Monday, July 8, marks the beginning of a more intense workout regimen,
Crossfit. Since, 2010 I have made dramatic changes in my life including: eating healthier,
going to classes at the Y, and even running a few half marathons, but I have
come to a realization, I would never push myself hard enough to truly make the
changes I need to reach the next level.
Crossfit has become the new Walgreens, there is one on every
corner. What makes one better than the next? If you approach it from that
stance you are going at it the wrong way.
What you should be asking yourself is, “What am I trying to achieve and
is this box, a term used for gym, able
to provide the tools to do so?” Each box is unique in how they execute their
program. When I walked into
Crossfit Rutherford in Murfreesboro, TN I knew this
was the place for me and started right away.
Here are some reasons
I decided to crossfit and where to settle down at:
[1] Crossfit is more than a workout, it’s a
community:
Of course, it was intimidating the first time I walked in,
and I knew no one or anything about crossfit, but I was greeted first thing not
by the owners, but athletes. You quickly realize how supportive the community
is and that everyone there has the same basic goal, to better yourself. I will
never have to self motivate myself again.
[2] Find coaches that
teach technique
All crossfit affiliates are required to attend a two-day
trainer certificate course and receive their CrossFit Level 1 (CF-L1). A lot is
covered during those days and each person takes something different out the
training. Make sure your goals are aligned with their goals and that they are
looking out for your best interest. Technique or efficiency is important to me,
and before every Strength WoD we perform the movement with a pvc pipe. To many
people it may seem redundant, but it’s the foundation of all the movements.
[3] You are your
weakest link
I thought I was in pretty decent condition until I tried
these workouts. These workouts will humble you and force you to improve on your
weaknesses. I have a tendency to avoid
what I suck at when training on my own. Embrace the suck and you will
break the barrier that limits progress.
Stop making the weak, weaker by avoidance.
[4] Focuses on functional strength
I used to be a meat head and spend hours in the gym seeing
how much I can bench press, yet I could not do a single pull-up. This much time
commitment is not sustainable, especially as I look to the future with
kids. I want to have the cardiovascular,
strength and stamina to keep up with those little demons. What application of
benching 400 lbs will ever come into play?
[5] It’s fun and
sustainable
Being a former athlete I have lost my competitive drive.
Competition drives people to push themselves to the next level whether its
competing with your previous results, or competing with other friends in the
class, the workout begins to be fun again.
As I continued to learn new and effective ways to train, I
am excited to incorporate the knowledge, skills and support system into my way
of life.
