I am 38 years old and I am trying to get out of the box. I am trying to get out of the various mental and physical prisons that I have built for myself. I am trying to look down at the barred door and recognize that I hold the key to all the locks that seem to hold me back. I am free...if only I can constantly realize it.
What does this have to do with physical training, with exercise, with working out? Everything. So much of human life in the industrialized world has become like living in a zoo. We have become zoo humans. Too many of us never step out of the safety of our cages, we never get too far from the food dish. When is the last time that you stepped out of your comfort zone?
One of the greatest things about CrossFit is that it gives you a place and a chance to get outside of the zoo cage for at least one hour a day. For that one hour you can push yourself to what you think your limits are...and then a little further.
The other day I cam into the gym and the workout of the day was truly intimidating. I read the workout and thought that there was no way I would be able to handle the amount of work, the weight...the whole thing was intimidating. Part of my training is to recognize this fear and intimidation and then to challenge it, to face it, and attempt to over come it. With this in mind I decided to go for the workout.
20 minutes later the workout was over and I was sitting on the ground in a pool of my own sweat, exhausted but invigorated. I was smiling from ear to ear. I was working out with two other athletes and I came in last in terms of repetitions but as far as I am concerned I came in first place in that I completely broke through a barrier I thought existed. The moment I engaged that workout I became a fitter and more free individual. I spent time outside of the zoo and I loved it.
The more time we spend outside of the box the less we enjoy living inside the various boxes in our lives. The more time you spend challenging yourself and trying to break through the barriers that are holding you back the more powerful you become. Stepping into a CrossFit gym is an extraordinary way to transform your life. Take time to push yourself beyond the barriers you have created. Get outside of the zoo.
GETTING FREE
Wonderful! I'm starting to find that other crossfitters and non-crossfitters alike are realizing that we're stuck in the zoo. Today we went for a huge hike, did some climbing(on a rock that scared me), played on a slack line, and rolled down a hill(Twice!)...We cease to engage with our bodies and the world at some age, but I'm enjoying trying to move back to that space where using my body just for fun is normal!
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I am so proud of you, baby! You inspire me every day and I am so pleased that you are now able to have a career where others can get the same benefit.
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