People often say, “You do all of those things?!?! You’re crazy!” or “That sport is dangerous.” Or my favorite, “Her body is too muscular, you don’t want to look like that right?”
Over the years I have developed an affinity for CrossFit. I was skeptical at first, just as most people are. It was scary. I wasn’t an athlete, nor had I ever been. How could the Cardio Queen of the local globo gym actually find success in CrossFit?
Let’s just say, I am Cardio Queen no more. In fact, the thought of running on a treadmill sends shivers down my spine.
Here’s how CrossFit completely changed me. For the better.
My confidence level is at an all time high.
Being confident has not always been easy for me, but after years of searching I found my internal spring of badassery.
My life B.C. (before CrossFit) was about finding a comfortable place and staying there until forced out. I lived my life confined to comfortable until I found Salt Lake City CrossFit (and I have my fabulous husband to thank for that).
These changes didn’t happen at my first class (sorry ladies). In fact, my first class left me feeling clumsy, uncoordinated and missing my treadmill, but I kept with it.
After several months of learning new movements, refining technique and daily mental and physical discomfort, I started to realize uncomfortable wasn’t all that bad. It is temporary and, although occasionally unpleasant, it causes growth.
Boom! Game changer.
As my physical and mental capacity grew, I became more confidant in my abilities, learning from failures and successes and striving to become better. This confidence translated in my everyday life as well from my career to my relationships to my body image.
Even my walk has changed. I hold my head high, push my shoulders back and make each stride purposeful. Watch out world, here I come.
From where I stand strong is the new skinny.
B.C. when I saw photos of female athletes or bodybuilders with their bulging biceps, washboard abs, thick thighs and lack of the fatty tissue we call breasts I was grossed out.
A woman’s body should be “tone” and not too big. Women should take pride in their “thigh gap” and never forget that shoulder and trap muscles are for boys, not girls!
Looking back now I am horrified to recall how society had influenced my viewpoint.
Perhaps it is because I have had a taste of what it actually takes to build muscle and physical strength. Particularly for women.
100% hard work. Every. Single. Day.
Dedication not only to your daily workout for years on end, but to your nutrition and rest as well.
Today, I am envious of the women with bulging biceps, washboard abs, thick thighs and lack of fatty tissue. And would like to scream from the mountain tops that I now have baby trap muscles!
These women, the ones who look muscular and strong, have worked their asses off and are now who I look up to. Badass bitches who aren’t afraid of hard work, dedication or other’s opinions. This is what I strive towards.
Fuck societal norms. Norms are made up of excuses the 99% make for not wanting to put in the effort.
My friendships have been built on solid ground.
When you become friends with someone from your CrossFit gym you know you have at least one common interest. CrossFit.
Yes, usually you make friends over shared interests. If you meet at book club, it is likely you both like to read or if you meet at a bar, you both like to drink. But having an fondness for CrossFit says a lot more about a person than just liking to work out.
They are also interested in working hard to become the best version of themselves.
They won’t think you are out of your mind when you decide not to drink for 6 months.
Or pass on a Five Guys burger and fries.
Macro counting is just another normal day. No weird sideways glance when you weigh your food and enter your quantities into a food tracker app.
These people have not only cheered for and encouraged you during a workout as you fight for every rep (and maybe even cry a little), they are often by your side fighting for those same reps.
You share an appreciation for health, encouragement, dedication, commitment, hard work and strength.
CrossFitters are often called crazy, but I have met some of the best people in my gym. And there are far worse things than wanting to work hard, support others and become better (both physically and mentally).
CrossFit has helped me see the importance of athletics at any level. Sure, health and wellness top the list of reasons to remain active, but there is so much more to learn.
Goal setting and working toward achieving those goals, dealing with failures and frustrations, winning and losing, giving your all and doing your best.
To all the naysayers out there, who think CrossFit is extreme or dangerous, a fad or a cult, and to those who judge strong, muscular women, I challenge you to try it for a month. I triple dog dare you.
You may just be surprised to find out how it changes you, for the better.
A Pinch of Opinion 