Crossfit for U (Beginner Crossfit)
September 17, 2010
Exceedingly Abundantly. Those are the adjectives that describe this week for me. We have plans. We have ideas. We get frustrated when things don’t go our way, according to our plan. We just need to be flexible, learning, and truthful with ourselves. (Notice I didn’t say “true to yourselves” – we are great liars even to ourselves!!)
Life is defined by change. We mark eras in our life by “life”-changing events, typically. The key is what did you do with the new opportunity given to you by change? Did you become a victim? Did you fret? Did you blame someone? Think back to how you felt yesterday when you left 600 N. Laurens Rd (that’s the gym address in case you didn’t know). You should have been pumped, slapping yourself on the back, etc. Could you have done that if you had not made a change and started coming? If you had not gotten out of bed and made effort?
Next week, think of change as your friend instead of your enemy. Welcome it. You will grow and you will learn something. You may learn that you are an amazing person. And if you want to know how “exceedingly, abundantly” fits with all of this, you will have to ask me personally.
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September 8, 2010
What are you afraid of? Do you realize that every one of us driving to class is afraid of something? It might be the journey. It might be the effort. It might be success. I personally am afraid of myself. What if I want to do more, but I give into that voice in my head that says “ENOUGH”? Will I be disappointed? Or will I be more in tune with the moment and give in rather than looking to the finish and the sweet taste of success.
Yes, I’m speaking vaguely because this is true in life just as in gym class. We must recognize our fears, and deal with them. If you don’t, they become bigger than yourself and you (or I) will cave to them every time. Just the opposite is true. Each time you face a fear, and put it down to attempt/accomplish the very thing you are afraid of, the fear gets smaller. Pretty soon, you will wonder what the big deal was. So put your game face on! Acting unafraid is 90% of the battle.
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September 7, 2010
Don’t forget stretching on Wednesday’s at 6:30 am. Here is a link to the Mayo Clinic website about the value of stretching.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretching/HQ01447
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September 2, 2010
Yesterday in our stretching class, we focused a lot of time on our feet. If you have ever had a foot injury of any kind, you know just how debilitating it can be. Suddenly you become dependent on other people and your level of activity drops dramatically. Apart from the mental and spiritual aspects of your life, your feet contribute more than 50% to your quality of life. If you will spend time every day stretching, massaging, and gently moving your joints in your foot, you will increase your mobility, independence, and frame of mind.
I can’t help but mention that it is often the little things in our mental and spiritual lives that contribute to our depression and confusion. We are all different, so my “little” thing will not necessarily be your “little” thing. It may be puncuality for you and trouble finishing things for me. Or it may be lack of kindness for you and stinginess for me. Whatever it is, this next week, let’s focus on one thing and improve it. I think you will be surprised what it does for you.
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There is a new class at Crossfit Alliance – 6:30 am every Tuesday and Thursday. I call it Crossfit for U! Crossfit for U is designed to help you get started with fitness education. It is not about becoming Olympians, but rather about reclaiming something that has been lost. It might be balance, coordination, stamina, agility, or range of motion. These might have been lost due to an injury or weight or lack of use, but whatever the reason, with proper education and practice, you can get them back.
Our class has three goals – education on nutrition, education on pain, and education/practice on physical fitness possibilities (which are endless!). It is not my desire to make people slaves to the gym, or even lifers at the gym, but to develop people with the skills and knowledge to improve their quality of life.
Sometimes when we are faced with excessive weight, or old injuries, or just the aches and pains of being older, we resign ourselves to doing less and less. We think we are protecting ourselves – strategizing to survive as long as we can. However, we are actually short changing and shortening our lives. In addition, we forget our prior capabilities – balance, coordination, kinesthetic awareness. By investing 30 minutes twice a week, and practicing what you learn in our Crossfit for U class, you have the potential to lengthen your days and actually enjoy them.
I have abundant experience in recovering from serious injuries – more than my fair share. There is nothing like being able to regain mobility after an injury that made you question if you will ever function normally, much less with improvement. I also have had some rather unique experiences seeing firsthand the importance of nutrition. As far as I am concerned, the only limitations that exist with your fitness are the ones in your mind.
Below are remarks from some of the people attending the class:
From Kaaren – (had gained 110 pounds in 18 years, age 60)
I am amazed at what you have inspired me to do physically. My goal is to make a major push back against the regular aches and pains that have crept into my life and threaten to eventually immobilize me if I don’t fight. I hope one day to be able to stand up after sitting for 20-30 minutes and walk away without pain or limping. And of course, I hope to lose 15-20 pounds and tone up the pounds that I don’t lose. I am very thankful that in the last 28 months I had already lost approximately 30 pounds mainly by changing some eating habits. After working out with the 14 pound medicine ball today I am amazed that I wasn’t already dead just with that extra 30 pounds on me! Thanks for your dedication and encouragement and knowledge!!
From Mary – (age 51, jogger; nagging, “limiting” injuries)
I think this is the sorest I’ve been to date. Sore (!!), but little or no pain in the bad leg or sad foot. Wow, Martha, great workout!!! I am THRILLED to exchange pain for sore. Also, here are two thoughts I had. First thought: My goal isn’t to necessarily exercise as long as I can but to be active as long as I can. I would love for my ability to be active to then become a means to do things with my grandkids like run a race or even learn a new sport (golf or rollerblading or go biking with them on the Swamp Rabbit Trail). Who knows? Just to take advantage of side-by-side time to plant seeds. The other thought is, I’ve exercised alone for years. I don’t think I ever remember laughing while exercising alone. Cheerfulness is health to the body!
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We would love to see you there! Crossfit for U – redefining the possible.
