Crossfit

I've been debating about writing this post for quite some time.  For the simple reason that there are a lot of "haters" out there who have a lot to say... about something that they don't really know about.  And I just really don't want to hear about it anymore. 

But recently, I've been getting a lot of questions from people who are genuinely interested in Crossfit... something that I hold a deep passion for.  They ask me to sell them on Crossfit.  Just like, I guess, I sold people on how amazing running a marathon or a half-ironman... or eating my weight in Cadbury eggs each Spring was.  (True story.)(BTW... Easter's not that far away.)(If you're looking to get me something from the Easter Bunny.)

I try to temper my advice to them with the caveat that not all Crossfit gyms are the same.  And I can say without a shadow of a doubt that my Crossfit gym?  Totally better than your Crossfit gym.  Sorry.  True story.  I lurve it. 

And I know that Crossfit... not for everyone.  It isn't.  But if it is for you and you're willing to work through the pain of not being able to hold a fork or reach for a glass of wine , beer, water for the first 3 weeks of it, then you'll graduate to just being perpetually sore.  For the rest of your life.

And it will make you feel ALIVE.  

I want to be clear that I am not an ultimate crossfitter.  I still can't do a pull-up without a band.  I still struggle with box jumps (so sad because that used to be my thing in college!) and burpees.  I still can't do a muscle up because I'm so afraid I'm going to pop a ligament in my sternum like a roomie of mine did in college.  I have yet to figure out how to climb the rope.  I'm slow and my butt still jiggles at the most inopportune times. 

That being said... I cannot do without it.  For those of you who are interested in checking out crossfit, my recommendation is to make sure that your instructors are interactive and give you feedback about correct lifting techniques.  Otherwise, you'll get hurt and YOU'LL BLAME ME.  And I've already got the 2-year-old blaming me not cutting up her banana the exact same way as I do for the kid without any teeth, so I don't need that on my plate. 

Whichever gym you go to, I would recommend determining if they have a beginners class that they offer to teach you the basics.  If not, don't waste your time and money. 

Okay, there's so much more I could get into on what you should or should not expect from Crossfit, but instead, let's just talk about my Crossfit gym:  Crossfit Ogden.

And why I heart it to death... by thrusters. (Look at me with the crossfit jokes!)(LOSER.)

My Crossfit gym has helped me gain the strength I need to carry two screaming children up and down the stairs at day care, in a skirt and heels... without breaking a sweat.  Sure... I'm muttering curse words under my breath, but the point is I'm not out of breath.  Point, Crossfit.

My Crossfit gym has introduced me to some absolutely amazing and genuine people. People I have Facebooked.  And, I'll be honest, I'm discerning when it comes to friending peeps on Facebook.  I see no need to have 700 "friends".  We didn't talk to each other in high school... why do you want to be friends now?  I can barely stand you IRL, why do I care what you had for breakfast?   But, I digress.  The point is, I've been to a lot of gyms in my life... A. LOT.... but none of them have been as welcoming and gracious and supportive as every single instructor and fellow crossfitter as my gym.

My Crossfit gym expects the most out of me.  And therefore, I expect the most out of myself.  Something I haven't really experienced since I stopped training for triathlon.  Because I got lonely out there swimming, running and biking by myself.  I can honestly say, I've never felt alone or lonely in my gym.

My Crossfit gym cares about me as a person.  They care about my physical body. They care about my heart and my soul.  I even think they care about these damn love handles that won't go away.  They care about the rib that popped out of place when picking up a dolly for Hazel while driving... LEST THE WORLD END. 

My Crossfit gym has a crossfitter that is a massage therapist who may be the best in the world. Tha. World.  This and this alone is worth the pain I go through for crossfit. 

My Crossfit gym makes sure that I know they have missed me when I've been sick or traveling for a few weeks.  From the instructor to the crossfitters.  That's a community feeling that is contagious.

My Crossfit gym makes me a better wife, mother, friend and employee.  Although, maybe not so much a better driver as I have been a little blurry more than once after a workout and probably shouldn't have been allowed behind the wheel. 

My Crossfit gym thinks I'm strong.  And so I think I'm strong.

My Crossfit gym suspects that there is a skinny bitch inside me and is going to help me get her out.

My Crossfit gym has the capability of breaking me in half... but will be there to support me through the tears and frustration and won't even make fun of the 34-year-old crying in the corner because it hurt so much to do 50 burpees.

My Crossfit gym doesn't judge when I pee my pants during double-unders.  In fact, the women (and husbands of crossfitters) celebrate it with me.  YAY!  You have kids!  Welcome to jump roping for the rest of your life!

My Crossfit gym does not allow meatheads, but still has some absolutely amazing athletes workout there. 

My Crossfit gym doesn't mind if I ogle certain other crossfitters who take their shirts off during a workout.  Men and women.  And, neither does Benny, because he's truly impressed as well. 

My Crossfit is going to get me to the point that I can be one of those said women who take off their shirts for a workout.

My Crossfit, has given me back my quads.   Things I haven't had since college.  12 years, two babies and many, many poundaroos ago.

I am continually hopeful the my Crossfit gym will eventually give me back my ankles and calves.  And perhaps my waist.  It will come.  It's just gonna hurt like hell.  

And I'm gonna love every. single. minute. of it.