Generations of fitness: From coaching to grandmotherhood 42:10 – Rapid-fire CrossFit Q&A 45:30 – Final thoughts from CoachMD