Learning New Sports

When you walk into CrossFit 818’s doors you can see a general overview of “CrossFit” written up on the board, along with the components of fitness and how we measure our fitness. Unlike other types of sports training, CrossFit doesn’t allow for specialization. What we’re looking for is “general fitness preparedness” which allows us to then go out and learn new sports and perform well.
    
Courtesy of my other job working at Lululemon, I had the opportunity to venture outside of CrossFit and learn flying trapeze. When I climbed the ladder up to the platform for the first time, I have to admit, I had serious doubts about whether I could handle flying 25 feet in the air from a bar. CrossFit doesn’t prepare you for heights. But I tried to think of it as a pull up bar and I was just going to play on it like a little kid at a park. I gripped the bar tightly and waited. They called “Ready!” and told me to jump. Next thing I knew, I was flying and upon hearing the commands from the instructor I was able to perform the movements without much trouble.
   
After a few more practice runs, it was time for me to learn how to catch. I had hoped I would get that far because it’s “cool”, but also dreaded getting that far. I had just swung from a bar high up in the air, now they wanted me to let go and catch somebody else’s hands? On cue, my hands became extra clammy. I chalked up (a lot…) and climbed the ladder. The whole way up I talked myself through what I know to be true about my ability to trapeze. My grip is strong enough to hold on to that bar for however long I want to and I have the control over my core and body to perform the movements they wanted me to do. So I really didn’t have anything to worry about. I just had to look and reach for the guy who was going to catch me and hold on to him as I straightened my legs off the bar. And that reality was, it was as simple as that. As soon as I let go of any and all doubt, I did exactly what I was supposed to do and it was amazing.
   
Take what you’ve learned at CrossFit and the fitness you’ve gained from it, and apply it to other activities. Maybe you tackle a mud run, learn how to ski/snowboard this winter, or play pick up games of basketball. Whatever it is, I encourage you all to go out and do it. Your fitness is waiting to show you what it's capable of outside your weekly workouts.

Even my ponytail is reaching.

Today's Workout:

A. EMOTM 16
    Odd - 8 Sandbag Squats
    Even - 12 Z Press

B. AMRAP 10
    5 Pull ups
    10 Push ups
    15 Squats

Posted by Megan