Unhandled Exceptions

My CrossFit Experience February 16, 2010

This is more of a personal post than anything else, but I feel as though I owe it to myself to jot down something about Crossfit.  If you’re a friend of mine or seen any of my past Twitter or Facebook messages, you should be aware that I’ve been adhering to the CrossFit workout regime somewhat religiously for about four full months now.  Granted, I tried to get into it over the summer last year, but I never felt like I was doing the workouts as they were meant to be done:  quick, fast, and in a hurry.

Of course, even the last few months I have more than my fair share of extremely slow workout of the day (WOD) times.  It could be because I try to slog my way through the prescribed workouts, which sometimes seem to be aimed at those with super-human strength and endurance.  However, I get it done, and I’ve never taken more than 35 minutes to complete a WOD, so that feels like somewhat of an accomplishment. 

I started this program not being able to do a pull-up unassisted.  I’m now able to do about three or four in a row, which is not a lot to the CrossFit crowd, but a ton by my standards.  I’ve noticed increased strength in every exercise that comes down the CrossFit pipeline and an increase in muscle tone that I was unable to achieve during my previous year and a half of normal “strength training.”  My arms are more tone now than they have ever been, and I haven’t done a traditional bicep curl in over four months. 

I could go on and on about the benefits of CrossFit, but it would be boring and monotonous.  What I will say is this:  If you are looking for a fitness regime that will get you in shape, CrossFit is the way to go.  I’d LOVE to join a CrossFit gym, but they are too expensive and too far away to be feasible at this time.  However, even following the program by yourself is beneficial, as long as you can push yourself beyond what you think you can do.  Either way, its an excellent fitness program, and one that I suggest you try.