My friend Bret sent me this story the other day. I think he realized how much Sue's story would remind me of mine.
She woke up to the reality of what she had been doing to her body and decided in earnest to deal with it. She was going along on her own, getting results, but wanted to take it to the next level and decided to get a trainer. The trainer got her into CrossFit and today she is leaner and stronger than ever.
Now, this is where I put my reminder about CrossFit: It's not for beginner's - beginner's puke. (Even some really fit people puke.) Instead you have to have a basic level of fitness before you can meet the tough challenges the workouts put forth.
Now, that being said - if you are ready for that 'next thing' this is a great choice. The workouts challenge everyone, at every level, because they can be customized. It's a great way to break up your routine and have fun. Every time Bret and I do one, it's fun and I feel accomplished - not every workout can say that.
So, if you want to know more and see what it's done for Sue, check out this story.
Yours in fitness, Kate
Showing posts with label crossfit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crossfit. Show all posts
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Would You Like Cheese with That Whine?
I went and did a CrossFit workout with Bret yesterday. It's really way too convenient that he has a gym attached to his house with every piece of equipment you could need. If I had that, winter would be wonderful. No more questions about whether I can get across town when it's snowing to beat the band, so I can lift weights. Anyway, I digress.
The workout with Bret -
Run 1/2 mile
50 sit-ups
50 back extensions
Do this three times, while timing yourself.
The first run I sounded like I was going to suffocate, I was wheezing like I had pneumonia. I found that, at best, ironic, since the day before I had run five miles and didn't seem to be out of breath. Bret actually stopped and looked at me to see if I was o.k. (Very embarrassing.)
Then I did 25 sit-ups, 25 back extensions, 25 sit-ups, 25 back extensions. I just couldn't do them all at once - but I did them. A year ago, no, uh-uh, no.
I took off on my next run, again sounding like Darth Vader's huffy sister. I have no idea what the hell was wrong. Again Bret expressed concern, it was nice, but I was pretty peeved at myself at this point. Add insult to injury, on the way back to his house I am gasping along and space off, turning a street too soon. I ended up running two extra blocks - brilliant.
Then I repeated my core and back. Halfway through I inform Bret, who's about to head out the door for his third round of running - "I'm only doing two rounds". He didn't bat an eyelash, he just ran out the door.
I sat there slowly pushing my way through the sit-ups and back work. I convinced myself that there was nothing wrong with not doing the third round. When Bret came back from running and started his sit-ups I was done with mine. He said, "Off for your third round?"
And I whined, "No, I don't wanna." Yep, sounded just like an impudent 3-year-old who doesn't want to eat their broccoli, it was fabulously stupid. Bret just said, "Oh, that's right, you said you weren't doing a third round" and went back to his sit-ups.
I stood there and looked at the gaping door and bargained with myself - fine, I'll do it, but I am walking. I gruffly swaggered out and on to the sidewalk. Then I realized I was being a whiny baby and started to run. Yes, I interspersed with walking, but I was going to finish the damn thing. And I did.
Afterward I told Bret what he needed to say when I get like that - "Would you like cheese with that whine?" He laughed. I thanked him for pushing me. He said I pushed myself. He's right, but I also didn't want to look like a wimp in front of him.
What kind of cheese do you think goes with being a wimp? Limburger?
Yours in fitness, Kate
The workout with Bret -
Run 1/2 mile
50 sit-ups
50 back extensions
Do this three times, while timing yourself.
The first run I sounded like I was going to suffocate, I was wheezing like I had pneumonia. I found that, at best, ironic, since the day before I had run five miles and didn't seem to be out of breath. Bret actually stopped and looked at me to see if I was o.k. (Very embarrassing.)
Then I did 25 sit-ups, 25 back extensions, 25 sit-ups, 25 back extensions. I just couldn't do them all at once - but I did them. A year ago, no, uh-uh, no.
I took off on my next run, again sounding like Darth Vader's huffy sister. I have no idea what the hell was wrong. Again Bret expressed concern, it was nice, but I was pretty peeved at myself at this point. Add insult to injury, on the way back to his house I am gasping along and space off, turning a street too soon. I ended up running two extra blocks - brilliant.
Then I repeated my core and back. Halfway through I inform Bret, who's about to head out the door for his third round of running - "I'm only doing two rounds". He didn't bat an eyelash, he just ran out the door.
I sat there slowly pushing my way through the sit-ups and back work. I convinced myself that there was nothing wrong with not doing the third round. When Bret came back from running and started his sit-ups I was done with mine. He said, "Off for your third round?"
