Guest Blog : My CrossFit Journey
Two months ago I knew very little about CrossFit other than people who did it seemed to really be in shape and clearly addicted to this form of fitness. After seeing snippets of the CrossFit games on TV and other pictures on the Internet, I quickly surmised that CrossFit was likely out of my league. That said, growing up, I was active in almost every sport and thus, intrigued by the team approach and total body fitness offered by CrossFit. When ChalkDust CrossFit opened, some really amazing people encouraged and assured me that I could do CrossFit and I decided to give it a try.
To say I was a novice on that first visit is an understatement. "What's a WOD," I wondered? But the team at ChalkDust immediately made me feel welcome and helped me learn the ropes. Literally. There were ropes. Jump ropes. When was the last time you jumped rope? For me, it was 20+ years ago . . . And it showed. Those simple jump ropes may have frustrated me more than anything at the beginning of my CrossFit journey. After tripping over that rope for a while and getting smacked with it, I was pleasantly surprised when just a few short weeks later, I remembered what it was like to jump rope as a 10-year-old - and I was actually able to do it again!
FLASH FORWARD TWO MONTHS
I AM NOW HOOKED ON CROSSFIT.
I still have a lot to learn (HSPS: I will conquer you someday) and I still don't know all the movements with perfect form, but I'm improving each day. Last week, all 150 of my wall balls were below parallel. A big improvement! Next month, I hope to hit that line mark on the wall.
Most importantly, more than movements or form, what I've really learned so far is that coming together with a community of people and doing the best for you and your abilities feels pretty damn good. Each morning when I hit that box and we finish our strength training and the daily WOD, I walk away feeling fulfilled, challenged, satisfied and ready to tackle the day. And all the while I'm supported not just by our amazing ChalkDust coaches and staff, but by a community of people who are there for the same reasons as me. Our community cheers on one another, supports one another and encourages everyone to make themselves better today than they were the day before. I think this support is what makes the Saturday Community WODs so much fun. It's pretty amazing to witness grown-ups strategizing, dividing up the work and putting forth their all to make everyone better.
I've heard people say that CrossFit gyms are sort of like a cult. I would quickly dispel this myth and say CrossFit gyms are more like a family.
You know that awkward feeling at most gyms when it seems like people are staring? Well, you won't find that at ChalkDust. Nope. If someone is watching you, it's because they are standing next to you, cheering you on and telling you that you can indeed hit those last ten burpees. Even if you are slowly sinking into that sweat angel on the floor. Let's face it: we all need positive reinforcement in our lives - and at ChalkDust, you will find it.
Over the last several months, I've met many new friends who I've come to rely on and who I know will support me on this journey, as we work together each day to challenge ourselves to do our best. And as added bonus, events like community Hero WODs and fundraisers all serve a greater purpose to keep us fit while giving back to our community.
As an evolving novice, I'd say CrossFit is for anyone. Anyone can do it. Start off with a strong team, wonderful trainers and a supportive community and you, too, can go from CrossFit novice to CrossFit addict. And trust me, your body may hurt in places you never knew it could, but you'll feel better, stronger, faster and you'll see the results in no time. Take it from this CrossFit novice who will be back at AMRAP first-thing tomorrow.