Friday, December 28, 2012

Joining the Craze - Thoughts on My 1st Crossfit Workout

So last night I tried crossfit for the first time. I had heard about it for quite awhile and decided to see if it lived up to the hype. I was able to coerce Amanda to go with me after one of our Thursday night runs. I wasn't sure what to expect as I have heard various things from various people. Since this was our first time at crossfit, what we were tasked to do was very achievable. The instructor was very nice, friendly, and explained things well. He knew we were newbies so his instructions were easy to understand. It was definitely nice to have someone there with me who also had no clue what they were doing.

After our warm up (using the rowing machine for 500m) and some stretches, I realized that I might be in trouble. I hadn't had anything to eat since the energy bar I ate on the train (at about 5:30pm) and no water with me. I kept going through the explanation and demonstrations of each workout. Once the clock started, I think I took the first cycle a bit too fast as I lost steam and significantly slowed down during the later reps. I guess the same goes with crossfit as does any run or race. Be sure to not go out too fast! Haha. The cycle "WOD" included ball slams, sit ups, ring rows, and push ups. The push ups were what killed me. I could handle everything else, but the push ups took me forever and were very defeating. On the plus side, I can work on these at home and try to get better for next time. Maybe I have such a difficult time because of my long legs and arms? (That is the excuse I'm going with for now.) After a break, we did another thing where we pushed a weight across the length of the gym and back. This was the last item of the day.

After our workout as we were doing the end-of-class stretches, I started to feel light-headed and had to sit down. I was so embarrassed that I didn't properly fuel my workout and now I definitely know what to do differently for next time (because there will be a next time). I'm not sure if I'll get as into the whole crossfit thing as everyone else, but I had fun. It is a great alternative to stationary gym equipment that include strength and cross training all in one workout. The crossfit place that I went to was also quite reasonable and cheaper than some of the other cross training alternatives in the area (spinning, local community center classes).

Since every post needs a photo, I'm going to reuse this one of me attempting to flex in the mirror. That is one of the things I'm looking forward to this winter and spring... getting stronger!
I want to be able to lift (and replace) one of those 5 gallon Ice Mountain jugs without feeling like I'm going to die.

Have you tried crossfit before? What did you think? What is your favorite type of cross training and strength training?

21 comments:

  1. If you liked that style of workout, there are plenty of blogs that put together traveling WODs you can do without equipment: http://www.thetravelingwod.com/p/traveling-wods.html

    One of my favorites (that's super ass kicking) is two rounds containing: 400 meter sprint, 25 sit ups, 50 hand-release push ups and 100 jumping squats. My legs are on fire afterwards.

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  2. I've heard of it and have seen pictures of crossfit tournaments. It certainly looks intense and if the way crossfit athletes (especially the women) look is anything to go by, the results are clearly quite impressive. Some of them look like bodybuilders. I haven't tried it but I'd certainly love to. If I had to say which type of cross training exercise I like the best, I'd have to say the pull ups and that one where they push heavy weights and tyres across the floor or grass, if they're outside.

    It's always great to try different things when it comes to exercise, cause it can get pretty boring doing the same thing over again. It's good you and your friend had fun. Who knows, maybe you might warm into it and it could also have the added benefit of making you a stronger runner. Ha ha ha, I remember that photo. With a few more of those crossfit sessions I'm sure those biceps will have more of a bulge. And I've heard crossfit also does wonders for the calves so you'll probably see some improvement there too. I think maybe next time you should post a photo where you're flexing both your biceps and calves. That would be a really cool photo.

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  3. my co-worker said he threw up at the end of his first cross fit workout (maybe at the end of each of his first few), so don't feel bad about feeling light headed.

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  4. I recently found your blog while looking for blogs by runners, and was interested to find this post today. I've done CrossFit for just over two years and have made quite a few blog posts about it. I walked away from it in October. CrossFit has many, many benefits, but over time I felt like there were also drawbacks to it. There is no doubt that you can get amazing results quite quickly, usually because the changing nature of the workouts is not something most people are used to. I'm glad you're excited about it. It definitely is fun!

