Hi Friends!
We’re doing a bit of a non-traditional Fitness Friday today. Hubby and I do Crossfit at a small box right by our house. Over the past few months, it has become our second home. The people there have become our second family. And, as you’ve probably noticed, we’ve become pretty much obsessed. Now seemed like a good time to tell you why.
Here are 6 Things Crossfit Has Taught Me:
Failure
I fail a lot a Crossfit. There are dozens of moves that I can’t even come close to doing. I must have tried at least 1,000 handstands and I failed at every.single.one. Every time I go in there, I try to do a kipping pullup- and I fail, because I’m just not strong enough yet. But you know what? That’s ok. Crossfit has taught me that it’s ok to fail. You know why? Because it motivates you.
And even though I failed 1,000 times try to do that handstand, do you know what happened on the 1,001st time I tried? I DID IT. And it was awesome. And do you know what happens every time I try a kipping pullup? I get better. I get stronger. I get that much closer to getting my chin over the bar.
Failure motivates success.
Dedication
It’s been a lot of years since I have been this dedicated to a sport. When I was younger and played organized sports, sure- I went to every practice…and every game…but back then I remember practice feeling almost like a chore. Crossfit doesn’t. And I’m even more dedicated than I’ve been in a long time. Because Crossfit makes me WANT to get better. It makes me WANT to come back day after day… to find out what the WOD is…to see if I can set a new PR…to find out just how far I can push myself.
I go to Crossfit when I’m sore, when I’m tired, when I’ve had a good day, when I’ve had a bad day and when i’m too busy to breathe….because I know it’s making me better. A better athlete AND a better person.
And I’ve dedicated myself to being the best I can be.
Support
It’s true when they say the people make the box. All the friends I’ve made, the coaches that train me…they make crossfit fun. It’s one of the best things about crossfit- the built in support system. When someone does their very first handstand during a skill session (Hi Lianne!) I’m freakin’ proud of them! And every time some powers through a WOD at the prescribed weight, even when they doubt whether or not they can do it…I’m proud of them too! My crossfit family is the best. They push me through tough workouts. They believe in me when I doubt myself. They celebrate my victories.
And I do the same for them.
Respect
I have huge amounts of respect for every single person who has ever completed a crossfit workout…because they’re HARD. All of them. You can watch the Crossfit Games on TV and think they make it look easy. And they do. But it’s not! One of the things I love about crossfit is that all the workouts can be modified so everyone can do them. Whether you’re big, small, tall, short, old, young, pregnant…changes can be made and you CAN do the workout. And I’ll respect you when you’re done.
There are people at my box that can lift a lot more and move a lot faster than I can…and I respect them and their abilities. There are also people at my box that can’t do as much as I can. And I respect them just as much. Because I know from experience that sometimes, working out when it’s harder for you or when you’re not as strong can be intimidating…but these people show up every day and work just as hard, if not harder, than I do…And that is awesome.
Everyone deserves respect.
Strength
I’m stronger right now than I have been in a long time. Maybe ever. I am thisclose to being able to deadlift and squat my bodyweight. I can do a handstand. I can move a bar with 100 pounds on it from the floor to my chest. I have muscles! And I’m getting stronger every day. In addition to getting stronger physically, I’m also getting stronger mentally.
When I first started crossfit, I doubted myself ALL THE TIME. I was always saying, “I can’t do that.” or “That’s too hard.” But over the past few months I’ve proved myself wrong time & time again. And every time I do, I get a little bit stronger. Now when I come in and look at the WOD, I think- Yep, that looks hard. And it’s gonna suck.
But I can do it!
Hubby is getting healthier and stronger too!
Pride
Crossfit has taught me a lot about pride. About having it…and about swallowing it. I’m proud of myself when I finish a workout, when I set a PR, when I conquer a skill I couldn’t do before. I’m proud of my husband for getting back into working out. He’s getting stronger, he’s happier and I’m proud to have a husband that believes in the importance of leading an active, healthy life as much as I do. I’m proud of everyone I workout with…every single day.
