CrossFit

Chad started CrossFit this past summer in preparation for hunting season. He would wake up super early in the morning only to come home looking like he had jumped into a pool of sweat before being hit by a freight train. Seriously, he looked like shit. And sweaty stinky. Obviously, a shower fixes those problems - but that coupled with the descriptions he gave of the workouts was more than enough to scare me off. Not to mention - I watched some of the CrossFit Games on ESPN. If you are ever flipping through the channels and see them on - stop and watch. You'll be amazed.

I mean, when someone comes home and tells you, "today we did 100 Pull-ups, 100 Push-ups, 100 Sit-ups, and 100 Squats - for time - and you can't move onto the next lift until you complete the first one", it doesn't sound like all that much fun. Come on now,  I cannot even do one pull-up, let alone 100 - and that didn't even include the warm-up and cool down! Seriously, Angie - what did you do to have that workout named after you?

His results were really, amazing. We worked on eating healthy all summer and through hunting season and he lost quite a bit of weight, toned up, and was easily in the best 'hunting shape' he has ever been in. I was impressed! Not enough to join in the punishment fun though. Chad would often get home well after 7 a.m. and that does not give me enough time to shower and be to work. Great excuse, right?

The holidays came and we weren't as careful with our eating habits (pretty standard, right?) and between Christmas and New Year, Chad finally convinced me to go in and workout with him. I think the two of us went in one day, and then Shelia (our fearless CrossFit leader) met us another day. One of those days, we did Angie. Even with modifications (pull-ups with bands, etc.) I thought I was going to die. Nice initiation guys.

I COULD NOT WALK. Every muscle in my body hurt.

Maybe that's an exaggeration, but I was so sore, I could barely walk. I went into work the morning of New Year's Eve and my boss was laughing at how sore I was - it was a process just to sit down/stand up at my desk.

I went back - I kept going and though I am nowhere near as strong or in-shape as the rest of the crew, I am really enjoying it!You have to start somewhere!

A few times a week, there are usually between five and ten of us doing the workout of the day (WOD) or some combination of WODs Shelia has prepared for us. After about six weeks, I can tell I am getting stronger - no major results yet, but I definitely have more energy and feel better! I know they are all going to say, "I told you so" - but I wish I would have started going earlier! It seems like CrossFit is everywhere, many of my family members and friends are doing it and it is fun to compare workouts, times, weights, etc. One of my favorite aspects of CrossFit is the competition - the timer and/or repetitions.

Competition with yourself to be better, lift more weight, be faster, stronger, have more stamina - it is intense, but very rewarding.

Misty, Sheila, Tiffany, Chad, & Travis

With many repetitions on barbells, pull-up bars, rings, and kettlebells, - our hands definitely take a beating. I guess it is a small price to pay! Would you believe there are several websites specifically targeting CrossFit hand care? Kind of crazy!

Chad's hand on the left, mine on the right - calluses and blisters.

Anyway, take it from a converted non-believer, CrossFit is pretty awesome. It's not always fun, but you'll be glad you did it! There's this amazing sense of community in CrossFit and I saw a quote on Pinterest the other day that summed it up quite well, "CrossFit, the only sport where the loudest cheers are for the last to finish."