...between the body and the mind. On the one hand, it is through measurement of performance that we observe progress. On the other, it is imperative that you use the intangibles related to how you feel to ensure your fitness program is working for you, and not vice-versa. It is entirely possible to be 'on your game', performance-wise while dragging your body through the ringer to get there. This is not the path to long-term improvement.
CrossFit has done a great job of defining the rather nebulous concept of fitness as increased work capacity across broad time and modal domains. But let's not forget that nature does not mold itself to anyone's definition of anything...these definitions are merely markers used to create a common language for discussion of a concept. That said, fitness is still a nebulous thing, tough to pin down, and the numbers associated with performance are not often the only markers that matter.
Let's look at the largest time-domain there is, your life. Across this time-domain, you will experience an undeniable ebb and flow of performance, interest and ability. This will translate into periods of less-than stellar performance, followed by periods of kicking ass, and all points in between, assuming you are interested in a long-term active lifestyle.
In many of these times, the arbitrary numbers associated with working out may not be the best and only means to evaluate progress. Emotional state, mental clarity, and overall sense of wellness must not be discounted at any of these times. Kicking ass, but feeling like crap is no good and definitely not sustainable long-term. While the definition of fitness above is very complete, it is easy to get lost in the math-game. Doing so is a great way to ensure you do not increase your work capacity across the broadest of time domains...burnout does nothing for increasing anyone's work capacity, in any domain.
So, continue kicking ass, setting PRs and upping your game. Just make sure you take the time to check in and make sure those little things like enjoyment, sense of well-being and accomplishment are still part of the equation. Your fitness should be working for you! Make sure you're the one wearing the pants in this relationship.
Have Fun,
-Boz
9 comments:
I enjoy every second of it. The good and the bad. Recently filthy fifty killed and embarrased me, but because of the mentality that crossfit has given me it only made me want to work harder as opposed to giving up. The burpee challenge is also something I am loving. I know they will eventually suck as volume piles up, but Im grinning ear to ear thinking how efficient we will all be at day 100. The sweet is never as sweet without the sour.
Lucas "Burpee Ninja"
hi all
I'm away for 3 days filled with meetings. Sitting for longer than 15 minutes at a time is something I suck at (respnding to kelly's post earlier this week) I am in hell. But am using the little breaks I get to practice handstand pushups. (I'm serious) being here watching coworkers my age eat fried food and hobble around makes me so greatful I can (in my own way) kick a little ass. Can't wait to come home,
Kathy
Everytime i try to tell someone a story about one of you i have to say "a guy/girl I work out with..." and it makes me kinda laugh inside cause no one im talking to would ever get you guys or what we do for the most part, so I usually don't bother going into more detail. Ive been accused of being crazy, a masochist, and weird by several people when i have. You know what? I accept all these labels gladly. Hi, my name is JD and i like self-inflicted pain. It makes me feel strong and lets me know im alive. It keeps me sharp mentally and physically. I look forward to days off and take them gladly, but too many and i get antsy. There is something deeply satisfying to me about working so hard you puke a lung, writhe on the floor, or get monkey claw. I may be sick or different but i am happy. If anything I feel sorry for the poor bastards who live incomplete lives.
via con dios
JD aka Stand up Johnny
ps- go watch sportscenter or youtube the xgames big air competition and i dare you not to call Danny Way a tough bastard. BAD ASS!!!
For me, the best part is going through this with you all. I remember when I was in Southern Cali, and trying to do the WOD on my own...it did the job, but I didn't have any fun doing it. It's always easier when no one is watching you, so that's why I appreciate it when someone says, "Hip crease below the knees". Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that I can finish one the workouts...well except knowing that Dial isn't going to sneak up behind me and pass me at the finish line :) Sometimes we get down because we aren't having 'good' days...but hey, just remember that the rest of the joes/janes out there can't handle us.
I have enjoyed reading the SFCF blog from afar for some time now -- the advice of Coach KStar is always so clear and precise -- but I have to say that today's post really took the cake for me. This guy Boz, who seems to be on his way to taking after that other Boz (Charles Dickens), has the eloquent tongue of Coleridge, the philosophical perspective of Kierkegaard, the scientific eye of Edison, and the wit of an Oscar Wilde. All that and an athlete too. I'm half-way to my Ph.D. in English, but I don't think I could ever get away with using "nebulous" and "kick-ass" in the same treatise.
Honestly, these posts are really something to read, not the least for the way they exercise the mind.
Jon "Jon V." Varese
Crossfit Santa Cruz Central
JD and Lucas were right. Crossfit goes beyond the simple rubric of reps and sets. It develops metal focus that helps you persever through the tough work outs and push harder because you know that the next person is a few steps behind you.
There is a unique feeling to completing your workout of the day. It is equal parts accomplishment and astonishment. Accomplishment for finishing and astonishment at how every finished ahead of you. After a few days away I get antsy as well.
See you in at 6.
Damian
You know I have participated in a bunch of athletic endeavors over my lifetime. Nothing compares to this in the blood, sweat, and tears that are shed with my fellow crossfitters. More so than ANY other exercise, sport whatever you wanna call it, this is the one where everyone is truly there to help everyone else get better.
I love you guys! See you in two weeks.
I am in the same boat as JD, everyone thinks I am crazy for doing this but I love finding out how far I can push myself. Ever since I got the disc problems in my lower back, I realized that being in top physical condition was not an option for me anymore but a necessity. I had to strengthen my entire body and especially my core. There were many days spent in a "gym" but the pain from my back never went away until Crossfit entered my life. Now I have been pain free for about a year and I am in the best shape of my life, but I know that I can always get better (the mindset of a crossfitter).
The WOD has become an addiction for me, when I miss it, I feel like shit, but after I complete one, I am on cloud nine and my body thanks me for it.
Word. I just wish Boz weren't always talking about relationships and pants. Makes me uncomfortable.
Also, I appreciate the bit about the "ebb and flow of performance, interest and ability." I've certainly experienced this ebb and flow, big time. And it's good to know that others experience it too. It really makes sense to see this ebb and flow as just a required condition of working across the broadest time-domain. It all helps one remember that diminished performance doesn't necessarily signal that something's wrong and needs changing -- it could just be one of those ebbs, in which case the only thing to do is be patient and work through it.
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