I grew up playing sports. Soccer, swimming, track, dance and gymnastics for a short time, baseball (yes, baseball, not softball) and just running around to and fro wherever I was to go. Then, I entered college and the midnight runs to In-n-out and a local diner became a norm. You all know what I am talking about. Either that, or the big thing of ice cream and chocolate chips my roommates and I would eat while watching tv together. Basically, unhealthy eating and knowing partially that it was bad, but not knowing completely what the late nights and the bouts of bad food were really doing to my body.
It's almost like one day you wake up and realize that your life is no longer on the path you thought it was going to take and a new pair of jeans are needed because you fell victim to "The Freshman 15". Through the years I have shifted from losing the weight and gaining it back, still never completely knowing what I was doing. One program would tell me that "this" is okay, but don't eat "that". Another would be the exact opposite. What is someone to do with that information when they don't have a background in nutrition and are confused by all aspects? Well, eventually, hopefully... you find Crossfit (or an excellent chef).
For me, I need the trainer. I need the person who has more expertise than I do and can help me figure out my own body and what it needs, with me. I've been working with a
trainer and going to
Crossfit classes 3 days a week since January. The verdict? I LOVE IT! Seriously, I am addicted to going to the workouts, getting my butt kicked, feeling sore the rest of the day and sometimes the next and always going back for more! Crossfit is all about getting a full body workout, including cardio in a shorter amount of time. You go all out for 12-30 minutes and you're done! With a bit of strength training or gymnastics and flexibility beforehand, you're all set for your WOD (workout of the day).
Every so often, Lindsey (my trainer), does a challenge. It's basically an "eat your best" challenge, but with it applies Paleo and Zone principles. As a family, we have tried hard to cut out a lot of different foods that just aren't good for us. When we bring them back in, even for a short time, we realize that our body just doesn't feel the same. I'm proud of us. We've done really well. Of course we have some slip ups, but we are still trying and plugging forward. With the last challenge that is ending this week, I think I am finally starting to breakthrough and understand a bit more about it all!
My stats (what I have lost) in this 8 week challenge:
Weight Lost: 9 lbs
Hips: 1 inch
Bust: 1 inch
Waist: 2 inches
Around Belly Button: 3 inches
Right arm: 1 inch
Right thigh: 1 1/2 inches
Butt: 1 inch
Fat: 4.8%
BMI: 2.8%
Max weight lifted:
Shoulder Press: 63 lbs
Dead Lift: 163 lbs
Power Clean: 81 lbs
Back Squat: 143 lbs (Yep! That's me! Getting into my back squat. Only about 73# on the bar at that time)
Never in a million years would I have thought that I could lift that much weight and even know what those terms meant! I still have a loooong way to go, but the fact that I have found a niche for me. A program and a way of life that works for me and my family, is amazing! It is such a supportive group of men and women, all in different stages of healthiness and walks of life, but we all have one thing in common. Crossfit! When I walk out of class, I feel like I have accomplished something great and am ready to start my day. I challenge you to try a class near you! Believe me, you'll be hooked!
What have you accomplished lately?
