So, when you look in the mirror, what do you see?
Is it you? As we have gotten older, the mirror has changed, we start to see lines of wisdom, experience, and so much more....
This isn't some fanatic idea that CrossFit makes you look younger. Working out makes you look younger, being active makes you look younger, eating healthy, drinking plenty of fluids (ehem - water), and sleeping properly all help you in that pursuit. But CrossFit can make anyone healthier - and therein lies the key.
If by chance we have gone down the wayward path - you know what I mean, the wayward path of not enough time to workout, to eat something healthy, to sleep or to get in plenty of water, these are things that stray away from being the healthiest that you can be.
Have no doubt, we have all done it. The diet coke was closer than the sink. It was too much work to cut up some vegetables and you happened to be in the car so McDonald's is sooooo much closer (damn you chicken McNuggets). Five Guys sounds so much more appetizing than a spinach salad with onions, olives and artichoke hearts smothered in olive oil (at least to some people).
This is a little about why you are doing what you are doing.
To get in shape - always a positive statement, because you can continue to keep impressing yourself.
To change your lifestyle - I heart this one, especially when people say it with such conviction!
To be better at. . . . I will let you finish this statement. . . .
You want to lose the weight - this is a tricky statement. I have noticed over a long period of time that this is extremely different with everyone. First things first, it isn't weight that goes first - it's inches. Inches here, inches there, next thing you know, it's time for some new pants. And then a compliment or two, and you need to get a new shirt cause the one you are wearing is like a over-sized plastic bag draped on your body. Then the weight starts coming off - and quickly I might add. So quick that some wonder what you did over the weekend to dramatically alter your body.
My initial thoughts - stop looking at that damn scale - I think they should take that thing away from everyone - it's a curse because you become so drawn to it, as if it's the holy grail of being healthy, well it ain't, so cut the poop.
"Stop looking at that damn scale. . . "
But the change is not overnight - nor should you ever think it will be.
This is the one thing that my parents taught me without ever telling me.
You have to work. You toil, day in and day out, arduous task after arduous task. Some call it hitting the gym, I like to call it CrossFit. It is our activity that makes us sweat buckets (which we should be replacing with plenty of water) and the transformations occur over time, which include night (meaning sleep).
You need a reason to keep going? Try this. . .
Feel determined to be the best you can be. Whether your thing is Olympic Weightlifting, swimming, running, gymnastics, CrossFit or a regular gym - you keep trying to get better. You aren't satisfied with being content - you never have been. There are things in life that you want to do - being complacent never got anyone to their goal.
A friend of mine once said that you have to know your own body, both inside and out.
By inside, I don't just mean the food that you can/can't eat - but know your mind. Know what drives you to do what you do. Understand what makes you anxious, competitive, nervous, scared, and exhilarated.
But coach, why would I want to do that?
Understanding yourself can help the people that want to help you. We've spoken of this in a different context, but if I can find out what makes you tick - then there is a chance that we can improve you more.
From the outside, start with knowing what you have to do in order to do regular things - my example will be deadlifting - because it is so applicable to everyone. You deadlift when you pick up rocks in the yard, pick up a shovel full of snow (I know, completely out of season - but still fresh in every one's minds), pick up groceries, or a smiling/crying child.
But you don't want to hurt yourself doing that, so drive with the legs, keep the back nice and tight, keep the weight in your heels, and stand fully upright.
If bettering yourself were easy, everyone would do it.
So don't frown at a lack of change, it's both physical and mental. It starts with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (yup, I just said that) and things will fall into place. Take care of your body with exercise, nutrition, hydration and sleep - the rest will pan out - I can promise you that.
Hope you slept well.
-Coach Tony
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