I’ve also learned about swallowing my pride. There are a lot of workouts I have to scale from the prescribed weight. At first it was a tough pill to swallow. It sucks when you really want to be able to do something and you have to admit you just can’t do it yet. But you have to remember that there’s something even harder than scaling down- Being injured and not being able to do ANY weight. So swallow your pride and do what you can.
Challenge yourself but don’t be stupid!
Competition
It’s a good thing. There’s a lady at my box (Hi Liz!) that is always just a little bit ahead of me. If we’re doing RFT and I do 10 rounds, she does 12. If I can do 244 total reps, she does 247. If I can use 55 pounds, she can use 65. She always does a little bit more than me… and I love it. Liz usually works out in the morning, so when I come in for the evening class, I see her score on the board and it gives me something to work towards. It pushes me to work harder. It gives me a goal. She makes me better and I love her for it.
Everyone needs a Liz.
This is from the competition I did last month.
I got third place.
Any guesses what place Liz got?! 🙂
So there you have it. I’m not quite sure why I felt compelled to write this post…I guess I just wanted to share a little more about something that’s become such a big part of our lives lately and is constantly changing us both for the better!
Let’s chat: What has your favorite sport taught you?
–Lindsay–
I think you’re an addict. In a good way. 🙂
This is so much like how I feel about lifting. I can have a shitty day, bad traffic, blah, blah, blah… but once I get in there all is right with the world. You guys are looking GOOD too. 🙂
Strength training is amazing!! Way to go girl!
Very inspiring post Lindsay! You and your husband look awesome, it is great when you can do the journey for a healthy life together.
thank you so much! we really enjoy working out together!
great post!! so many lessons that can be applied to real life here!!
Ya’ll are looking so good! I’ve never tried Crossfit before, and though I’d love to give it a go, I’m a bit nervous. I read all about how its a very “family” style place, but it still intimidates me quite a bit. Its on my to-do list of 2013 though, so I’ll have to try it!
give it a try, girl! don’t be scared. most boxes are GREAT with beginners!
Proud of you
thanks so much! would be where i am today without the great foundation you provided!
This is so great. I have to say Crossfit has taught me a lot as well about goal setting and motivating myself to success!
yes!! goal setting for sure!
I’ve never gone to crossfit, but YOU KNOW that all I want to do is try it now. 😛
haha go for it!!! it’s not for everyone but i think everyone should try it to see what they think!
Your back looks great! And I too love CrossFit for so many of the reasons that you posted 🙂
thanks, friend 🙂
oh man! you’re making me want to drive the hour and a half to the nearest box!
haha, i love it!!
Look at you hottie!! CrossFit has been something I’ve been scared to dip a toe in, I’m allergic to strength 😉 But the more I hear you talk about it, the more it makes me want to find a box near me.
haha thanks girl! you should definitely try it at least once! it’s not for everyone, but you might like it!
With all the latest discussion on crossfit I’ve really been trying to manage to find the time to get myself over to the local gym. I’m a runner and have done HIIT and interval workouts but heard the spirit and depth of cross fit goes way beyond the physical strength training. There seems to be so much unity amongst crossfitters and this post pushed me to call and set up my first class! Thank you lindsay! I do have one question! I know a lot of crossfitters live a paleo lifestyle, I was wondering if you do as well or what your opinion is on that? I recently committed to a month of paleo for the my new years resolution just to experiment with how my body reacts and I love hearing the opinions of others. Great post & thanks again:) enjoy your weekend xoxo
omg yay!!! can’t wait to hear how it goes!!! as for paleo…i personally do not eat paleo and don’t necessarily agree with it, mainly because it cuts out some food groups like whole grains and dairy that i very much believe can be part of a well-balanced diet. i do, however, support the idea of eating more whole foods and less processed junk. i think that’s why people have a lot of success with it…because their fruit and veg intake increases, and their processed food intake decreases..just my personal opinion though!
