Have y’all met those people who cannot shut up about CrossFit?  OR the ones who think they’re so much better then you, simply because their chosen form of exercise is CrossFit, or CrossFit styled? I didn’t want to be one of those people, and yet here I am! 

So, what brought about this change, and why do I post my workouts every day? Here’s a brief history of my past as it pertains to fitness: I played sports in high school and college. When I was done with sports, the only thing I knew to do was run, so that’s what I did. I enjoyed it quite a bit so I kept it up, and eventually did a few races. I should say quite a few races (they were pretty fun). While in college, I got a job at a personal training studio where I was introduced to strength training. I learned a LOT there and am so grateful for that experience. Upon getting married and moving to Kentucky, I joined a regular gym and had no intention of ever doing CrossFit  But I did try to be somewhat well rounded in my fitness, as in lifting weights, cardio (hello, stairmaster), running, and even yoga in order to incorporate bodyweight strengthening. Levi had friends who owned a CrossFit-styled gym (not affiliated at the time), so I kind of knew eventually I might start doing it or at least try it out (because he had been doing it prior to getting married), but when I did try it, it really wasn’t my thing. I LOVED making my own workouts, putting on my beats, and gyming it up. Plus CrossFit was SO hyped up, and I like to think that I’m not into fads Lol.

So at the beginning of the year, I made some goals to work on in 2018. Basically, I just wanted to get a lot stronger, stop worrying about my weight, and focus more on what I’m doing in the gym. I wanted to get serious! (Those are the words I used for reals lol.) Levi recommended that I start working out with Chelsea (one of the CrossFit gym owners), and since she’s seriously jacked, it sounded like a good idea to me  Basically, that’s the essence of it. I started going, and I think because my mindset had shifted so much (from wanting only to lose weight, to focusing much much more on how I was improving in the gym), I started having SO MUCH FUN. I soon started doing the classes plus extra work every day, and I continue to increase the amount of work I do each day. I don’t track the calories I burn during a workout, I don’t even usually set my Apple Watch to a workout mode like I used to. I’m literally having fun with each workout. And you know what? If I have a day that I’m feeling tired, sore, or simply “off”, I take it easy, do less, or even do nothing. I no longer have to worry about strength training, doing intense cardio, running, and working on yoga because the whole point of CrossFit is to literally be fit across the spectrum (hence the name ).

My goals for the year were:

1. Get swole (lol!)
2. Be able to do a handstand against the wall
3. Get 5 pull-ups
4. Get 25 push-ups

I’ve crushed those goals, so much that I had to make new goals for myself. I can do assisted hand stand push-ups (soon to be unassisted I hope!), and 6 strict pull-ups. My strength has improved, my running has improved (and my cardiovascular fitness as a whole), and bodyweight movements? Bruh, shut the front door.

The other reason that I’ve gotten so pumped about CrossFit is because of the community it gives. I had a terrible time fitting in, finding friends, and getting outside of my comfort zone when I moved from Florida to Kentucky. Aside from one friend who has now moved away (miss you, Katie ), the friends I have made have all been through CrossFit. I couldn’t be more grateful for my CrossFit Family who encourages me in things “in this life, and the life to come.”

So if you’re thinking about joining a box (a CrossFit gym-CrossFit lingo, sorry ), I would highly encourage it. Or, if you’re in the Elizabethtown area, I would recommend you checking out 3 Sons CrossFit 

I have no intention of making you feel inferior if you don’t do CrossFit, or if you don’t put as much time into it as I have been. I truly just wanted to share my thoughts, and the reasoning behind my massive shift in preference! I came from almost the very bottom this year, and have made such progress, and I want to be able to share that with everyone. If I can do it, you can too!

Soli Deo gloria,

Charity