Step in the Right Direction

When is the last time you took a step back?

It is hard to believe that I am 4 months into what will be my 5th year of CrossFit. Some of you reading this have been doing this longer than me, maybe some of you are just starting. I think we can all agree though, things are a lot different than they used to be. You are all much different athletes and I am much different than the 20-year-old college kids telling you to stay on your heels (Now were on our toes, what the heck!)

Remember how exciting it was when we all first started. Everything was so new, everything was changing. We didn't really have a clue what was going on but PR's were flying in. We got our first pull-ups, muscle-ups, handstands all at the expense of bloody hands and calluses. Our Heart rates were through the roof (We thought passing out was possible) but the pounds began to shed off and we were looking leaner. We were getting fit. We were finding community. It was all great.

What if I told you now didn't have to be different?

Yes, you potential reader who has be Crossfitting (is that a word Susan?) longer than me.

Well, Here's the secret -- inserting cliche wisdom -- Its all in your PERSPECTIVE.
(Explanation on its way, don't worry)

When was the last time you took a step back and looked at your fitness journey and thought: I could definitely improve _________

Maybe some of you are reading this and have been stuck at the same Snatch PR for 3 years but haven't considered lowering your weights and dialing in your form. Maybe some of you want to get better at your gymnastics but every time the WOD comes you prefer to do small sets instead of going for big ones. Maybe some want their first Pull-up but don't take the extra 5 minutes before or after to use a band and build strength. Maybe some are returning from an injury and instead of lowering weight to get back into the groove they are getting frustrated that they aren't where they used to be. Maybe some of your lives are getting stressful/busy/taxing and your letting a positive hour of your day become detrimental because you aren't winning the leaderboard. I could go on. And if you are are content with where you are at in your journey I am beyond glad! Don't look at this as a reason not to be.

We change as time goes on. Its easy to feel stuck in something after you have been grinding at it for so long. You will find opportunity wherever you look for it. And your success isn't always going to come in the form of the fastest time on the board.

It will look like:

- I did all my T2B in sets of 5 today
-I kept my rowing pace under 2min the entire time
- I am just really thankful that I get to workout today
- I ran my first 800 without stopping once
- I lowered my weights and felt in control the entire time
- I knew I would go slower, but I did the RX weights (*appropriately)
- I am practicing my kip today after class
- I am going roll my forearms to help with my front rack mobility.
- I am starting to get back to where I was before _____
- I am going to say hi to everyone who walks into the gym today

In CrossFit there is always room for growth. I have truly realized that as I am taking my own step back right now as I watch a bunch of athletes practicing Handstand obstacles for regionals while I am practicing headstands on an abmat. It seems silly now but shifting my perspective, seeing where I need to improve, and building a strong foundation for later makes it exciting and something new that I can work on.

My Challenge for you this week is to look at every workout as an opportunity to improve.

Set a goal and Let it excite you.

Remember this is fun. Remember why you fell in love with it. Remember why you keep coming.

You guys are great. Keep working hard!