I will definitely fill you in after I give it a try! & I totally see where you’re coming from with your opinion as to paleo though. I was never really one for the grain- for some reason I just don’t crave pasta or bread that often but as for dairy.. I’m quite a cheese lover and always had some greek yogurt somewhere throughout my day! I will definitely be incorporating dairy back in after January, as some paleo people do anyway, and the occasional grain when I want it but I must admit I’ve loved the results of paleo but I definitely agree that it’s just a lifestyle of less processed foods that will give you the same results! Thanks for your amazing input:)
Love this post! I feel very similarly about running- I’m addicted. 🙂 And I’ve learned so many life lessons about pushing myself, failure, and so on.
yes! sports are the best for teaching us life lessons!
you totally make me want to try CrossFit. I’m searching for the “box” in my town as soon as I hit enter on this comment.
yay!!!! let me know how it goes!
I absolutely love this!!! I’ve just started Crossfit (thank you Groupon) and even with my first class, I did things I wouldn’t normally push myself to do. The workouts are definitely a motivator and I completely understand the “support” that comes from the other members. I’ve learned A LOT as well and I’ve only just become acquainted with Crossfit. I’m so excited to get stronger, better and faster at all of the exercises.
A handstand is my ultimate goal!
ahhh! love it!!!! great job so far! don’t give up on that handstand. when you get it it’s the best feeling!
That I am STRONG! 🙂
Wonderful post! You both look amazing!1
I’ve never tried CrossFit, but it sounds like fun. Running for myself and for a team has taught me how to self-motivation, dedication, goal-setting and overall, how to {hopefully} be a person with a good set of values.
that’s so awesome!! great lessons to learn!
I agree that crossfit is ALL of those things. Ive only been doing it for a month and seeing changes!
pretty crazy how soon you see changes isn’t it?!
Ooh, I’ve never “crossfitted” but you’re tempting me (and scaring my at same time).
you should definitely try it out! it’s not for everyone but i think everyone should try it!!
Lindsay this post makes me actually want to try crossfit. And I never say that!
I love your love for it!! You are looking AWESOME, too, girl 🙂
hehe yay!!! and thank you 🙂
You just made me want to join my local box even more!!!
hope you get to go soon!
I started CrossFit about 8 weeks ago. It was and continues to be a humbling experience. I thought I was in good shape, but then I took my first CrossFit class… Boy was I wrong?! It is extremely addicting & I’m so in love! Keep up the good work, girly!
it is DEFINITELY humbling. especially when you first start!
I’ve never tried cross fit before, but you’re making me want to now. You and your hubby look great and fit.
thanks so much!
I hear nothing but good stuff about Crossfit but I’m still sooo nervous to try it. Not to mention how expensive it is! We have a local box that does “Groupon” classes, which are shorter and modified, but maybe I should try that to see if it’s something worth pursuing.
yes! definitely try the groupon class. it’d be a great way to try it out!
This makes me want to do crossfit. I’ve wanted to do it for so long. I just wish it were affordable!
i agree. it’s def pretty expensive! keep an eye out for a groupon!
I’m so glad you posted this!! This makes me want to try crossfit so much. I think the hubby would love it too. Plus, it is something we could do together and still both get a great workout.
PS… you look awesome!
yes! being able to workout together is one of the best parts!
Did you get inside my head and write this? Seriously…these are my exact thoughts. Verbatim. So very true, all of it. Loved this.
haha thanks, girl!
Yes. Yes to all of this. I started Crossfit 3 months ago and I am now in the best shape of my life. Newbies come in and see me do a kipping pullup or handstand pushup and they say I make it look so easy – they love it when I tell them it only takes that long to get to that point – all you have to do is show up and do the work!
The people at my box are my second family and I look forward to going every day, even when I feel like I can’t rip one more callus off of my hand or when I can’t get one more bruise on my shin.
