But then came the opportunity to try CrossFit last weekend. What's the allure? Anyone who does it raves about it. It has a cult-like following and besides, all the cool kids are doing it.
If you don't know what CrossFit is, don't feel uncool. CrossFit, I've come to the conclusion, is very hard to define. Even the "What is CrossFit?" link on their website doesn't provide a very good answer. The CrossFit entry in Wikipidia might have the best explanation. Any CrossFit devotees reading this post (ahem, Darcy), please help me out here in the comments.
My definition? It's the closest thing to exercise in a pill you'll find. It's a blend of strength and speed (and sweat) in a relatively short amount of time--anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. For busy people trying to squeeze in an all-encompassing workout, CrossFit is hyper efficient.
It's also accessible. Anyone can go to www.crossfit.com for the workout of the day. There are CrossFit gyms, though, and I recommend starting there with an instructor who can help (you not kill yourself). The WOD for me Saturday was called "Fight Gone Bad" (ominous, no?) Here's a great You Tube video I found that shows you the workout, but also provides explanation for its purpose. So, I should mention here, that all CrossFit workouts have a purpose. The workouts aren't a concocted combination of exercises that seem fun (which is how I come up with my own workouts).
If you're wondering why in the world anything so punishing could become addicting, here's what I discovered on Saturday: the workouts are mini competitions, not only with yourself but with everyone in the world who does that same workout. The whole wide web world. Because my workout consisted of three rounds I found myself motivated to do more each time. Then at the end, our score was posted on a big white board. Can you slack? Noooooooo. And if you're really competitive you can post your results on the CrossFit website to see how you stack up to the rest of the CrossFit cult. Therein lies the fun.
Because of CrossFit's efficiency I give it high marks for being a mama-friendly workout, however it might compromise one's ability to run after small children the next day.
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6 comments:
Did you do it at a gym? Is each exercise for a one minute or a 5 minute session?
Yes, I was at the CrossFit Minnesota gym in Eden Prairie under the direction of the esteemed Darcy Franklin (www.fitneighbor.com). Darcy holds many of the top female spots on that white board, by the way. She's freakishly strong.
Glad you came in! Hope to see you back! AND, I wasn't always freakishly strong, but oh it feels so good!
You know how I love my CrossFit! It's a rush. Someday I'll get back to it:) (Hope you are in bed getting some uninterrupted sleep right now!!)
I just HAVE to comment! I LOVE your blog and read it every week. I too have 4 kids (7, 5, 2, and 2 months) so can relate to so much! I have made fitness my job by teaching StrollerFit powered by mommymuscle classes so I can help other moms get fit and stay fit myself (although it is still sooo hard)! I have been dying to try CrossFit for the past year but the classes in my area don't work with my schedule. It just looks like such fun. Keep on blogging!
CrossFit is great. BUT, it is also a recipe for injury if you are too competitive and don't train smart and listen to your body. I love it , but am on hiatus. Its efficient and great fun...but be mindful, respect the signals your body gives you, and most important be sure your recuperation matches the the level of exertion or over time, you will pay. That is for sure.
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