CrossFit Chronicles: Part I
Subtitle: "An Ex-Cheerleader Walks into a Box..." or "And So It Begins"
As of today, I have been an active member (4-6 days per week attendee) of my local box aka. CrossFit gym - CrossFit Mobile MidTown - for a little over 5 months; and no one is more surprised than me. Truth be told, I wasn't confident I'd even make it through my first 3-month contractual period at the gym, yet here I sit, writing (or about to write) about how much I enjoy this form of exercise. I'll even go so far as to say that I love it and don't plan on slowing down any time soon.
That said, I had planned on writing a one-time blog post commemorating my first 3 months of dedication and follow-through and results; but like the workouts themselves, my experiences with CrossFit are so multi-dimensional and cannot be encompassed or explained in one post. And all that was one rather long-winded way to say, "Expect multiple installments of varying subject matters relating to mine and my friends' foray into the world of CrossFit."
Like I said before, I'm new to CrossFit and am in no way an expert on the sport. I'm also not trying to use my blog as a platform to convince anyone to "drink the Kool-Aid" and join "the cult" (to which CrossFit has often been referred). I'm merely sharing this experience at this particular time in my life because I want to, and I think it's fun. But, if you end up getting inspired to hit your local box and getting into the best shape of your life, well...you can thank me later.
Excuses I Made for Not Giving CrossFit a Shot
(These were made to my husband, a CrossFitter of 5+ years.)
- I don't want to get big and huge and manly looking.
- I don't want to workout with a bunch of scary meatheads (no offense).
- I don't like lifting weights (I'm not sure how I knew this given my lack of experience).
- I don't like the atmosphere of gyms.
- I don't like working out with or around men.
I was a regular "Negative Nancy" about the whole Crossfit thing.
What really changed my mind about the whole thing was the 5-year anniversary trip my husband, J.T., and I took to Atlanta to watch the CrossFit Atlantic Regionals and to see some of our athletes from Mobile compete. I was going and being a good sport for him, but it's when I caught the fever. It was contagious; fans and athletes of all ages, body types, fitness levels, etc. were coming together to cheer on their team or individual from their box. In that environment, it's hard not to want to be a part of the spirit of camaraderie. I also wanted to have some shared activity with J.T. as a fun way to engage more with him and something he enjoyed. So, when we got back home, I signed up...and brought a friend.
The unknown is a little less intimidating when you're tackling it with a friend. One of my very best friends, Kristin, was there in Atlanta the weekend of Regionals and got bitten by the bug as well. The fact that she said she would give it a try, made me brave enough to try it too. A week later, our friend Morgan joined us. Thankfully, our group of friends takes "the more the merrier" approach to trying to new things, which makes life so much more fun. So, we all jumped in completely clueless but with a strong desire to learn the fundamentals, to work hard, and to give each class our very best effort. Our time at CrossFit Mobile MidTown has paid off. The past 5 months have made us stronger, more confident, more adventurous, and more well-rounded in terms of our athletic abilities. We've made many new friends, and have been blessed with great coaches who teach us fundamentals and keep us safe, but who challenge and inspire us as well. It's a close-knit community comprised of individuals who are very different - ages, fitness backgrounds, goals, personalities, etc. - but who are united in a common interest: the desire to be fitter, healthier, and stronger through CrossFit. It's pretty cool.
A photo of me, Kristin, and Morgan at our first CrossFit fundamentals class.
I've learned so much during my time at CrossFit (more on that in another post) but mostly that my previous excuses for not starting have been debunked...
- I have not turned into a man (and this is NOT my "after" picture).
To my surprise, I've stayed around the same weight as when I started, weight loss not being a goal of mine to begin with. But, I have lost inches and the shape of my body has changed. Now, I'm more toned and defined. What strikes me most is the amazing body confidence I've developed even after having two babies, which is perhaps the best result of all.
- I haven't had one single meathead encounter (as defined by urban dictionary).
- I really enjoy lifting weights.
Not sure why I thought I wouldn't or couldn't. I mean, I was a cheerleader forever and lifted whole human beings over my head for crying out loud.
Plus, weightlifting really is empowering (but it's not the only thing we do at CrossFit by the way). Lifting isn't empowering in a crazy caveman kind of way, but in "an appreciation of your body and what it's capable of" type way. Weightlifting is also great cardio, go figure, and is truly a total body workout that tones everything.
The only downside of lifting weights is the math that's involved when it comes to putting plates on the bar and figuring out percentages of my max for certain movements. Numbers and figures scare me and cause undue stress; that's why I love the calculator app on my iPhone so much.
