Why am I Starting CrossFit?

To give you the best answer you should know a little bit more about what lead me to this decision. I grew up in a sports oriented household, and some of my fondest childhood memories are connected to sporting events. Like the rest of my family I was bit by the fitness bug; baseball, basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and taekwondo, I was exposed to it all growing up. I learned that an active lifestyle and healthy diet make all the difference, overcoming childhood asthma and obesity. As I transitioned to college I found homes in the weight room and on the rugby field. These two activities quickly developed into passions, helping maintain my cardiovascular health and a stable body weight throughout college and chiropractic school.

Fast Forward to Today

I reluctantly hung up my rugby boots a few years ago (more on that process here) and have since picked up a coach’s whistle with the Eastside Lions youth rugby club. Helping the development of future rugby players has been amazingly rewarding while scratching my competitive itch. Unfortunately, since my retirement from rugby I have fallen into the trap of going through the motions with cardiovascular exercise. Without external motivation as humans we end up doing things we enjoy and avoid the things we dislike (I would much rather lift weights or chase someone than run circles around a track or ride a stationary bike).

What I Hope to Achieve Through CrossFit

1) Provide a personal account of a controversial style of exercise.
2) Break my “slump” of going through the motions by training in a motivating environment.
3) Develop cardiovascular endurance in a fun(ish) way.

Curious…Still Skeptical?

Part 3 of our blog series will cover how to choose the right CrossFit box!

Please leave any questions you would like addressed in the comments section below.

*Disclaimer- I wholeheartedly support the choice to increase your activity levels if you are ready to make a change, and I hope this blog series motivates many more people to make that same choice. However, it is important to note that you may have some limitations concerning what type(s) of exercise you can do based on current or past health issues. You should always consult with your physician prior to starting a new exercise program to ensure you are healthy enough to meet the increased demands placed on your body.

*Photo courtesy of Swick family album circa 1990