And I whined, "No, I don't wanna." Yep, sounded just like an impudent 3-year-old who doesn't want to eat their broccoli, it was fabulously stupid. Bret just said, "Oh, that's right, you said you weren't doing a third round" and went back to his sit-ups.
I stood there and looked at the gaping door and bargained with myself - fine, I'll do it, but I am walking. I gruffly swaggered out and on to the sidewalk. Then I realized I was being a whiny baby and started to run. Yes, I interspersed with walking, but I was going to finish the damn thing. And I did.
Afterward I told Bret what he needed to say when I get like that - "Would you like cheese with that whine?" He laughed. I thanked him for pushing me. He said I pushed myself. He's right, but I also didn't want to look like a wimp in front of him.
What kind of cheese do you think goes with being a wimp? Limburger?
Yours in fitness, Kate
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The CrossFit Date
It's hard to believe it was 17 days ago that I tried my first CrossFit workout with Bret. On the other hand it feels like months ago. However, because it was both challenging and fun, I remember it well enough to go ahead and blog about it now.
I went over to Bret's, he has a very nice house with a gym attached to it. Inside is everything you need to workout. It's very nice, he teaches Judo to friends and acquaintances as a way to keep his personal skills sharp. I like him because he likes to challenge himself and I thrive on that too.
He talked me through some of the basics about CrossFit and then proposed a workout. He took it down a notch for me, since I haven't done one before and he kept it standard for him.
Me -
-3 jumping pull-ups
-7 push-ups
-10 body weight squats
Him -
-5 pull-ups
-10 push-ups
-15 body weight squats
We did it each minute, on the minute, for 21 minutes for a total of 20 sets. In between we got between 18-20 seconds rest. It felt awesome. I didn't even hurt the next day. Bret did a little, but he also did more than I did.
I enjoyed the workout enough I am willing to try other CrossFit workouts as well. I will say however, it's not for beginners. It's really a form of working out to take yourself to the next level or face down a new challenge.
As for the rest of the date, you curious bunnies, it was very nice. We showered (separately, thank you), went to dinner at Torrocco! and then to a movie. Afterward we talked until early in the morning. It was very relaxing and interesting.
Well, tomorrow it's on to that friend's adventure in extreme body shaping. Might I suggest, in advance, that you not eat your lunch right before you read the little story.
Yours in fitness, Kate
I went over to Bret's, he has a very nice house with a gym attached to it. Inside is everything you need to workout. It's very nice, he teaches Judo to friends and acquaintances as a way to keep his personal skills sharp. I like him because he likes to challenge himself and I thrive on that too.
He talked me through some of the basics about CrossFit and then proposed a workout. He took it down a notch for me, since I haven't done one before and he kept it standard for him.
Me -
-3 jumping pull-ups
-7 push-ups
-10 body weight squats
Him -
-5 pull-ups
-10 push-ups
-15 body weight squats
We did it each minute, on the minute, for 21 minutes for a total of 20 sets. In between we got between 18-20 seconds rest. It felt awesome. I didn't even hurt the next day. Bret did a little, but he also did more than I did.
I enjoyed the workout enough I am willing to try other CrossFit workouts as well. I will say however, it's not for beginners. It's really a form of working out to take yourself to the next level or face down a new challenge.
As for the rest of the date, you curious bunnies, it was very nice. We showered (separately, thank you), went to dinner at Torrocco! and then to a movie. Afterward we talked until early in the morning. It was very relaxing and interesting.
Well, tomorrow it's on to that friend's adventure in extreme body shaping. Might I suggest, in advance, that you not eat your lunch right before you read the little story.
Yours in fitness, Kate
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Kick Ass Workout
I splurged and had a session yesterday with trainer Traci. I do that when I need a reboot and I can't quite nail it on my own. I am going to meet with her again in about two weeks, then about once a month again.
I am going on a second date today with the guy I mentioned having lunch with last week. He does workouts based on the CrossFit training method. These are not workouts for beginners. And frankly even I am a little nervous about doing one. Which, by the way, is how we are going to start our date tomorrow sweating together doing a CrossFit workout. then it will be on to something perfect 'normal', dinner and a movie.
I needed to meet with Traci anyway, because I need to kick myself in the butt again. But I also wanted to get some guidance on workouts that push you to the limit. So Traci, never doing things half way, hooked me up. Here's what she had me do:
-15 minutes of running to warm-up
-3 minute rest
-Then 'pyramids'- 1 pull-up (all assisted with a machine)
1 dip (assisted but with much less weight)
2 pull-ups
2 dips
and so on until you get to ten of each, then you work back down - 10, 9, 8, etc. - no rest between sets
-1 minute rest
-3 minutes - bike
-1 minute rest
-Pyramids of push-ups and double crunches
-3 minutes jump-rope
-1 minute rest
-Pyramids of squats with 30 pound bar and dead lift with same bar
-2 minute walking cool down
In case people are keeping track at home, that's 110 push-ups, etc. Yes, trainer Traci was in drill sergeant mode yesterday.
