I'm one of those that keeps trying "what's next" in the fitness world in the search for motivation and the fountain of youth.
As long as I can remember I've always been a member of some gym, but I must confess that most of the time the only motivation came from the money I was spending on it than anything else.
For years I've hired personal trainers to get me back on track every time I fell of the wagon, better than quitting all together, no?
But, it was so easy to find an excuse to cancel the gym class or the trainer for that matter.
I've tried spinning, yoga, zumba, free weights, machines, pilates, etc.
I also tried P90x...well, bought it and never even opened the box. It's easier to sit at home with a bottle of wine than follow their program on DVD. Can you say Boring?!
I'm also the occasional 5k runner, love my bike or a hiking day any time.
Now, you have an idea that I'm not a college athlete, nor an out of shape, sedentary/heart attack waiting to happen either, just something in between, that also like to have fun, while breaking a daily sweat.
Few months ago, I needed an extra push on my workout routine. I had reached one of those plateaus and was looking for more, so I came across this "box".
I had heard that Crossfit was for the Marines, Firefighters, etc. So, I giggled at the idea that "I" was going to walk into this place and be taken seriously.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised!
From the moment I walked through the door, everyone smiled at me and approached me like I already belonged there.
I was certainly intimidated by the simple, yet powerful equipment they have and I was in awe on how amazing the coaches looked, wondering if I could ever work as hard as those guys.
In any case, I embraced it and decided right there I'd do their 101 sessions and after the first one I signed up for a month to try and see if it would keep me motivated and if it worked with my schedule.
Best decision ever!
It varies daily, you never do the same workout twice. Every day you combine many different and challenging exercises that keep you motivated.
It's hard work, there's no elliptical, TVs or smoothie bar, no hoochie mamas wearing the latest fashion outfit or make up. Just serious people in every walk of life getting some real work done.
Now, I look forward to the WOD, even if it includes burpees or push ups that I used to struggle and hate. I plan my day, my meals, my dates, my vacations, everything around Crossfit.
I've developed skills I didn't know I had. I can lift heavy stuff, do pull ups, run without huffing and puffing, jump really high, etc.
Additional benefit, my waist line is smaller and for the first time in my life I have a six-pack.
But, this wouldn't be possible without the amazing coaches. They really work hard to keep people motivated on a daily base. Some classes are really crowded and even then, they do their best to watch and correct your form and spend at least 1 minute with you.
Their energy and passion for their job is what keeps people coming back, even people that live away from the beach.
Kudos to all the great Trainers; Chris, Sadie, Megan, Emmanuel, Jarred, Billy, Stephanie, and of course Jason, who deserves an extra comment.
Jason is the quintessential Coach! For him the client is first. He treats everyone like a top class athlete, pushing you beyond the limits and genuinely listening when you have a question or concern. It's all about you and not himself.
It's very important to know that when you are working out in such an intense environment, someone is watching you.
He always jokes that he "knows everything" that happens in the box, I'm convinced that it's not really a joke, he really keeps undivided attention to his job and that shows.
People love when he's around, you know it's going to be a great WOD when Jason is there. He'll never let you slack, or give up, and at the end of the class you'll thank him for that :)
I have never seen Jason on his cell phone or distracted during class, he truly gives 150% to his Job!
Don't be intimidated by Crossfit, it's an awesome program, getting such a sense of accomplishment in a 5-10 min workout sounded impossible before I tried it, now I'm addicted!
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