If you're looking to improve your health and are tired of going to a typical gym then you definitely need to try out Crossfit. If you're initially intimidated then you're like most people who first research Crossfit. I was scared to even attempt it, but a good friend of mine convinced me to go to a free class to see what it was all about and it was the best thing I've done for myself. They say being scared let's you know you're onto something really important and that was certainly the case with Crossfit! I've been crossfitting for about a year now and am hooked. I love CF SOBO!!
Why I stuck with it:
1. The Community: I can't stress the importance of the CF family enough. I will never forget the day I was taking a long rest from doing pull-ups during a brutal workout and there was pain and defeat on my face. It was then that a fellow crossfitter looked over at me and said, "you are stronger than you think, get back on that bar". Doubt and pain were erased from my mind and I jumped back on that bar and finished the workout. This has happened so many times and I've accomplished some remarkable things because of this encouragement.
2. The Coaches: They are family, not just coaches! They are passionate about fitness and health and often times it feels like they're more invested in my progress than I am. I am fortunate to have found this amazing group of coaches. I've been going to this gym for about 2 months now and the coaches and owners are the best.
3. The Adrenaline rush: Nothing beats the feeling after you've accomplished what you initially thought was impossible. Like my first pull up or rope climb. Surprising myself has been the biggest motivator for me.
4. Lessons learned carry over to everyday life: All parts of my life have improved because of what I've learned at CF. I'm more confident, I manage my time better and I set more goals. I know with consistency and hard work I can achieve positive results in any area that I want to commit to.
5. Recording my progress: Recording my results created a benchmark that I need to surpass each time. I couldn't slack off. I'm competitive by nature so my numbers had to continue to improve and keeping a record of my workouts and my diet held me accountable for that progress.
6. It's therapeutic: Sounds crazy, but for me it's true. The CF gym is the only place where I can escape the outside world and relieve the stress from my life. When I lift I focus on just the movement, gripping the bar, concentrating on my breathing, feet placement, keeping knees out, core tight. I don't think about family or work, about bills or chores. It's just me and that bar.
7. My results: Since my first day I've lost over 40 lbs, dropped 3 sizes, my body fat fell by 7%. I'm faster, stronger and happier!
How it's impacted my life:
1. I'm confident: Getting fit and healthy has been a huge confidence booster. I can now take a compliment and have shed the insecurities that I had felt for so long.
2. I'm mentally stronger: There is no longer a challenge in life that I think I can't accomplish. I have now surprised myself enough at CF to realize that I AM stronger than I once thought! I can achieve anything that I set my mind to; all that is necessary is a goal and the commitment. Now I understand why some have the perception that Crossfitters are arrogant. (Arrogance: Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own abilities) While many may think we exaggerate our abilities all they have to do is come to a workout and watch. We are accomplishing amazing things that to the outside world seem impossible. People underestimated what I was capable of (myself included) but I'm now proving everyone wrong. I've never had so much control over my body and my mind but now I have a good handle on what affects them (sleep, nutrition, workout, stress) and the results have been remarkable.
3. I now strive to be fit, not skinny: I use to be obsessed with my scale and my stress was elevated as bikini season drew near. I've stopped looking at the scale and focus instead on getting faster, increasing my endurance and flexibility, on testing my fitness and pushing my limits. I work hard so I can look young 20 years from now, I lift heavy things so I can build muscle and have better longevity, I run because I hate it but I know its important, I eat real food.
So if you're looking for a drastic change in your fitness and your health then take a chance and try Crossfit. The Southborough location is great; the coaches are amazing, the gym is clean; the space is big and the owners are passionate about their business. read more