- The atmosphere of a box is NOT in any way like the atmosphere of a traditional gym.
To be fair, I haven't been in a traditional mega-gym in a long time (not since college) because I really did or do hate them that much. I always felt like the guys were there to stare at girls and "pick up chicks." Eww. I never really knew what I was supposed to do: do a few curls? run on the treadmill? sweat it out in the sauna? sit and think about working out but never actually work out because I'm too indecisive to choose a workout regimen? Yeah... There's just too many people and too much going on for me in that scenario.
That's why I love the atmosphere of the box. The WOD (workout of the day) is planned ahead of time and posted to an app. I read the workout, Google any movements or acronyms I'm not familiar with, and I prepare my mind and body accordingly (or I don't show up because the WOD scared the pants off me and I choose to sit that day out...just kidding...kind of). Then, I show up to the CrossFit gym where everyone there is about to do the same thing, all together, at the same time. There is structure. There is order. And I didn't have a thing to do with any of it. I just walk in and follow my coach's orders, and I like it that way. Plus, once the workout starts, everyone minds their own darn business and gets their workout done. No one is looking around worrying about your outfit or weights or skills or mistakes or bloopers (separate post on embarrassing CrossFit moments to come). In fact, I've often said that everyone is so focused on the workout at hand that a naked person could walk into the gym and no one would notice. But then, once the workout is over, those who have finished begin to encourage and cheer on the ones still working through the WOD. It's an environment that's fun, motivating, just the right amount of intense, and encouraging. The poster below says it best...
- The dudes I workout with are really nice and super helpful.
For reasons listed above, I was apprehensive about re-entering a co-ed fitness environment. Turns out having both genders present in this type of setting is beneficial and sometimes humorous. Too much estrogen can be a bad thing, but so can too much testosterone. Without reinforcing or mentioning any gender-based stereotypes, all I can say is that I like the balance achieved and respect earned when guys and gals are working hard side-by-side.
I will say this about working out with men, I have never high-fived and fist-bumped so much in my entire life. I used to loathe the high-five and the fist-bump too, but they're growing on me.
So, an ex-cheerleader, a wife, a mom, a friend, an injured runner, and a former barre enthusiast walks into a box...
and I'm so glad that I did.
As of today, I have been an active member (4-6 days per week attendee) of my local box aka. CrossFit gym - CrossFit Mobile MidTown - for a little over 5 months; and no one is more surprised than me. Truth be told, I wasn't confident I'd even make it through my first 3-month contractual period at the gym, yet here I sit, writing (or about to write) about how much I enjoy this form of exercise. I'll even go so far as to say that I love it and don't plan on slowing down any time soon.
That said, I had planned on writing a one-time blog post commemorating my first 3 months of dedication and follow-through and results; but like the workouts themselves, my experiences with CrossFit are so multi-dimensional and cannot be encompassed or explained in one post. And all that was one rather long-winded way to say, "Expect multiple installments of varying subject matters relating to mine and my friends' foray into the world of CrossFit."
Like I said before, I'm new to CrossFit and am in no way an expert on the sport. I'm also not trying to use my blog as a platform to convince anyone to "drink the Kool-Aid" and join "the cult" (to which CrossFit has often been referred). I'm merely sharing this experience at this particular time in my life because I want to, and I think it's fun. But, if you end up getting inspired to hit your local box and getting into the best shape of your life, well...you can thank me later.
Excuses I Made for Not Giving CrossFit a Shot
(These were made to my husband, a CrossFitter of 5+ years.)
- I don't want to get big and huge and manly looking.
- I don't want to workout with a bunch of scary meatheads (no offense).
- I don't like lifting weights (I'm not sure how I knew this given my lack of experience).
- I don't like the atmosphere of gyms.
- I don't like working out with or around men.
I was a regular "Negative Nancy" about the whole Crossfit thing.
What really changed my mind about the whole thing was the 5-year anniversary trip my husband, J.T., and I took to Atlanta to watch the CrossFit Atlantic Regionals and to see some of our athletes from Mobile compete. I was going and being a good sport for him, but it's when I caught the fever. It was contagious; fans and athletes of all ages, body types, fitness levels, etc. were coming together to cheer on their team or individual from their box. In that environment, it's hard not to want to be a part of the spirit of camaraderie. I also wanted to have some shared activity with J.T. as a fun way to engage more with him and something he enjoyed. So, when we got back home, I signed up...and brought a friend.