I admit I whined a little, but it was because my technique sucks on dead lifts and I was making it spasm. Otherwise it felt great. I was a little sore yesterday, but not nearly what I was expecting. So, I kept it simple and ran and did a few light weights.
I am always ready for anything and say I want new fitness challenges. So I am looking forward to this afternoon. Hopefully it will simply be another kick my ass workout.
Yours in fitness, Kate
I am going on a second date today with the guy I mentioned having lunch with last week. He does workouts based on the CrossFit training method. These are not workouts for beginners. And frankly even I am a little nervous about doing one. Which, by the way, is how we are going to start our date tomorrow sweating together doing a CrossFit workout. then it will be on to something perfect 'normal', dinner and a movie.
I needed to meet with Traci anyway, because I need to kick myself in the butt again. But I also wanted to get some guidance on workouts that push you to the limit. So Traci, never doing things half way, hooked me up. Here's what she had me do:
-15 minutes of running to warm-up
-3 minute rest
-Then 'pyramids'- 1 pull-up (all assisted with a machine)
1 dip (assisted but with much less weight)
2 pull-ups
2 dips
and so on until you get to ten of each, then you work back down - 10, 9, 8, etc. - no rest between sets
-1 minute rest
-3 minutes - bike
-1 minute rest
-Pyramids of push-ups and double crunches
-3 minutes jump-rope
-1 minute rest
-Pyramids of squats with 30 pound bar and dead lift with same bar
-2 minute walking cool down
In case people are keeping track at home, that's 110 push-ups, etc. Yes, trainer Traci was in drill sergeant mode yesterday.
I admit I whined a little, but it was because my technique sucks on dead lifts and I was making it spasm. Otherwise it felt great. I was a little sore yesterday, but not nearly what I was expecting. So, I kept it simple and ran and did a few light weights.
I am always ready for anything and say I want new fitness challenges. So I am looking forward to this afternoon. Hopefully it will simply be another kick my ass workout.
Yours in fitness, Kate
Monday, June 2, 2008
From the beginning... Just Give it a Try
Tip - Breaking up your usual workout routine will help keep you from plateauing AND getting bored. So when the chance to try something new comes up, do it. The worst that can happen is that you don't like it and never want to do it again.
I am always up for trying something new when it comes to exercise. I still want to try snowboarding and rock climbing and who knows what else. Anything to shock my body and potentially have fun.
I have made a new friend who is into CrossFit. It's, and I am not well versed, a combination of exercises done in sets and taken to the next level. Nobody walks away without muscle ache and intense sweat. I am intrigued, so I am going to workout with him on Saturday. The worst that can happen, because I will be guided by someone who knows what they are doing, is I don't like it and I don't do it again.
To be honest, because it involves pushing myself to the next level, chances are I will like it. He thinks I will like it too much. I have seen videos of the women he pictures my attitude emulating; they are crazy and a little scary. I never want the word scary to be directly correlated with me unless it is being given as a description to the police by an attempted mugger, "And I tried to grab her purse and she went crazy, it was scary." Something like that.
Anyway, just so you don't think I like every exercise I try, I did a fitness class at my gym which concentrated on using an exercise ball and it bored me to tears. I didn't go back.
But this Saturday, in my never ending search for fun in fitness, I am going to give CrossFit a try. You should try something new too.
Yours in fitness, Kate
I am always up for trying something new when it comes to exercise. I still want to try snowboarding and rock climbing and who knows what else. Anything to shock my body and potentially have fun.
I have made a new friend who is into CrossFit. It's, and I am not well versed, a combination of exercises done in sets and taken to the next level. Nobody walks away without muscle ache and intense sweat. I am intrigued, so I am going to workout with him on Saturday. The worst that can happen, because I will be guided by someone who knows what they are doing, is I don't like it and I don't do it again.
To be honest, because it involves pushing myself to the next level, chances are I will like it. He thinks I will like it too much. I have seen videos of the women he pictures my attitude emulating; they are crazy and a little scary. I never want the word scary to be directly correlated with me unless it is being given as a description to the police by an attempted mugger, "And I tried to grab her purse and she went crazy, it was scary." Something like that.
Anyway, just so you don't think I like every exercise I try, I did a fitness class at my gym which concentrated on using an exercise ball and it bored me to tears. I didn't go back.
But this Saturday, in my never ending search for fun in fitness, I am going to give CrossFit a try. You should try something new too.
Yours in fitness, Kate
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