Saturday, April 11, 2015

Cross-FIT #156 Slow Down to Speed Up

We like to rush things.
CrossFitters have that tendency to do just that.
On the sound of the buzzer, we go all cray cray.
We put intensity into our movements and step on the pedal big time.
Often, we focus so much on the efficiency of things, because of that, we don't really look at the beauty of things.
This might be a bit contrary to what many perceive but truly, at times, we need to Slow Down to Speed Up.

And when I say slow down, I don't mean slowing down in the workout.
There is a time and place for the workout and it should rightly be often and common.
However, don't forget the small fine details of things.
Don't forget the movements which seem beautiful.
Don't neglect the things which might not necessarily help improve efficiency but will build overall strength.
Often, these movements don't come with intensity.
They come with staying put.
They come with holding in a static position that may be seemingly uncomfortable.

And that's how we are at times, we want to rush through and do things which will feel good and make us more efficient.
Instead, perhaps we need to focus more on staying at the places which might not be as comfortable but will build strength within us.
To stay in moments of discomfort to build resilience.
We might just need to "Tarry" in presence of God to get that breakthrough.
Not to say that it's a place of discomfort but we rush it at times and yeah, that just isn't the way, is it?

So be still.
Be still.
Get into that happy place and be prepared for a ride.


Thursday, April 02, 2015

Cross-Fit #155 The fighter within

There will be moments whereby you body and soul has had enough.
Enough is enough.
We spend time and effort perfecting our movements and perfecting our craft again and again.
Only to realize that this is really tiring.
They say that in any High Intensity workout, the outcome is truly, results.
A ton of results, a change in body composition, a better engine, energy levels, just to name a few of the benefits.
However, why don't people do it?
It's really cause high intensity workouts bring you to a really dark place.
It's not easy, it sucks and it is downright painful.

It takes a special kind of someone to face this day in day out with the mental strength to keep pushing their limits.
We see this in not just CrossFit athletes but in Track athletes and in many sportsman and woman who devote hours upon hours to work on their technique relentlessly.
However, I have to admit, that drive, can be easily lost if you don't take care of it.
It becomes a chore more than an enjoyment.
Look at people who started out having SO much fun doing it and suddenly, 4-5 years down the road and gosh, this is going nowhere.
Yes, the numbers are getting better, no doubt about that.
But at the heart of things, it just isn't sustainable.

I have felt that way the past few months.
It just isn't worth it putting myself through the torture and pain.
I mean, those are fitness goals but really, what's the point?

But you have to find the fighter within.
Not the fighter who is known to be the strongest. No no.
The fighter who has the most grit.
Who can bite their teeth and restart their engine again.
You need to find that special someone inside of yourself to restart and accelerate again.
In any situation in your life, be it in CrossFit or every other aspect.

Find a reason for what you're doing to reignite that engine.
Find that reason to revive that fighter inside.
It could be going back to where you first began and to laugh again.
Back to where you would do something stupid like conjure up a workout which is impossible to complete. Or learning new things.
It could simply be coming back to your roots.
Your passion and your drive will then find meaning.

Fight.
This one.
This one's a Fighter.