The Crossfit Total

I know. Two posts in one week; this is unheard of and verging on indulgent. I was considering going to see "Wish I was Here" this evening and fantasizing about Zach Braff - though not really, his thighs are smaller than mine, but I love his quirky personality - but decided it was just too pretty a night to waste in a theater. Given the nature of my previous post, this entry had to be light. I began considering those aspects of life that make me most happy and realized that for all my musings and rantings, I had yet to write about Crossfit.

This is not without reason. After all, with little exception, every article takes one of two stances - Crossfit causes obscure and unnecessary injuries or it revolutionizes your fitness. So what do I have to say? Both. And then, naturally, something more.

I have been injured since joining Crossfit. My callouses broke and the Neosporin stung. I got a rash from excessive thigh chaffage, and rope climbs occasionally give me questionable burns. Every time I do double-unders, I fear kegel exercises will not suffice in containing all within my bladder.* That's not an injury, but it is a nuisance and makes me want to curse at the guy telling me to do faster double-unders. He has no idea.

Honestly, my body has responded extremely well to the programming. The nagging injuries I had in my knee and ankle have dissipated. Even had they not, I would not blame Crossfit. I would blame aging, old fashioned bad luck and my tendency to push myself beyond my limits.

I also claim in a most uncultly manner that Crossfit has revolutionized my fitness. My previous background was nearly fifteen years of tennis, and I have always craved the rush of competition. I was on the court or in the weight room at least five times a week, often more. My coaches, family and a handful of weight room stalkers can attest to my tenacity and dedication. When tennis ended, I maintained my gym routine with similar vigor, but I was not making gains.

Tonight, we recorded the Crossfit Total, your combined max back squat, deadlift and shoulder press. My total was 490 pounds. We performed this same routine in October 2012, and my total was 379. The scoreboard does not lie, mis amigos. I am markedly stronger**, and my speed, agility and stamina have improved as well.

More relevant than either of these is how the gym facilitates continual improvement. It fosters a casually unpretentious and driven community, no matter your skill level. When I first entered, the mechanics of Olympic lifting were completely foreign, and my kettle bell swing was as coordinated as Peyton Manning's dance moves.

It challenges me to leave my comfort zone and learn new movements, attack my lifts and actually talk to the other members.*** The coaches' enthusiasm to instruct and depth of knowledge motivate me to move with increased efficiency and safety. Their consistent support spurs me to work harder and with purpose. Rather than blaring my headphones as I enter, I look forward to authentic conversation with those whose friendship extends beyond the gym.

Fitness was such a huge part of my development growing up; it does not surprise me that it remains so. I am grateful to have happened upon a gym with such a solid core. Now if only Zach Braff would join and get thicker thighs, we could make that fantasy a reality.


* I definitely just scared some people who have never experienced double-unders and gave credence to the stance that Crossfitters are crazy. But I thought it was funny.
** Fear not, I do not look like a muscular lug and still look good in a little blue dress.
*** They probably wish they could get me to shut up now.