Last week, I posted about Michael Pollan’s Food Rules. His simple breakdown on food and health (something usually so complex) resonated with me and represented the essence that I hope to convey with this blog.
I would put mindful eating at the top of any list in terms of overall health. However, another vital aspect of a healthy lifestyle is exercise. I exercise for a whole gamut of reasons. Partly out of vanity, partly to maintain my strength, must mostly to keep my sanity.
I have shied away from bringing up much about Crossfit here because I don’t want to be one of “those guys” that gives Crossfit a bad rep for always talking about it. But the things is, Crossfit is a huge part of who I am and what I do. It is my outlet for frustration and sadness. It is a fun social activity for Travis and me and often the only thing we do outside of work during the week! It is where we have gained some amazing life-long friends. In fact, our coach (and friend) officiated our wedding! It is where I learn every day the importance of perseverance and consistency.
So, what is CrossFit? In general, it is a branded name that gym owners gain the right to use through certification and a yearly fee. There are general guidelines, but every gym owner has the right to program and train exactly how they please.
More specifically, Crossfit is defined as “Constantly varied, functional movements executed at a high intensity.” 1. Routine is the enemy (and we rarely do the same workout twice, unless it is a “benchmark” to see our progress.) 2. Every movement is functional in some way and uses “universal motor recruitment patterns” (meaning movements we use all the time in our everyday lives.) 3. It’s intense-We breathe really hard, push ourselves to the limits, and then it’s over (usually workouts range in time from 3-20 minutes. When done correctly, that’s all it takes!)
One common misconception about CrossFit (and there are many) is that it is for young people, already in good shape. In reality, what is so awesome about it, is that is completely scalable and adjustable for every age and every skill level. Just in our 6 AM class alone, we have members ranging in age from 14 to people in their 60s&70s. Crossfit’s motto is that “Needs differ by degree, not kind.” New or inexperienced members do fewer reps, work for a shorter amount of time, use different targets, whatever it takes to get in a good, safe workout and feel accomplished. I get that it is intimidating. I felt those same exact feelings at first too! But at its core, CrossFit is welcoming, family oriented, and achievable for all. That isn’t to say Coach won’t give you a hard time…the more they joke with you, the more they like you (or at least that’s what they tell me…) but it is all in good fun.
Overall, Crossfit gives me strength both physically and mentally. I truly do not think I could do my job without the advantage of a rigorous workout every morning. I lift heavy things all day long, and never even have to think twice. I also do CrossFit so that I can walk 200 lbs of dog by myself. That isn’t a joke. The endorphins help a lot too…like, a LOT 🙂
I thought that I would share Greg Glassman’s (founder of CrossFit) “World Class Fitness in 100 Words.” You might notice that I like when few, simple words can convey a big message…
“Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar. Keep intake levels that will support exercise, but not body fat. Practice and train major lifts: Deadlift, clean, squat, presses, clean & jerk, and snatch. Similarly, master the basics of gymnastics: pull-ups, dips, rope climb, push-ups, sit-ups, handstand presses, pirouettes, flips, splits, and holds. Bike, run, swim, row, etc, hard and fast. Five or six days a week mix these elements in as many combinations and patterns as creativity will allow. Routine is the enemy. Keep workouts short and intense. Regularly learn and play new sports.”
Ok, I get that some of that, especially in the middle there, may seem like total gibberish to those unfamiliar with CrossFit. But there are some really important points made in those 100 words. First, I like to point out that he started by talking about diet…again, that HAS to be number 1. He then goes into only some of the numerous activities we can do to keep our workouts varied and challenging. Finally, perhaps my favorite part: learn and play new sports. I think this final sentence is perhaps the greatest take-home message in terms of fitness. This idea pushes people to get outside of the gym and USE that fitness they have worked so hard to attain. This little friendly reminder has pushed me to get out on a softball field, up on a wakeboard, and even hit golf balls at the range, all for the first time. There is something about CrossFit that gives you the crazy idea that you can do anything, both inside and outside of the gym! (Within reason of course 🙂 )
I plan to post more CrossFit workout and tips in the future for those that are interested! In the meantime, you can check out this post I did a while back to help make sure you are in that workout routine frame of mind!
Also: Here are a couple of “at home” workouts I have posted in the past.
3 Workouts You Can Do Anywhere
3-2-1 Go!
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