For over two years now, I have been living the CrossFit lifestyle. Through all the blood...yes blood, sweat...of course... and tears...ok I said it, the CrossFit methodology which consists of constantly varied, functional movement executed at high intensity has proven its validity to me day in and day out. With nutrition as the key foundation, performance, recovery and personal records continue to escalate, even in my 43 year old frame.
Is there more in the tank? Absolutely! Did I know that I was capable of exceeding my strength to weight ratios at this stage of my life? I can honestly say that if someone would have told me 10 years ago that I could, I would have told them that they were full o'shit! So the question becomes; Why does CrossFit work so well? Is it the variance in programming? Is it the intensity? Or is it just because here inlies a methodology that actually considers using the body and all it's parts as one unit working together to accomplish given tasks? The answer is a combination of all of the above. Let's take the variance in movements as a point topic. Variance coupled with the intensity level tends to eliminate the biological laws of accomodation. In other words, it is only logical that if we create a schedule of ever changing workouts, we as athletes will never stay the same as a result. If the 9 foundational movements (air squat, front squat, overhead squat, shoulder press, push press, push jerk, deadlift, sumo-deadlift high pull & medicine ball clean) are executed at high intensity and with well coached technique, the end result will be an escalating work capacity and more importantly a method by which to perform more work faster with greater load in hand. What else is at work here? My experience says it is mental and physical preparation for the unknown and the unknowable. Be aware that athletic performance only stagnates if said athlete's practice and preparation become routine. The rule applied as a result of the preceding statement is, although crude, routine in sport will serve as the enemy! Life of course is full of routine, and yes we can observe it daily in our lives and the lives of others. But the key is to keep it varied. Growth, whether mental or physical, is a simple result of properly channeled focus coupled with a proper dash of intensity and variation. Apply this anywhere in life and you are likely to achieve most objectives set before you, within reason of course.
Finally, there is the realization or discovery of who we actually believe we are. The key word here by the way is BELIEVE. Once we believe in something, it is only then that we can see it's potential. To discover potential in ourselves requires constantly pushing the limits of what we think we can do. Therefore once again, belief is still at the root of most achievment. In CrossFit and in life, it is not the one who posts the best time or makes the most money that wins....It is the individual that posts a Personal Record (PR) for the set task. The PR has now become the objective. Set your sites on at least three in your personal life and in CrossFit. Most of all make "FUN" one of those objectives and be sure to include it in all you do!
Stay strong!
-Johnny
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