Hellobee

I’ve had an on-again off-again relationship with Crossfit for the past few years, but something’s really clicked for me recently and I’m excited to call myself a Crossfitter. I know many people at this point are familiar with Crossfit, but before I get into why I enjoy it, I thought I would give a brief explanation of what Crossfit looks like. Usually going to Crossfit means showing up for an hour-long class. You’ll be with anywhere between 2-15 other people and 1-3 trainers. You’ll warm up together, then oftentimes start with a strength portion. This could be Olympic lifts like power cleans, or they may be something simple like back squats. Then you’ll move into the WOD (workout of the day). It may only be a few minutes long, or it could be up to half an hour. It’s high intensity with music blasting, all while the coaches walk around and encourage your progress. You may be running, jumping, lifting weights, or doing things like pull-ups and push-ups. Many boxes (what they call Crossfit gyms) offer other classes too. These could be specific classes that focus on weight-lifting, beginners, mobility, yoga, gymnastics components, kids classes, etc.

With that being said, I first got started with Crossfit back when I was in nursing school in 2010. My husband had been doing it on his own for quite some time, but it took a good friend of mine getting into it before I thought I’d try it too. The first day I went they had me do a modified version of the workout to make it easier. By the end I felt like I was going to puke. I walked out of there thinking I would never go back. The next day I was so sore, but I kept thinking about the class. I ended up diving in and joining that particular box for about a year. In that time my body adjusted and I learned to pace myself through the workouts so that they became more fun too. Over that year my fitness level soared. I loved that I could finally do real pushups. I felt strong! Sadly I ended up getting a knee injury (totally unrelated to Crossfit) so I had to back off. Right after I finished physical therapy I ended up getting pregnant with Little Deer and was so sick that I couldn’t imagine working out. Then by the time I finally got back into working out again I was pregnant with Baby Deer. You get the picture!

My first time taking both girls with me to Crossfit—Little Deer got a little grumpy!

Right before we moved back to Seattle I decided enough was enough. I had barely lost any baby weight and was just feeling awful about myself. Not just appearance-wise, but physically. I felt sluggish, soft, and tired. I wasn’t sure what it would look like returning to Crossfit after taking a five-year hiatus and having two children. I hated walking through those doors the first day being the most out-of-shape person in the room. But you know what? Everyone welcomed me. When everyone had finished the workout before me and I was struggling, they gathered around me and cheered me on. It was awesome. I’ve been back at Crossfit and hard at work now for a few months. I’ve gained confidence, strength, and feel proud of my progress.

So now that I’ve given you a little back-story, here’s 8 things I love about Crossfit:

1. It’s for everybody, and every body. It doesn’t matter if you’re not very flexible, out of shape, or 100+ pounds overweight. You can do Crossfit. Everything can be modified. Can’t do a pull-up? Try hanging a band on the bar and looping your foot through it to give yourself a boost. Still too hard? Grab a pair of rings and lean back slights and do some ring rows. Every movement in every workout can be adjusted. Even with the more complicated weightlifting movements. There are plastic plates you can put on the bar that only weigh a few pounds. Not only that, but most boxes offer beginner classes which is a great way to get familiar with the movements.
2. It’s a new fun workout every day. One of my biggest downfalls with working out in the past had been to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. Would I run? Lift weights? I would always make a schedule but it was hard to follow through. It is SO nice to be able to just show up and know I’m getting an awesome totally body workout each time.
3. You get a lot of one-on-one instruction. Though it’s not quite the same as if you have a personal trainer, the class sizes are small enough that you will frequently be talking with whomever is coaching the class for the day. They’ll correct your form, give you tips, and encourage you throughout the workout. Not only is that motivating, but it’s really informative and helpful! Each and every class I feel like I learn something new and improve my form in some way.
4. The Crossfit community and camaraderie is awesome. Yes, some people do get pretty into it. For some of the more intense athletes, Crossfit can kind of become their life. And I get that, but I feel like they are often in the minority. Most of the popel coming and working out, myself included, are average-joes just coming in for a good workout. I have found that you do end up making new friends though, which is fun. Boxes will also often hold socializing events too. The one I attend right now has hiking excursions on weekends and trips to see local soccer and baseball teams.
5. Building off the idea of community—Crossfit is a great place to grow your tribe and meet other moms. Many moms (and dads too!) go to Crossfit. After having been a SAHM for the past couple of years, Crossfit has been a great outlet for me to chat with other moms. Many boxes have a kids’ room too (some supervised, others not) so you can also bring your kids. Right now mine are too young to hangout in the kids room alone, but Little Deer will sit in a chair off to the side and Baby Deer in her stroller next to her. Just today a mom came in (I think for one of her first workouts since her 6-week post partum check). Part-way into the workout her tiny newborn started wailing. Another mom with older children who was stretching nearby came and scooped him up and let that mom finish her workout. I frequently see that kind of support at Crossfit. You get to know one another and really help each other.
6. It’s a self-esteem booster. Totally separate from weight-loss, it feels so good to set and make goals and see improvements. And I’m not even talking about big measurable things. For example, when I first started a few months ago even doing pushups on my knees wasn’t doable. I would have to do a little inch-worm move to get my chest up off the floor. Now I can do pushups on my knees no problem. Where before I couldn’t really power clean more than 65 pounds, now I can do 110. I developed exercise-induced asthma after Baby Deer was born. Last weekend I ran a half-mile in the middle of the workouts for the first time in years and it felt so good. Over time you see these marked improvements and have these small victories. It really helps you gain confidence and feel proud of what you’re doing.
7. High-intensity workouts can do wonders for your skin. So I know everyone’s skin is different and this isn’t necessarily applicable to everybody, but since I’ve started Crossfit I’ve completely stopped breaking out (yes!). I’ve had breakouts since I was a teenager and with the hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy and birth my skin has only gotten worse over the years. After a Crossfit workout though my face is sweaty, hot, and flushed, I think I truly must sweat out the toxins and I suspect the sheer heat from my face may actually inhibit bacteria growth. Definitely an awesome bonus to a great workout!
8. Finally—I love that Crossfit allows me to set a healthy example of fitness for my children. I know many people that bemoan going to the gym and jumping on the elliptical. Oftentimes working out gets portrayed as being a drag. My girls are growing up and seeing me enthusiastic and excited about my fitness (literally since they can come with me to Crossfit!). I’m glad to be modeling for them that it’s good to be healthy, active, and strong. Not to mention I think it’ll be fun for them to attend the kids’ classes when they’re a bit older!

And there you have it—all the reasons why I’m currently loving Crossfit as a mom. I do understand that it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but I do think it’s worth trying out. Most Crossfits offer one free introductory class or even a free week-long trial membership. If you’re at all interested I encourage you to google if there are any Crossfit locations near you and check out the reviews on them. It can’t hurt to go for free. Try it out and you may be surprised that you really enjoy it too.

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What are your thoughts on Crossfit?