For the last week or two I've been on the receiving end of a bunch of flak (who said turnabout is fairplay?) -for not updating the blog. I apologize for slacking... and I apologize for the lack of new pictures as I keep forgetting to bring the camera back to the gym :(
Fortunately, Gina has come to my rescue with a few words of wisdom. As the longest standing member of the gym and one who has made TREMENDOUS strides in her own fitness, she knows a thing or two about staying motivated. Here's what she had to say:
1. "Be impressed with intensity, not volume." - G. Glassman
2. "Be brave, take risks, nothing can substitute experience" - P.Coelho
3. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no
path and leave a trail" - R.W. Emerson
These quotes were listed on the CrossFit Affiliate page a few days ago. I REALLY like #1 – because very often I sense frustration from some of you on scores, times, and weights that you are not happy with.
What’s often forgotten is that when we are relatively new to CrossFit we make very quick, very big gains. As we continue on, the gains slow down a bit. We may hit plateaus or even experience some degradation in performance. This is when you need to do a bit of an attitude check. Ask yourself - are you attending to the other areas of your life that contribute to your fitness – like nutrition and getting enough sleep? Are you consistent in your attendance? Are you consistent in your recovery? That last point is a tough one. Many of us don’t like to take those days off. But recovery is as important as work effort.
If you feel you are doing well in all of these areas then you may need to just sit back and be patient. Focus on the positives. Remember where you started and how far you have come. Keep in mind that the CrossFit program promotes functional fitness. Are you functionally fit? Are you better at your sport? Do you have more energy? All of these are tremendous benefits, not to be overlooked. Reassess your goals. Are they still important to you?
Ask yourself – are you challenging yourself? Are you doing things that you aren’t necessarily good at? Things that you fear? One of my favorite quotes is this:
"The key to success is for you to make a habit throughout your life of doing the things that you fear." ~Vincent Van Gogh
Go out and do something that challenges you. Something you may not be competitive at. Those challenges are what make us stronger – physically and mentally - and will go a long way in helping break your plateaus. Believe me – you will start to see gains again. They may be smaller but they will come. Keep in mind -- every day that you participate you are contributing to your fitness… whether you are first, last, or somewhere in between. Be proud of that.
(Here's a pic - it's the face of determination! Shelley's been bustin' her ass and making great progress.)

