Morgan and myself doing handstands on Mayflower Beach over July 4th weekend.
Handstands and handstand walks are commonly incorporated into WODS.
Handstands and handstand walks are commonly incorporated into WODS.
Whether you are a fitness fanatic or a NARP (non-athletic regular person), you have more than likely heard about CrossFit. CrossFit is a fitness regimen consisting of constantly varied functional movements at relatively high intensity. What does this mean? In other words, whatever the assigned work out of the day is, or WOD in CrossFit terms, you must perform at your highest capacity. Described as a strength and conditioning program, the intention of CrossFit is to improve overall fitness. Programming consists a combination of aerobic exercise, body weight exercises and Olympic weight lifting. CrossFit is not a specialized fitness program, but a deliberate attempt to optimize the human body's physical domain. Each day calls for a new work out, whether it is for speed or time. The purpose of the CrossFit fitness regimen is to not fall into the pattern of completing the same work out, day after day, week after week. Both a social and supportive community, CrossFit prides itself on the integrity of its community members and keeping fitness fun while performing to the best of their abilities!
You may be wondering what is she talking about? Where did this come from? Reason why: My boyfriend, Morgan. Morgan has been crossfitting for 6 years and has been a certified coach for 5. When we first started dating, I decided to be an awesome girlfriend (I might add) and try it out. I ventured to my local CrossFit and completed three one-on-one sessions with a coach. Typically, people who have never CrossFit before must complete a week of "on-ramp" classes where they are introduced to various movements and learn how to perform them correctly. After just three sessions, I could barely walk and hardly lift my arms. What was wrong with me? I was a collegiate athlete who trained regularly, but I had never been that sore. It blew my mind that my fitness was not as great as I thought it was.
Fast forward two and a half years. Prior to yesterday, I had not done any physical activity associated with CrossFit. It was also during this time frame my boyfriend started a CrossFit club at our college, where he held two classes five days a week. With my own busy academics and athletics schedule, I was unable to attend any of the classes. I will admit that I was a bit intimidated to try it again seeing as I had struggled with it before. Plus, rule number 1 - never coach your girlfriend. So when Morgan got an internship at my local CrossFit (New England), I knew I was in for a summer of everything CrossFit.
Every first and third Thursday of the month, Crossfit New England, hosts "bring a friend day." Yes, you guessed correctly, I was Morgan's friend. While it did take some convincing, I finally went to try it out. I must admit - it went a lot better than I expected! Although it was intimidating being the new person and the workout was incredibly difficult, I had a great time! It was a partner WOD where one person would complete the assigned tasks while the other had time to rest. The workout consisted of burpees and rowing for calories on the erg (ironic for a rowing athlete right?). The WOD worked in a downward pyramid, starting with 21 burpees and 21 calories on the erg, then 18, 15, 12, 9, 6, and 3. Each individual had to complete the reps for the burpees and the calories for the erg before their partner could start their own set. In all my years of rowing, I never completed a workout like this before. Maybe it was because I wasn't hydrated enough or maybe it was because I hadn't participated in any high intensity workouts recently, but this WOD was hard! My arms immediately began to burn from all the burpees and the calories on the erg was a completely different mental game from the split averages I was accustomed to. While the workout was incredibly challenging, I am proud to say we completed the WOD in under the suggested time frame! AND we didn't have to scale the workout! (Whether you're new to CrossFit or challenged by the demands of the workout, there is always a moderated WOD so that everyone can complete the workout based on their skill level and capabilities.)
I am SO happy I was able to try CrossFit and it was even better that I was able to try it with Morgan. I would recommend that everyone try CrossFit! Despite it being taxing both mentally and physically, it is an interpersonal, energetic, and positive atmosphere that keeps working out fun!
Alexandra xxx
You may be wondering what is she talking about? Where did this come from? Reason why: My boyfriend, Morgan. Morgan has been crossfitting for 6 years and has been a certified coach for 5. When we first started dating, I decided to be an awesome girlfriend (I might add) and try it out. I ventured to my local CrossFit and completed three one-on-one sessions with a coach. Typically, people who have never CrossFit before must complete a week of "on-ramp" classes where they are introduced to various movements and learn how to perform them correctly. After just three sessions, I could barely walk and hardly lift my arms. What was wrong with me? I was a collegiate athlete who trained regularly, but I had never been that sore. It blew my mind that my fitness was not as great as I thought it was.
Fast forward two and a half years. Prior to yesterday, I had not done any physical activity associated with CrossFit. It was also during this time frame my boyfriend started a CrossFit club at our college, where he held two classes five days a week. With my own busy academics and athletics schedule, I was unable to attend any of the classes. I will admit that I was a bit intimidated to try it again seeing as I had struggled with it before. Plus, rule number 1 - never coach your girlfriend. So when Morgan got an internship at my local CrossFit (New England), I knew I was in for a summer of everything CrossFit.
Every first and third Thursday of the month, Crossfit New England, hosts "bring a friend day." Yes, you guessed correctly, I was Morgan's friend. While it did take some convincing, I finally went to try it out. I must admit - it went a lot better than I expected! Although it was intimidating being the new person and the workout was incredibly difficult, I had a great time! It was a partner WOD where one person would complete the assigned tasks while the other had time to rest. The workout consisted of burpees and rowing for calories on the erg (ironic for a rowing athlete right?). The WOD worked in a downward pyramid, starting with 21 burpees and 21 calories on the erg, then 18, 15, 12, 9, 6, and 3. Each individual had to complete the reps for the burpees and the calories for the erg before their partner could start their own set. In all my years of rowing, I never completed a workout like this before. Maybe it was because I wasn't hydrated enough or maybe it was because I hadn't participated in any high intensity workouts recently, but this WOD was hard! My arms immediately began to burn from all the burpees and the calories on the erg was a completely different mental game from the split averages I was accustomed to. While the workout was incredibly challenging, I am proud to say we completed the WOD in under the suggested time frame! AND we didn't have to scale the workout! (Whether you're new to CrossFit or challenged by the demands of the workout, there is always a moderated WOD so that everyone can complete the workout based on their skill level and capabilities.)
I am SO happy I was able to try CrossFit and it was even better that I was able to try it with Morgan. I would recommend that everyone try CrossFit! Despite it being taxing both mentally and physically, it is an interpersonal, energetic, and positive atmosphere that keeps working out fun!
Alexandra xxx