It’s reignited my younger athlete self and got me out of my running rut. I know now that I can start running (along with crossfit) and I’ll be stronger and happier for it. Thanks for posting this – sometimes all you read about crossfit is negative and it’s nice to see a positive experience that is similar to my own!
ahhh so true! congrats on all your progress! so amazing!! and so true. just showing up and working hard is most of the battle 🙂
Ok this is awesome. Not necessarily for me but for my husband who is in dire need of a NEW routine that will excite and motivate him again. NOT that he’s out of shape by any means but he needs something fun that he loves as much as I love the barre. I think crossfit may be it. Maybe I’ll set him up with an intro session as a surprise?? Hmmm, you have me thinking!!
i think that’d be a fab surprise 🙂
ok…I LOVE this! I am a CrossFit junkie myself and whenever I get back to the Cbus, I’ll have to come WOD with you=) I think that best thing CrossFit has done for me is show me the power we ALL have in ourselves. I can’t imagine giving up CrossFit now that I have it!
same here! i would LOVE to workout with you!
This seriously makes me want to join a crossfit gym. If only there was one around here that provided childcare, my husband and I would love to do it together! One day!
hopefully you’ll be able to try it out. there are some great at home WODs you can do with minimal equipment!
I don’t have a favorite sport at the moment, but in the past 7-8 months, I have been working with a personal trainer on a regular basis. Not only have I noticed a huge weight loss, but I have found myself getting stronger, having more energy throughout the day, having more endurance during a work out, and more confident in my abilities. I totally feel you on how amazing it is to be able to do finally do something that you’ve been struggling with for months (in my instance it was a push-up). It is also an amazing feeling to realize that you can lift more than you can before. The greatest thing I have learned is to push myself, but to do so slowly so as not to injure myself. Thanks for the post and keep up the hard work! You’ll soon be able to do your kipping pullup!
love it!! congrats on the pushup!
Love this! I haven’t tried CrossFit but do hope to some times this year. I’ve really become dedicated to my running. I’ve seen huge differences in my body, mentality and my lungs <- maybe the most important!
so happy to hear that!!
love love love this girl!!! everything…dedication, not giving up, respect…so true! one reason Lori and I both hope to try crossfit, but still scared 🙂
you look amazing! xoxo
don’t be scared! you guys would rock it!
You are so strong!! Great job, and keep it up you crossfitter 🙂
WOW Lindsay you both look AMAZING! High-Fives to your husband as well! Playing sports, keeping active, and being a part of a team teaches you so much about life, team work, dedication, and staying strong both physically and mentally! 🙂
I mentioned on twitter yesterday how much I loved this post. I am fairly new to crossfit- I joined an all women’s box called Farmgirlfit at the end of October. I was so scared to go for the first time. I almost didn’t even go, but walking through those doors the first time was the best decision I have ever made. I am not the strongest or the fastest, but I give it 110% every day I go. I have seen so many positive changes in my body. I am getting strong and I love it! I have muscles I didn’t think a runner could have! I only go two days a week now since I am training for a spring marathon, but those two days are my favorite days to workout.
You are look absolutely fabulous too! 🙂
This is an awesome post! you both look FANTASTIC!! I am trying to convince M to try it. I think he’d love it 🙂
Liz recommended your blog. The same Liz in this post. She’s my running friend and she is both inspiration and motivation on the trails. Love knowing how she does the same for the CrossFit crowd!!
Can’t wait to read more on your site. Awesome job at the KP challenge! My husband started CrossFit about 12 months ago and loves it. Yesterday was his first time at the KP challenge. Our girls and I were spectators.
Next up is trying your treadmill workouts!
she is the best!!! and your husband did GREAT yesterday! hope he’s feeling less sore than i am today 🙂 and your girls are adorable!!
I just started Crossfit last week and I can already see all the lessons you learned, being taught to me. 🙂
I have a feeling I may be sticking this as a permanent in my routine for a while!
I’ve been wanting to do Crossfit forever.. I wish I had the money to give it a go- especially after this great post! Someday maybe!
keep your eye out for a groupon! that’s how we got started!
This is a super awesome post and really gets to the heart of what crossfit is all about. I love your transparency and honesty. Good luck in going forward because we all fail and win over and over but we get better and better.
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Ran across your blog on Pinterest. I can relate to every. single. thing you wrote above.
My husband and I have been CrossFitting for 5 months and it has truly been life-changing! Keep up the awesome work, and know that you have a fellow CrossFit addict in Arkansas cheering you on!
thank you so much! good luck to you as well!