When I first started CrossFit, I always wanted her strength. I wanted to be as strong as her.

Moving in and out of strength cycles can invite this line of thinking into your mental space all too easily. Comparison, while not uncommon, can blind you to the realities of what is true when it comes to strength, strength building, and fitness in general. As we wrapped up our most recent strengths cycles, testing two big lifts, with more tests on the horizon this week, I gave myself the grace to realize, name, and hold some truths.

Progress is not linear. I believe the misconception that every strength cycle will bring a new PR is a trap. When we first begin our fitness journeys, there is so much about our own strength that we are unaware of. Therefore, PRs often come fast and furious as we get familiar with how and what we move. At some point, however, we come to a stop. Sometimes, it’s because we don’t have the strength. Other times, it’s because we don’t have the technique. In other moments, it’s that we actually require both strength and technique. But for the longest time, all I could ever hear when I failed a new lift was:

”Well, I’m just not as strong as her”.

In my eight years of doing this sport, I have ebbed and flowed like the waves of the ocean; constant movement that is soft, loud, or big and mighty. Strength requires patience, humility, and a constant spirit of wanting to improve. I’ve learned to love the failures so that when the PRS do show up, they feel magical.
More isn’t better. There are better ways to make progress in the gym than by simply “doing more”. We often think we are missing something when, in reality, we have all the pieces. The work is in how we prioritize those pieces. Are you sleeping? Eating well? Drinking enough water? Great. Now, let’s go deeper. Are you paying attention to the workout stimulus? Are you “ego lifting” because you just want to hit RX? There are workouts that call us to take a step back, even when we think we are ready to go forward. At times, that can be so hard. We want to do the things we can do! But for the longest time, I would always hear:

”You didn’t lift enough. You didn’t do the harder skills like she did.”

Now, my priorities outside of the gym have tightened up. I prioritize high quality movement, over high quantities of movement, stepping back when I need to in order to lean in more fully when I’m ready.
I’m Still Growing and Changing. This is the best one, friends. If you’re willing to pause, even just for a moment, you’ll see just how much you’ve grown. You’ll be able to celebrate wins big and small, stop trying to “out lift” others, and step into a space of pure authenticity that allows you to say:
“ I…ME! I am strong.”

I don’t come to the gym to lift weights. I come to the gym because over the years - through joy, hardship, and loss - the weights have always managed to lift me.

I’ve bottled these truths to re-introduce myself to confidence, because for a fleeting moment, I had forgotten what it feels like to wear it. I carry these truths with me as I set goals. And, I’m using these truths to go on an adventure in the new year - competing as an individual; a testament of my own strength. Ten Saturdays left until Wodapalooza 2024 :)

As we head into test week, I encourage you to remember some things. PRs or not, you aren’t done changing yet. These results will simply help you write the next chapter. But most importantly - your body is capable and strong. Be fearless this week, and as always, I’ll see you at the gym.

Hugs,

Coach Kady

Owning Your Strength