Crossfit

So I started doing Crossfit in January 2019. I swore for years I would never join a “box” and be part of the Crossfit cult. Crossfitters were annoying trend hopping losers. So after months of struggling to find motivation to run or workout I was encouraged by some men at church to check out Crossfit. I was hesitant, but after spending the holidays in a state of sitting on my arse looking at old men whose body had failed them I decided to pop in on a WOD. My wife joined me. We walked in to the box completely clueless. Within 45 seconds someone said hello and asked if we were new. We reeked of lostness. We were also 15 minutes early, far too early for any experienced Crossfitter. We marveled as the class filled with people of all shapes and sizes, Everyone seemed to go out of their way to make us feel welcome… which only increased my suspicion that Crossfit is a cult. We met the instructor who made us feel welcome, but also instructed us to pace ourselves having never witnessed the pace of a WOD before. My pride was ignited by my arrogance and fueled by my ignorance.

After some group coaching the workout began. I quickly felt like I was approaching death. Box jump after box jump followed by burpies on top of burpies. Over and over and over. I made it through the workout (a 15 minute AMRAP), collapsed onto the floor, and immediately told my wife we were joining this club. I was hooked. People came by to congratulate us (because that is what cults do!) and told us that was a very hard WOD. I didn’t need the attention, I wanted more!!

Now 5 months into this Crossfit experience and I’m happy to say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Here’s why:

  1. I hurt less

  2. My confidence is up

  3. I’m back in the touch with the physicality of life. I believe we grow soft without a struggle. Being in the gym tackling the WOD is nothing but a struggle.

  4. My stress levels have never been lower

  5. It scratches this nagging itch for competition

  6. My pants fit better (though I’ve not lost weight, but redistributed)

  7. I have a community of people in my life committed to getting better.

Point 3 is the most meaningful. The rat race of business, family and fatherhood keeps me busy but makes me soft, both mentally and physically. Crossfit has sharpened those edges and is wiping away the dullness of the mundane. I love it. Get some!!

Maybe it’s time

Maybe it's time to let the old ways die
Maybe it's time to let the old ways die
It takes a lot to change a man
Hell, it takes a lot to try
Maybe it's time to let the old ways die

From “A Star is Born”

Performed by Bradley Cooper

Written by Jason Isbell

What old thing do you cling to that maybe needs to die? Maybe it’s time….

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