Something New and Different

Something new and different.

That’s how I would describe my endevour into the world of Cross Fit. I started slow last year during the winter going an average of 2 times per week. I then took the summer off to swim with my kids at the local summer swim club. I was back in September going twice a week.

I found that I was getting sore a couple of days later and just prior to the next workout, which can be a bit of demotivator (thinking you are not ready to work out again). Around November this year, I committed myself to attending 4-5 times per week and have been able to successfully schedule it into most of my days.

Here is what I’ve found.

• I am not sore anymore. I found that exercising sore muscles appears to be the best way to reduce or eliminate the soreness.
• More confidence. I feel more comfortable with the routines and less afraid that I am going to fail miserably.
• Stronger and in better shape. This one is obvious, but is still profound in the sense that I am actually getting enough workouts in a week to really start to make a difference. I have abs again and do not feel as much fatigue.

Here is what I love about Cross Fit.

• Every workout is unique. You show up to the gym not knowing what routine you will be doing, unless you check it out on Facebook that day.
• There is a focus on technique, which is important for long term success and injury prevention.
• You compete with yourself, yet work out in a group that provides both incentive to work hard and encouragement.
• The time commitment is about 1 hour to review technique, warm up and complete the workout, which usually lasts on average 20-30 minutes.

So, the take home lessons are to find something that suits you, schedule it in your calendar, and make a personal commitment to keep those appointments.   Remember you need to make caring for yourself a priority, so that you are able to effectively care for others.