I started doing CrossFit a number of years ago. I took a long break, but decided to return in January 2016. In my early days of doing CrossFit, I was focused on form. By the time I decided to quit, I was focused on outcome. The outcome was the cause of my needing to leave CrossFit. I was having constant back pain. It was difficult to be on a month, then off a month dealing with a back issue. I called it quits. So then, why did I return?

My back pain was never about CrossFit. It was about my willingness to forgo proper form for a better time or a better finish depending on the workout. Some people will blame that on CrossFit. I don’t. I blame myself for it.   I have learned a valuable lesson that if you forgo process for short-term gains, you will have long-term failures. This is true both in CrossFit and life.

I would have returned sooner, but CrossFit is hard. Once you are away from it for an extended period of time, it is mentally challenging to go back. I have however made my return. Here are my reasons why.

• I am lazy. I can pretend that I will go to the gym and get a good workout, but the reality is that I need someone pushing me. So to the box I go (box is CF terminology for gym).
• Community.  CrossFit boxes are team and community based. It is great to workout in a community. It is an amazing feeling to WOD (workout of day) with people who care about your successes. It is a place where you get to know and become friends with the people you WOD with.  CrossFit is as much about building community as it is about health and fitness.  Celebrating wins is an every day occurrence at CrossFit.
• Accomplishment.  CrossFit is the most challenging workout I have been part of. Small victories, medium victories, large victories, other people’s victories. When you begin to do things that you never thought you could, that’s accomplishment. When you do things you set out goals to achieve, that’s accomplishment. When you are genuinely happy for another persons success, that’s accomplishment. CrossFit can both build and humble the best of people.  Welcome to CrossFit.
• To be strong. I do not have a desire to be Thor or attempt to win the master’s division of the CrossFit games. I do however desire to be strong. Strong is sexy.
• I’m still lazy. It is helpful for me to have some notice that I am not there and call me out on it.
• The family affair. My wife does CrossFit as well. It is fun to workout together when our schedules allow. It is also fun to be able to talk about successes and failures together as we work to be healthy.
• Back pain. Well, I don’t want back pain. I want a stronger core so that I have fewer back issues. I am focused on proper form this time. I have checked the ego at the door. I will do it differently this time.
• For the food. I like food that is not so good for you. I feel less guilty about an over indulgence.   I feel like I have earned it.
• It’s full body. Every WOD works out your entire body. It is amazing how you find muscles you never knew existed.
• The coaching. I have mentioned this a bit in some of the other bullets. The support is great, the planned workouts are great, but the coaching is excellent.   Coaches are designed to ensure you are doing things the right way (if you let them) and push you beyond what you think is possible.
• The Variety. The workouts of the day (WOD) changes every day, every week, etc. The variety is great. You do repeat workouts, but not very often and they are designed to allow you to measure improvement. I love that.

If you haven’t tried CrossFit, I recommend that you do. Most CrossFit gyms will give you a free class. I warn you however; this is not your run of the mill workout. Prepare to be sore!

1. Choose your major wisely. While all majors can lead to a career, some have more opportunities than others.
2. Seek wise counsel. Don’t just rely on college advisors and career center staff to guide your choices. Ask people who currently practice in your field of interest.
3. Get work experience in your major. Internships are not always enough. Get a part-time job or seek an apprenticeship in your field.
4. Build your network. Get involved in major related clubs and organizations that allow you to network with those who currently practice in your field. Spend time getting to know those people.
5. Get a LinkedIn account if you don’t have one and use it. Stay connected to the people who can help you find jobs.
6. Read articles about your field and stay current on the latest trends and topics. Read for pleasure to open your mind to a world of possibilities. Both will increase your personal and professional vocabulary.
7. Decide if college itself is the right avenue for you. Maybe a skilled trade fits you better.   The world needs experts in these trades.
8. Dream big. Set your sights on big things and go after them. Don’t ever sell yourself short.
9. Thank the people who help you along the away. There is no such thing as a self-made man/woman. Everyone gets help from someone.
10. When you are beginning to reach your goals, give back to those who have not gotten there yet.

I am one of those foolish Americans who have decided to get fit and lose weight in 2016.   I read that 73% of the people set resolutions quit before they reach their goal. Good thing for me is that my goal was to simply get back to Crossfit and start a diet. Resolution achieved!

I began my quest on Tuesday, January 5^th. It was my first time back at Crossfit Blade in about 2 years. Bringing muscles out of retirement is not easy feat. They did not come out so willingly. It was more of a negotiation. I am not sure they are fully on board with my decision either.   Each morning we have to chat so that they will allow me to walk. So far, they are complying with my requests, but they make sure that I feel each an every step I take.

Losing weight will be just as hard. I’m not calling it a diet. I am going with “lifestyle change.” To me that sounds better. It makes me think I have committed to something bigger. I kicked off this change on Monday, January 11^th. Why didn’t I do both at the same time? I’m glad you asked.   It’s because I don’t like lifestyle changes. I like to eat, hence my problem. Anyway, I am off and “running” with this change now. I can honestly say that I went to bed hungry last night. I have had breakfast this morning and can honestly say that I am still hungry. Sad part is that I am consuming enough food to not be hungry.

I will report out how things are going in 12 weeks. Until then….