I’ve spoken a lot about trying to find my “place” in fitness. I’ve been looking for that thing that “sticks” that I absolutely love. The thing that challenges me like nothing else.
I can relate to so much of what Camille says in that video. We share a common background in gymnastics. They say that ex-gymnasts can really excel at Crossfit due to our innate movements and qualities like strength, coordination, and balance. A lot of skills that we do in gymnastics (like handstands, kipping, pull-ups, hanging leg lifts (which Crossfit calls “Toe to Bar”), muscles ups on the ring, climbing a rope are all extremely present in Crossfit. I grew up doing those types of movements and skills on a daily basis and my body is comfortable moving in that way.
More than anything, gymnastics gave me mental toughness. There were times when I hated gymnastics more than anything. Gymnastics is incredibly difficult and it takes mental toughness, hard work, and dedication to get through it. You push through pain constantly in gymnastics. You fight through tears. You go big or you go home. It’s as simple as that.
The same goes for Crossfit. It’s almost guaranteed that you will want to quit at some point during your workout. However, you fight through it. That’s my favorite moment. It takes me back to being a little girl. It takes me back to all those moments I had to grit my teeth and fight through it. It’s challenging and that’s why I love it. Feel like you will puke? Who cares. Keep going. Seeing spots? Connect them and push through. Finishing a Crossfit workout will leave you panting and you’ll probably fall to the floor. However, after 5 minutes, it’s guaranteed you’ll have a smile on your face.
I know what you’re thinking. Crossfit looks intimidating. I think a lot of women are fearful of trying it because they think they can’t do it. They think it’s only for people who have been working out for years. In the words of Mike Gundy, THAT AIN’T TRUE. People of all athletic backgrounds and abilities can do Crossfit. You simply scale the workout to match your level. No matter what, it’s guaranteed you’ll have a great workout.
My mom even loved it.
I can’t wait to get stronger, pushed harder, and to see where Crossfit takes me.
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
this is the most awesome fitness related video I’ve seen lately! I find the concept of crossfit fascinating and I want to try so badly! But I haven’t found a crossfit gym close by, so I can only wish. Please keep us updated about how it works for you. I’d really love to know.
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The first time I really saw Crossfit was when ESPN aired the Crossfit Games. I was absolutely amazed at what the competitors were able to do! It looked so intense (and pretty scary). It’s really cool that your gymnastics background has set you up well for Crossfit. Maybe we will see you in the Crossfit Games next year??? : )
Karen recently posted..WIAW
Lisa is right, anybody can do it. My first time I only did half the reps because I wanted to finish. What I found the hardest was keeping form while trying to finish the workout. I am ready to try again and hopefully my hubby will come with me to try it out.
Denise recently posted..Video to DVD Transfer
You are so inspiring!!
Nicole recently posted..Hotdog shame
Lisa you inspire me each and everyday! My ex boyfriend was really into CrossFit and introduced it to me. It’s such a great program and I plan to pursue it when I have more time
Tessa @ Amazing Asset recently posted..Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged
Crossfit sounds so cool! And that’s so awesome that you’ve found something that keeps you wanting to go back for more
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Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
Just watched the crossfit games last night and I was inspired to try crossfit. Now after reading your blog and watching the video I am even more motivated to do this.
I watched a crossfit comp on tv last week and was just in awe. I hear so much about it, but really didn’t know what all it entailed.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Weights Wednesday + Roasted Veggies & Tomato Quinoa
I am so glad you are doing Crossfit! Can’t wait to read about your progress. I have wanted to do it for a while now, but there are no Crossfit gyms that are overly close; I do like how they post their workouts on their website, but I would be much more inspired at the actual gym where you are surrounded by supportive people doing the same workout. A friend of mine is opening a new Crossfit gym in North Jersey, but it is way too far for me…definitely want to go an check it out at some point, though. For now, Les Mills classes (my new favorite thing) will have to suffice!
You look awesome! Jealous of your pull-up form…that is definitely the most intimidating part for me, I would have to use the straps at first.
Sam @ Sam Bock Illustration & Design recently posted..Give Me Everything Tonight
That looks so amazing! I would love to try Crossfit, but I don’t have a local gym. :/ Someday though! I’m glad you’re loving it.
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Not all crossfit gyms are created equal though. There are several in my area, and some are not so welcoming to the unfit. Including the one I tried. They were not so nice to me–and not in a get-tough-or-go-home, but in a pick-on-the-fat-girl kinda way. They gave zero modifications for someone who couldn’t keep up and were very nasty about it when I asked for help so I wouldn’t injure myself. A year after being driven to tears at that place, I was dragged to another location by a friend and had a completely different experience. Do some research and talk to some regulars before you go.
you are a bad ass and i love it. i watched the crossfit games on saturday in my town! it was AWESOME to watch. my jaw was dropped the whole time.
I want to try it, but only for the gymnastics type stuff, haha.
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So many of the girls I work with are 100% in love with CrossFit, and it’s amazing what type of mental and physical transformations people go through. It can definitely be intimidating, but I love what you said about tailoring the workout to your leve.l..and those moments of pushing through and getting stronger.
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I LOVE that your mom does it too!!
Michelle @ Crazy*Running*Legs recently posted..TV Time – First Opinions
I want to try CrossFit SO much, but I don’t have a gym very close by. Yet. I’ll probably be closer to one by March, and I am SO looking forward to it!
deva @ deva by definition recently posted..#fitblog: Makin Time to Sweat!
Loved what you wrote about the fact that you’re pretty much guaranteed to want to give up at one point or another during the WOD. It’s TRUE! But it’s great when you keep pushing through (and it’s okay to scale down if needed) and actually finish something that seemed so daunting.
