What if I told you that we can define the sport we all love in six words? You heard me - S I X.

[CrossFit (v): constantly varied, functional movement at high intensity]

I found myself reflecting on this definition over this past week, as I stepped outside of my normal routine to travel. Escaping and breathing the air of new places is invigorating, grounding, and necessary to realize why the pieces of you and your life matter. Adventuring and trying new things acts as a reminder that life is about enjoyable functionality, rather than winning or “being the best”. So, come with me on a hike:

Incredible, right? To get to this view, to breathe the air of this new space, I had CrossFit to thank. As our group walked through the rainforest, I couldn’t help but make connections to movements we see and do every day in our classes:

Maneuvering through mud meant we needed to side shuffle and bear crawl so that we didn’t slide.
Steep hills and steep wooden steps were easier because of box step ups and weighted lunges.
I was barely out of breath as we walked in and out of the rainforest because of the running, rowing, and biking we do as cardio.
I carried a backpack with clothes and supplies for most of the journey, and not once did I need to take it off thanks to midline stabilization that takes place as we lift (deadlift, squat, press).
My coordination allowed me to walk through moving water, climb slippery rocks, and control my body as my feet slipped in the mud.

I was humbled on our walk by the nature that surrounded me, feeling so small surrounded by things that were so grand I couldn’t wrap my mind around their creation. I left the rainforest feeling a deep sense of gratitude for what CrossFit has given back to me in my life as far as functional fitness.

The real reason we CrossFit - yes, you included! - is because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: To better our lives inside and outside the gym. The beautiful thing about this sport is that it will meet you right where you are at, and take you to places you never thought you could go with your fitness and health. At CrossFit Petram, we’ve given LIFE back to people. We’ve watched our members create friendships, we’ve celebrated weddings and the birth of new family members. We’ve created a community that is loving and caring.

But what’s even more incredible is that we’ve seen members lose weight, change their eating habits and break down fitness walls they thought would stand forever. And why? Not to be the top athlete, but to breathe some LIFE back into their lungs. To keep up with children, enjoy family functions, and use vacation as a tool for exploration, rather than existence. There is no denying the changes and adaptations that take place when you begin to implement CrossFit regularly. But the greatest change of all, and arguably, the one that matters most? The change between your ears.

As we kick off the month of August, I encourage to look for CrossFit in your daily life.; that is, rearrange the way you look at your activities. Where do you notice your training show up? When you find it, stop and and think about your attitude and mindset. Be thankful for your body, and what it can do! Savor the fact that you can do the things you want to do, all because you work out with a good crew of people, get a good sweat in regularly, and better your life one workout at a time.

See you at the gym! <3

Coach Kady

The Real Reason We CrossFit