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  5. I just felt more embarrassed that I was so unprepared. I hadn't done that long of a day in awhile so now I know for next time... I'm glad I didn't feel like throwing up though.

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  6. I see myself as an occasional dabbler but I don't know if I would be as into it as many other people are. I had fun and would like to go back when my schedule allows, but I continue to see running as my main priority and crossfit as a fun alternative to change things up a little bit.

    I'm interested to check out your blog and see it from the perspective of someone that is passed their crossfit stage. Thanks so much for commenting!

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  7. That is a nice website, thanks for sharing! There were some folks that were doing some sort of burpee with jumping over the bar and also lifting weights inbetween. It looked super intense and I'm glad we weren't doing that workout. Haha.

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  8. Haha thanks. I did like the fact that it was something different and I can see myself doing something like that once a week or a few times a month, just to change up the cross training and strength training. Nothing like a good workout for you to feel extra sore afterwards. Haha

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  9. I've never tried it but I am definitely making it a 2013 goal. It sounds like it does wonders for runners!

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  10. I always find that there is nothing like a trip to a gym to make me feel like I'm out of shape! Have fun getting stronger, that's one of my goals too!

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  11. I'm thinking of taking advantage of a free crossfit class by me in a few weeks to see what it's all about. I have a feeling that my experience will be very similar to yours :) I'm constantly humbled at how difficult 30 minute Nike Training Club workouts are. Running for 2 hours, no problem! Strength/interval training and it kills me!! Apparantly I'm super weak. Haha

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  12. Haven't tried it, but I'd like to. In general crossfitters scare me with their intensity, but initially runners scared me with the neon colors. And I easily adapted to that!:) and you definitely have it harder with long arms for push ups! You should get a two-for-one on those.

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  13. Sounds like you had a great instructor for your first class! I'm so intrigued by crossfit but also really intimidated by it. If I do try it sometime I'd want an instructor llike you had! Awesome that you gave it a try!

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  14. I love cross training. I am a big swimmer when I have access to a pool. I also plan on getting a bike this summer. I do a lot of weight training, but I have not attended any formal crossfit classes. I try to incorporate a lot of the concepts into my workouts though. Sounds like it is tough!

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  15. I'm interested to see what you think about it!

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  16. Haha, yes. When I felt the strongest is when I seemed to get some of my fastest times this year. Looking forward to what spring will bring!

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  17. I know how you feel! I want to try out different workout tapes as a way to change up the cross training in 2013. I think I tried 1/2 of a tape one time and just quit part way through. Oops. Can you tell me more about these Nike Training Club workouts?

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  18. I was glad I had a friend to go with that definitely made it less intimidating. If you're looking to try it out, I recommend bringing a friend if you can! Also, I had commented on the club Facebook page, letting them know I was coming so I had a little accountability factor as well. Every little bit helps!

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  19. I would love to get more into swimming, but I sink like an anchor. I have thought about doing some sort of adult swim class but haven't gotten around to it. One of my friends does crossfit and has taken courses on personal training. When I workout with her, it is usually pretty intense and definitely has the crossfit flair, mixed in with our "usual" weight lifting. A change of pace is always nice for any routine!

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  20. The NTC workouts are on the free Nike training club app. Its a circuit of different exercises and also include a video of how to do them if you're not sure. Most of the workouts don't need any equipment (and even if it does, I still feel the burn without having weights etx) there are different workouts to target arms, legs, abs, cardio.. All are kick butt challenging :) On Tuesdays at the Nike store they also have small group Nike Trainibg Club class led by a different trainer each week. I haven't been to one of those yet, but plan to go once they resume again in a few weeks. The app is really well done. I'd reccomend it.

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  21. For me crossfit is good as a warming up activity. But then there is
    nothing as effective as strength training. I really like when it makes me
    sweat. To get prepared to the most tough workouts I am taking Military Grade
    Nutritionals. Awesome nutritional supplements, which provide perfect energy and
    endurance.

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