Finding your "CrossFit"

I wanted to share a story about a friend of mine who is in the midst of a life change. Let’s call her ‘A’. She has had some things happen to her recently that have made her take a good hard look at where she is in her life. Probably the same sort of stuff that happens to us all around our age (40s). Her career hasn’t quite traveled the path she thought it would , she is going through the motions in her day to day life, Has a lot of stress on her shoulders — her husband travels a lot, has 2 kids, and is turning 40 - a time when many of us look back at our lives so far and evaluate it against our expectations. Probably sounds like most people you know — well I had been encouraging her to try CrossFit for a while, but she was always intimidated. Thinking you have to be hard core — even though I told her that I wasn’t like this 3 years ago when I started.

Then a sign –A Groupon deal for a local CrossFit appeared in my inbox and i forwarded it to her — she bought it, which was progress, but waited 3 months to try it. But — recently she took the first step and 'cashed it in' and went and tried a class. She and her husband tried it and sure enough — she could do it. It was ok and it was scaled for her abilities. The smile on her face as she came over to tell me all about it was something I wish I took a picture of!

A spark was set inside her — and now she has something new to focus on. She was telling people about doing pull ups this week. I can’t even begin to share how proud of her I am. The only thing I want for her and anyone else stuck in a rut, is to find their “”. And I am not talking about it as a place — just finding their passion, something that shocks their core into realizing that they are not doing anyone any favors by neglecting themselves. If you could see her now — she is full of possibilities, pride, and confidence in the future.

I was talking to someone recently who wanted to begin the journey of getting fit but didn't know how. Many of us have a bunch of excuses as to why we can't make time for fitness. The truth of really making a change is being honest. If you aren't willing to make some real changes in your life, you aren't ready.  You have to be willing to change how you see yourself -- because you are where you are because of what you are doing today. You have to be open to re-defining YOU.  

Yes, there will be times when you look like a complete idiot trying a new move or falling flat on your butt. The thing is - EVERYONE does. Even the most elite athletes have to learn by falling. It's how you get better - pick yourself up and try again. Believe me I looked pretty clumsy learning cartwheels a few months ago, but I forced myself to face it, gave up the ego and went for it. And it's fun. I know it sounds like I am getting all deep --but it's just that if you spend all your time worrying about how you look, you will limit the possibilities. 

Visit my blog Live Fit and Sore! to find support and general information about fitness and nutrition and living a fit and healthy life. My hope is that you find the right information to inspire you while on your own fit and healthy journey.