Since high school I have enjoyed working out...sometimes (ha). I would go to the gym for a few months with fervor and then miss a couple times for some reason and have a hard time getting back. Mostly I just stayed on a cardio machine...occasionally some weights. Before I got pregnant with Andrew, I spent a few months working one on one with a trainer. Then the babies came back to back and I had no consistent activity (exercise that is). When Lila was just under a year old, I was tired of the baby fat and ready to make a change. I signed up at the YMCA for a few months of a fitness bootcamp. Through major calorie restriction and 3 full hour workouts a week, I surpassed my goals and felt fairly fit. This was a great program because I felt accountable to my trainers and the other (mostly) ladies in my group. But I was totally bored with the predictable workouts after about 6 weeks. I continued my fitness journey by running and attending a few classes a week at the Y. One of the major stumbling blocks for me again was boredom. Nothing could hold my interest for more than a few months. I was maintaining my weight and had no other quantifiable fitness goals.
The following March, Drew began working out with Neal at Crossfit Katy. To say that I was reluctant to give it a try would be an understatement. I honestly had doubts about how effective it could be since the hour classes were not 60 solid minutes of constant movement. Also every person is individually timed for each workout, I just wasn't sure I was up for the competition. I finally gave it a try in June. Drew was very persistent about my giving it a real shot because he was seeing GREAT results and really enjoying his time in the box. His improvement has been remarkable! I went a few more times in July and was hooked. I found that I loved the competition and I had a goal (other than burning 500 calories an hour) with each workout (to finish each workout as quickly as I possibly could).
Now I can't get into The Box enough! Over the past few months, my goals have evolved. It feels great to be the first to yell "DONE!" but it feels even better to finish in the middle of the pack or even dead last but know that I've conquered a new skill or max weight for myself. I've started looking less at my times compared to others and more at my own new weight/time compared to previous similar workouts. When I started, I couldn't do 10 pushups on my toes. Monday I did 100! Last week I got 4 unbroken pull-ups (chin-ups)! I really didn't think 1 was possible. I can't pretend that I don't still get on the scale. I don't like that the pull up bar can give me calluses (many Crossfitters see this as a badge) or that my collar bone gets bruised when I do front squats (I just ordered a bar pad). But I do like that I feel strong. I don't love getting out of the bed before 5 am to make a few of my workouts, but I do love feeling accomplished when it is done (a feeling I'm often lacking as a stay at home mom). I love that it gives me just one more thing to thank God for - motivation, healthy body, strong mind.
In case you are interested in giving it a try, here are a few other things I believe make Crossfit Katy well worth your investment.
- Each class is limited to 12 so that the trainers can correct form & monitor your progress. Also if you have an injury, the trainers are able to give you attention to modify the workouts so that you can continue
- The first workout is free. I even paid per class my first month when I wasn't sure if I would stick with it.
- Each workout is different and you don't know what you'll be doing until you get there.
- No one is yelling at you, forcing you go harder or faster. It is a very encouraging atmosphere (but don't get me wrong, it's not hugs and warm fuzzies either).
- There is a mix of male/females. But there are also a few classes that are female only.
- There is a wealth of fitness knowledge to tap into when you are part of the Crossfit community. Crossfit.com is a great start. Each gym is individually owned and operated as an affiliate so each gym runs a little differently. There are gyms located all over the world or you can follow the workouts from the main website at home.
- Each member keeps a log of your workouts to track your own progress. It's awesome to compete with yourself!
- Working this hard to make and maintain healthy bodies has made us much more aware of what we are putting in our bodies. We are taking steps to keep our bodies and our children's bodies healthy for the future.
- Crossfit Katy recently became a delivery location for Yonder Way Farms a wonderful local producer of meat products and milk.
I could really keep writing for a while, but if you are still reading, I'm sure it's not for long. Check out the website and give it a try!
.JPG)
