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I’ve been meaning to challenge myself physically for a while now. Sure, I go to the gym and work out a little. But really all I’d do is run on the treadmill for 20 minutes or so, do some mat exercises, and call it a day. Then wonder to myself why, oh why was I not seeing results? I could blow the gym off for weeks. Hell, I’ve blown the gym off for months sometimes.
I needed to be held accountable. I needed to be on a strict regimen. I needed someone to say ‘two more!!’ and not quit on me until I did two more.
I’ve been dancing around the idea of Crossfit for a few weeks. I didn’t know if it was for me. I knew it was much more physically demanding than anything I had ever done before. I knew I had to make some serious lifestyle changes. The question was: was I ready to make those changes?
I wasn’t ready to give up most of what made up my lifestyle. Like smoking for instance. Yes I know it’s horrendous, and detrimental to your health, but I had been smoking for so long, I didn’t know if I could actually quit. But I will tell you this, after yesterday, I will never touch another cigarette for as long as I live.
I attended a free trial class of Crossfit, and it was definitely unlike anything I had ever seen or done.
The first thing you notice is that there aren’t groups of machines, treadmills, or ellipticals everywhere, and a mob of people with their head phones in not talking to each other. Crossfit demands space, and space is what this place has.
It was an open space, black mats lined the floor right up to the walls. Weights were stacked up to my knees by the small office area. The garage door was pulled all the way up to let the sunshine in and some breeze to flow through. To an outsider you would think these people are just showing off their weight lifting skills, but after an hour of Crossfit, you realize that the breeze feels absolutely divine, and it’s the real reason the garage door stays open.
I walk in with my work clothes on, through this awkward open space, feeling everyones’ eyes follow me. I knew what they were all thinking: “New blood”. I wasn’t scared. I was pretty strong, and loved working out. So bring it.
A man with a buzz cut and arm tattoos spotted me and immediately made his way towards me. I noticed he was coming towards me and stopped. He put his hand out and said, “I’m Matt, you must be here for the free trial class.”
Was it that obvious?
But boy was Matt cute. Yes, Matt I am here for whatever class you want me to be in. 😉
I got changed and met him on the mat. Show time.
He showed me some basic moves, which I could totally handle. I thought this is Crossfit?! Why did everyone make such a big deal about it? I could do this in my sleep.
So far, not impressed. I was still waiting for the challenging part.
I didn’t have to wait long, because in walked Adrien, the afternoon trainer. My trainer for the day. My torturer for the day. The man I wanted to fall and break his legs that whole afternoon.
Adrien looked like a nice guy. Looked like a normal guy. Matt looked like he would be harder on me, actually. Maybe it was the buzz cut. I actually wanted to train with Matt, I wanted the real Crossfit experience.
Well never judge a book by it’s cover. Adrien worked me just as hard as I thought Matt would.
I nearly died. Twice. I told Adrien I was dying. He thought I was joking. Why does everyone think I’m joking all the time? All he said was ‘Keep going, you can do it!’ No, asshole, I can not. I literally can not. I can’t breath, my left arm hurts, my lungs hurt, my face is burning. I am dying. This is what it feels like to die.
But I pushed through it. We had to stop a few times. I had to! I could feel my body saying to me “You can keep going, but I’m going to stop right here.” Dead.
I ran 400 meters around the block, then 21 kettle ball raises/lifts (I don’t know the cool Crossfit lingo, yet), then 12 pull ups. Did this 3 times. By the third round, I think I floated up out of my body, and watched myself torture myself. Why would anyone do this? I thought to myself. This is madness.
But when I pulled myself up that one last and final time and I knew I was free from this Crossfit hell, I smiled. I was proud of myself. Adrien gave me a high five, and some people started clapping, saying “Get it, girl!!” No one ever told me to get nothing at my old gym. Stupid crappy old gym.
After I had finished my third round, I did what everyone else did at the end of their Crossfit work out. Lay on the floor spread out, bald eagle style in total exasperation.
I was hooked.
Sign me up.
Also, ladies, men work out with NO SHIRTS ON! They’re hot, the girls are hot, Matt is hot. I loved it. It was a little awkward at first, but it’s like anything you do for the first time. You’re not going to be part of the gang right away, but you build up to it.
I go back tomorrow, and will make sure I don’t smoke any cigarettes so I can actually run without having any heart palpitations.
If you’re looking for a challenge, definitely look into Crossfit. It kicked my ass, but like I said, I’m hooked.
xoxo Shoes Over Booze