The unknown is a little less intimidating when you're tackling it with a friend. One of my very best friends, Kristin, was there in Atlanta the weekend of Regionals and got bitten by the bug as well. The fact that she said she would give it a try, made me brave enough to try it too. A week later, our friend Morgan joined us. Thankfully, our group of friends takes "the more the merrier" approach to trying to new things, which makes life so much more fun. So, we all jumped in completely clueless but with a strong desire to learn the fundamentals, to work hard, and to give each class our very best effort. Our time at CrossFit Mobile MidTown has paid off. The past 5 months have made us stronger, more confident, more adventurous, and more well-rounded in terms of our athletic abilities. We've made many new friends, and have been blessed with great coaches who teach us fundamentals and keep us safe, but who challenge and inspire us as well. It's a close-knit community comprised of individuals who are very different - ages, fitness backgrounds, goals, personalities, etc. - but who are united in a common interest: the desire to be fitter, healthier, and stronger through CrossFit. It's pretty cool.
A photo of me, Kristin, and Morgan at our first CrossFit fundamentals class.
I've learned so much during my time at CrossFit (more on that in another post) but mostly that my previous excuses for not starting have been debunked...
- I have not turned into a man (and this is NOT my "after" picture).
To my surprise, I've stayed around the same weight as when I started, weight loss not being a goal of mine to begin with. But, I have lost inches and the shape of my body has changed. Now, I'm more toned and defined. What strikes me most is the amazing body confidence I've developed even after having two babies, which is perhaps the best result of all.
 |
| Photo Credit |
meathead (noun): An enormously muscular guy who cannot hold a conversation about anything other than weight-lifting and protein shakes. Gets upset very quickly when he cannot complete his own sentences and thoughts. Can be found at nightclubs wearing shirts that are 10 sizes too small (if at all).
 |
| Meathead Rob Lowe |
Not sure why I thought I wouldn't or couldn't. I mean, I was a cheerleader forever and lifted whole human beings over my head for crying out loud.
Plus, weightlifting really is empowering (but it's not the only thing we do at CrossFit by the way). Lifting isn't empowering in a crazy caveman kind of way, but in "an appreciation of your body and what it's capable of" type way. Weightlifting is also great cardio, go figure, and is truly a total body workout that tones everything.
The only downside of lifting weights is the math that's involved when it comes to putting plates on the bar and figuring out percentages of my max for certain movements. Numbers and figures scare me and cause undue stress; that's why I love the calculator app on my iPhone so much.
 |
| Photo Credit |
To be fair, I haven't been in a traditional mega-gym in a long time (not since college) because I really did or do hate them that much. I always felt like the guys were there to stare at girls and "pick up chicks." Eww. I never really knew what I was supposed to do: do a few curls? run on the treadmill? sweat it out in the sauna? sit and think about working out but never actually work out because I'm too indecisive to choose a workout regimen? Yeah... There's just too many people and too much going on for me in that scenario.
That's why I love the atmosphere of the box. The WOD (workout of the day) is planned ahead of time and posted to an app. I read the workout, Google any movements or acronyms I'm not familiar with, and I prepare my mind and body accordingly (or I don't show up because the WOD scared the pants off me and I choose to sit that day out...just kidding...kind of). Then, I show up to the CrossFit gym where everyone there is about to do the same thing, all together, at the same time. There is structure. There is order. And I didn't have a thing to do with any of it. I just walk in and follow my coach's orders, and I like it that way. Plus, once the workout starts, everyone minds their own darn business and gets their workout done. No one is looking around worrying about your outfit or weights or skills or mistakes or bloopers (separate post on embarrassing CrossFit moments to come). In fact, I've often said that everyone is so focused on the workout at hand that a naked person could walk into the gym and no one would notice. But then, once the workout is over, those who have finished begin to encourage and cheer on the ones still working through the WOD. It's an environment that's fun, motivating, just the right amount of intense, and encouraging. The poster below says it best...
 |
| Photo Credit |
For reasons listed above, I was apprehensive about re-entering a co-ed fitness environment. Turns out having both genders present in this type of setting is beneficial and sometimes humorous. Too much estrogen can be a bad thing, but so can too much testosterone. Without reinforcing or mentioning any gender-based stereotypes, all I can say is that I like the balance achieved and respect earned when guys and gals are working hard side-by-side.
I will say this about working out with men, I have never high-fived and fist-bumped so much in my entire life. I used to loathe the high-five and the fist-bump too, but they're growing on me.
 |
| Photo Credit |
and I'm so glad that I did.
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