How CrossFit Changed My Life Forever
I was the most efficient version of myself in 2019, thanks to the positivity I harnessed from CrossFit
It was the beginning of 2019. For me, 2018 ended on a traumatic note after I fell for a narcissist. Hence, I decided to focus on my wellbeing. I was due to submit my doctoral thesis by the end of 2019, and I still had experimental work to finish. I realised that I needed to change my lifestyle, improve my fitness, lose weight and become an efficient machine. These aims led me to an experiment of my own— CrossFit!
My CrossFit experience started with an induction class, which lasted about an hour. The class consisted of basic moves — more like a learning course followed with a timed 8-minute AMRAP (As Many Reps As Possible). I remember this like yesterday, the workout was:
200m Run
10 Burpees
8 KB Swings
I read the workout, looked around the ‘box’ for a treadmill. Indeed, there were none. I asked the coach about running. She smiled and said — outside! Now, this was a dark rainy, cold January evening in Manchester. This induction was my first introduction to CrossFit — gruelling, raw and taking me out of my comfort zone. I survived the eight minutes, and my first CrossFit workout followed a few days later. They say you never forget your first workout — just like your first love. This time, I was treated to a short and spicy WoD (Workout of the Day), including deadlifts and burpees. However, my second ever CrossFit class will be etched in my memory forever (or at least parts of it). This was the 7 pm class on 14 Feb 2019 (oh yes — Valentine’s Day), a WoD meant to be done in pairs.
I remember doing the burpees, and I remember my life flashing before my eyes. I remember thinking — I am going to die today, but I didn’t. Slowly but steadily, my fitness improved and before realising it — I was hooked. The fitness aspect of CrossFit almost became secondary. I met amazing people in the box. It makes sense, CrossFit is challenging. It does not allow for even a shred of negativity. Either you lose your negativity or get out, negative people don’t last in CrossFit very long.
I promise you one thing — you might end up in any box across the planet — you will never meet someone who gives up or thinks they cannot do a workout.
I was a little negative in my first month, but every time I struggled, everyone around me encouraged me to keep going. It was amazing; I never realised I was capable of so much. Joining CrossFit almost became a rewiring process. The positivity I harnessed permeated the other aspects of my life. I was more efficient and happier than ever before. I had an amazing 2019, I was able to submit my thesis on time and even secure a good job.
There is another aspect of CrossFit that warrants mention — Injuries! I was so addicted to CrossFit that I perhaps overdid it at some point. I ended up injuring my back, which set me back a couple of months. CrossFit is intense, and it exposes any deficiencies in the mechanics of your joints and any muscular imbalances. Everyone should enjoy CrossFit, but please be cautious and listen to your body.
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