I had a little moment at CrossFit tonight. A moment where I fully realized that I am getting stronger every single day. And in so many ways other than just physical strength.
I had just finished training a client and wasn’t sure whether or not I would join the CrossFit class. I was rolling around on the turf stretching when one of my fellow coaches called me out and told me I needed to come lift something. The WOD for the day just an 8 minute AMRAP of 15 deadlifts (95# RX for the girls) and 15 box jumps (a repeat of Open WOD 14.3) so I agreed since it was so short.
But my coach had us warm up to our WOD weight by doing a strength complex of one deadlift, one hang clean and one jerk. I started out super light with a 45 pound bar and worked through the complex until I had 95 pounds on my bar…a weight that I had never pushed overhead before.
My coach told me not to over think it and just to flow through it naturally. How many times to I tell my yoga students the same exact thing? Be in the moment. Breathe in it.
I picked up the bar without hesitation and went for it. And it happened. And it actually felt like the easiest and most natural thing in the world.
I put the bar down with a big smile on my face and accepted the congrats from my coach and friends who work out with me day in and day out. We encourage and push each other in the most amazing way and see potential in each other that we don’t always see in ourselves. And the moment when you see the person realized and embrace that potential is really freaking awesome.
I agreed to do that workout with absolutely no expectations that I would be trying to PR anything, let alone a jerk. I can’t tell you the last time I worked on this movement. It just happened so organically today. I have been seeing big transformations with my CrossFit lately. I feel so strong, healthy and fit. Overcoming that lift with ease today not only made me feel physically stronger but I felt more self-confident, more sure of my own power and more sure of my ability to tackle things in my path that once seemed insurmountable.
I strongly, strongly believe that workouts and strength training should EMPOWER YOU. Not beat you down.
Today’s workout was such a high for everyone and we all went out for drinks and apps after class.
I spent the evening laughing and sharing stories with my CrossFit crew and it was so much fun. I absolutely love the community that fitness can create. I see it all the time in the gym, in the yoga studio, on the road with runners and so many other places. It’s a really special thing and I’m grateful that it’s so strong here in Charlotte.
Now, time for bed. A 5:30 a.m. client awaits tomorrow!
Shared this on FB! You are REAL and such an inspiration!
So awesome, Jen! I think we psych ourselves out of what we are truly capable of doing, which can hold us back. It’s so great that you’ve embraced challenges to improve every day.
Three days ago, I thought I couldn’t do a pull-up from a dead hang. Two days ago, I realized I can!
Awesome job and congrats! I agree, workouts should empower you and lift you up, not weigh you down and make you dread them. It is so important to find something that you enjoy and if you are lucky enough, a community or even friend to share that with.
You go girl! Those early morning clients will catch up to you, so make sure you get some rest this weekend…I passed out at 9:30 PM last night…It is worth it, because my clients always show up, but it can take a toll on us. So proud of you! XOXO
WOW! That is amazing. Congratulations on the PR and hitting it with such ease.
YAY!!! Congrats!!! I absolutely love that feeling of accomplishment and love seeing it in others. I had a similar experience when I assisted a student from wheel into flip dog last week and we both felt so good about it. The yoga/fitness community is so awesome!
“I strongly, strongly believe that workouts and strength training should EMPOWER YOU. Not beat you down” <– YES this is so so true. And I totally agree with what Alison said about psyching ourselves out sometimes. I know I did that for years with running, convincing myself I couldn't go "that fast" but once I got out of my own way, it was amazing what I could do.
Hi Jen,
I watched this on Instagram yesterday. You are amazing!
Thanks for sharing this. I like reading your blog and learn from you in terms of healthy living and getting motivated.
This is AMAZING!! Congratulations!
Congrats, you are one of my biggest fitness inspirations 🙂
Congrats! Loved the video!
congrats! that’s so fabulous! agreed…it’s so important to be surrounded by people who inspire you and who see potential in you when you might not be the first to see it. it’s awesome that it can start in a workout and transfer to everyday life and other goals. thanks so much for reminding me the importance of that!