CROSS-fit #138 Layers

Very often, we can layer our lives.
We can classify them in terms of priorities, proximity or even intimacies.
But it is also very common, for our decisions to be layered.

There was a post about values and value judgement a couple of posts ago.
This is taking it a little deeper.
Our reasoning and decisions are very often layered in our heads.
Of course, there's the outer layer, the layer which everyone sees.
"Oh I don't Crossfit cause well, I don't wanna be associated with such a place".
"Or, I don't Crossfit cause I think it's too expensive."
There're reasons or 'excuses' for everything we do in our lives.
And we really do like to pin them on the ones that are the most apparent.
Either that, or we simply want to pin them on the ones which make us feel the best,
We want to pin them on reasons which are within our comfort zone, whereby we don't get challenged.

Peel a couple of layers back and those reasons change.
They become something a bit more intimate. They become a bit more painful.
"I don't Crossfit cause I'm afraid of ..."
For the current athlete whom has had a past. They hate being called this...
"I don't Crossfit cause I'm simply lazy...."
It isn't an easy thing to face. To once be a real professional athlete and be called lazy.
But sometimes we need to be honest with ourselves
So don't take the easy route. Sometimes we all need to take a step back.
To take stock of our own lives and the real reasons we make certain decisions.

There may be a 100 reasons.
Of that 100 reasons, 99 could be legit reasons but they may be legit excuses.
Often there's the 1 reason that, deep down inside, is the real factor.
Don't blame the minority for the majority.
Because once that single 1 reason has been addressed, the 99 fall away.

Yeah, there'll be many reasons for many things in our lives, in work, passion, family and even your walk with God.
"I can't cause I don't have any more spare time."
"I can't because the people there aren't my type,"
"I can't because it's just too out of the way."
Maybe that real layer is,
"I don't Crossfit because..."
"I don't go to my Cell Group meetings because...."
"I don't eat dinner with my parents because...."

Take a step back and let's focus on that one reason.

CROSS-fit #137 What are we telling our kids

The few complaints (few but still largely irritating) I get from others when I ask em to do Crossfit.

"It's too expensive".

Yeah, it's 200 bucks per month, which really seems like alot.

But you dissect it a little deeper, it's very likely 200 dollars you can easily spare.

I see people willing to spend that same 200 (Probably even more) on eye candy gyms which don't teach you anything and the only benefit that, that gym has over the box is well, massive mirrors, a tv and showers.

But beyond just talking about where you're spending your cash.

Let's talk about our kids or rather, the next generation.

Let's talk about what we're telling them and teaching them via our actions.

Here in sunny Singapore, we are willing to spend the same 200 dollars for a tuition teacher whom comes once a week, for 2 hours. Making it a total of 8 hours.

You're paying 200 dollars for a 'private' lesson for only 8 hours.

And I'm gonna get alot of hate but many of these teachers (Unless they're ex school teachers) aren't exactly trained to teach. They don't know how the kid is supposed to react to certain cues and lesson plans etc.

I know I' generalizing but this is rampant out there, tuition teachers who can't really teach but claim they can, simply because of their stellar grades?

Most kids get these tuition teachers and yes, they do learn.

But when asked, why don't you let your kid join, say Crossfit kids?

It's going to be cheaper than tuition and you get more value out of it.

Your kid will be able to meet like-minded children, have a ton of fun, learn how to keep fit and movement from a very young age which will likely allow him or her become a potential athlete in future?

Basically, your kid will be allowed to 'play' in a very educational environment.

The common reaction?

"Fitness? Sports? Play? No, please NO!"

"Can these things get my son into a University? Studies first, fitness later"

"Letting them learn such things won't help them get their A's right? Forget about it"

I'm not trying to hard sell Crossfit here, don't send them to Crossfit, send them to some track class which suits you better.

But what I'm trying to say is, what on Earth are we telling our kids?

We are telling them that getting grades is more important than your health or play.

That working your ass off is more important than keeping fit or having a balance in life.

It may not just be fitness, but it may be Sunday school, or it may be family time.

What are you teaching your kids?
That work on the weekends, sacrificing family time, is more important than family itself?

Hopefully, everyone sees this.

That it isn't just about the grades or climbing up the social ladder, it's about every aspect of life.

it's about the balance you need to have for yourself and for the next generation.

CROSS-fit #136 The road less travelled

Matt 7:14
"But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Through my course of study and research in Crossfit (Experiences included)

It is undeniable, the benefits and evidence that Crossfit is a good training program and system.

You can't point any fingers and say that anyone who seriously went through the program has emerged un-fitter or have had no change in their health or body.

It is open and in the books, Crossfit is effective.

But why? Why don't people do it? 

I mean, I've told people about it, many have seen the visible effects of it.

It's simple, Crossfit is Hard.

Gosh it's hard.

It's hard, it's exhausting and often painful.

It leaves you on the floor, gasping for air multiple times a week.

But of course, it's not without people around you to share that experience.

Crossfit is hard and people don't wanna do it.

Many people know that certain things in their lives are good for them.

They know that walking the "Narrow path" is going to bring them to green pastures.

But this "Narrow path", is gonna be painful.

it's hard and very potentially exhausting.

Following that "Narrow path", no matter what it may be, may drain you at times.

I'd imagine teachers, following their calling to be who they are, get so drained and tired from teaching at times. They might lose their temper, break down and risk getting fired.

But still, they choose to walk the narrow path.

Everyone who walks through the doors of the box understand the moment they step in.

They see the sign outside which says, leave your ego at the door.

Because there's no room for ego here.

It's a narrow path that these athletes have chosen to walk.

They can very well indulge in their comfort and go to zumba or pump class (No offense!)

Because it is genuinely easier! (Measure your VO2 uptake during both sessions and you'll know it's true)

So I have a whole lot of respect for everyone who has chosen to stick with us.

I have respect for those who have chosen to walk that Narrow path in fitness

I respect those who have chosen to walk the Narrow Paths in their calling

Those who take up a smaller salary to do things they know they were called to do.

Those who realize that this is the road that is less traveled but do so nonetheless.

Those who forsake, friends, fortune and fame just to walk this path and they aren't afraid to walk it alone, in the dark.

I respect those who follow their values in their lives as well.

So often, it's easier to take that easy way out, to follow the person who promises more money.

It's easier to follow the person who promises an easy life and fame in an instant.

It's the narrow path when you choose to stick with the person who gives vision.

Everything else that comes, fame, fortune, is really all just a bonus

Walk the narrow path with me.

Because, just like Crossfit, this narrow path, is made easier when there's someone sharing the same experience and gasping for air beside you

It's not easy, I guarantee you that.

But what waits at the end of the tunnel is undeniable.

The results are evidence based.

Whatever your goal, whatever you seek, is waiting.

Come on board with me!