Glad you are enjoying CrossFit!
Thats awesome.. Im glad youre found something that “fits” YOU! Keep up it girl!
this looks so challenging! congrats on finding your fit spot
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I have always thought that crossfit looked intimidating and never really saw the link to gymnastics until now. I think I really need to give it a go. It looks like an amazing workout!
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Congrats on finally giving Crossfit a try! I know it looks crazy and intimidating but it’s the best feeling you’ll ever have. I’ve been doing it nearly a year and I use the skills and mental agility in my everyday life. I recommend anyone, no matter yOur fitness level, check out an affiliate or two near you!
Xoxo,
Crossfit junkie Tamara
I love that video! I have never even heard of crossfit. Where have I been? It looks amazing I want to try it
I’m so glad you found your thing! I went through the same situation- I danced ballet for 15 years but started to hate it after a while. After I quit I was trying to find something else I wanted to do- I found yoga! And have fell in love with it : )
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I’m at work right now, so I’m dying to be able to watch the video. My first few sessions with a trainer recently I almost lost my breakfast (errr….actually the night before’s dinner) more than once. If you set your mind to it you can accomplish anything. Can’t wait to see where this challenge takes you!
Kim @ Imperfectly Perfect recently posted..Stressing & Dreaming
Whohoo! I’ve been loving crossfit for 3 years…it is SUCH a challenge and I love seeing my progress. I was a diver in college – which is a lot like gymnastics I think (maybe not as hard!) – and so I totally agree that it sets you up use balance, strength, coordination, etc. Glad you’re liking it!
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Hey! I’m new to your blog, but I absolutely love it! It crazy that this is one of the first couple that I have read because I was a gymnast growing up and I miss it so much! At the time when I quit, I didn’t appreciate everything that it did for me, but now that I look back and see what being a gymnast has given me, I appreciate it so much more and wish that I would have gone farther with it.
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I’m happy that you have found your “place” in fitness! That’s wonderful. Crossfit seems like something I would be interested in trying. Honestly, I do not have a lot of strength though. (and have never done gymnastics before, either!) Is Crossfit for beginners, or do you really have to have a lot of strength built up already?
I am Lisa’s mom and I did it, so anybody can! Any level can you just have to push your self and work within your ability:)
Denise recently posted..Video to DVD Transfer
That’s great! Way to go! And thank you for your encouragement
i want to play crossfitttttttttttttttttt!!!!! i’m so bored with some of my workouts! bah!
Try it! You’ll like it!
Look at you looking so fit!!!! This definitely sounds like something fit for you. And i want to try it badly myself. I need to find a location close enough.
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you’d love it tina! You’ve got that innate inner toughness. Plus, it’s lots of pullups and I know you love those.
Weren’t the cross fit games COOL?! Loved watching them:) You look great in those pics, Lisa!
Thanks paige! I loved watching the Crossfit games! SO intense.
Love this post, Lisa! Conditioning sessions at gymnastics always made me feel like such a wuss… but getting through those sessions made me feel like such a winner. I’ve wanted to try CrossFit for a few months now but have been putting it off because I’m totally scared to feel like a wuss again. Thanks for reminding me of what I’m missing!
You can do it! Let me know if you try it!
wow, this video is SO inspiring, for all athletes alike i think! not just those interested in cross fit
This looks awesome! I want to try Crossfit!
you have lost me. you seem to do whatever your boyfriend says you should. get some sense of self. you deserve it.
Natalie,
I’m sorry you feel that way and it’s too bad I lost you as a reader. You’ve offered some good discussion on my blog (especially regarding my dog Eddie and his ear infections and lately, with your input regarding love, etc).
It’s what people in love do. Add to each others lives. It’s common and quite natural for us to blend our passions. New people open you up to new experiences and I will never think that trying something new is a bad thing, regardless of who it was that opened me up to trying it.
I can assure that I have plenty of my own interests and have a wonderful sense of self. I’m pursuing a career that I love (Nursing) and have many interests and passions (that have nothing to do with my boyfriend) that aren’t highlighted on this blog because I simply don’t have the time anymore with school.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog as long as you have.
-Lisa
I’m glad we can share this. I knew you’d be a badass, but I’m not sure about how I feel about you inevitably surpassing my badass-ness in this realm. The games have no idea what they’re in for in 2012.
Just wait. It’ll happen.
(slightly kidding. You’ll maintain and hold your badass card in this!)
I’ve heard so much about CrossFit but never really knew what it was. That and P90X have been popular the last few years.
Your tough! And your mom is so young looking too by the way.
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My mom loves you for that. Thank you.
Yes, I do thank you for that. I certainly don’t see young in the mirror these days!!!
Denise recently posted..Video to DVD Transfer
You look fierce!!!! I love it. And I love a workout where you want to quit but you don’t…because you are determined!
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I wasn’t a gymnast, it wasn’t that popular when I was young, but I am competetive and OH MY – In my head today I kept saying just finish!!!!~ I think I am going to enjoy the variety of this workout ALOT.
Denise recently posted..Video to DVD Transfer
I am glad you like it so much!
I love Crossfit! And I am so glad to see a strong woman supporting it on her blog
However, I will say that Crossfit is not for everyone, especially if they are not used to a lifting program. So when you say it’s for everyone that is only half true. Obvs before anyone tries it they should consult their doc BUT they should also talk to the people who run their local Crossfit gym and get them to go through a test run. Some of the stuff can be intense and if you aren’t used to working out, lifting weights, doing intense cardio, or just fitness in general then you will probably have to build towards it. Not all the stuff can be modified and some Crossfit centers are a lot tougher than others. It’s always good to test out the waters first to see if you are in fact physically and mentally prepared for something.