If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably already considering a change - a healthy new activity to give you more energy, make you feel strong, or help you lose a few pounds. But if you’re like a lot of people, you might still be wondering “Why CrossFit? What makes it different from all those other trendy exercise programs out there?” Well, wonder no more…
When I started CrossFit over 5 years ago, I was burnt out from the typical gym grind - chest flyes, bicep curls, and leg presses followed by 20 minutes of “cardio” on a treadmill. Sure, I looked okay - not Marvel movie star physique, by any means - but more importantly, I was bored of my routine, tired of working out alone, and losing my drive to work hard. I was just finishing up a program with a personal trainer when a friend suggested I try out his “box.” At this point, I knew next to nothing about CrossFit, except a few negative comments I had heard in passing. I chose to ignore my doubts and trust my friend, and I’m so glad I did, because I loved it! From the moment I walked in the door, the coaches and members were welcoming and friendly, the workout was challenging but scaleable, and for the first time since I was a kid, I felt like an athlete. Not just strong or healthy, but ATHLETIC. I was immediately hooked.
One of the core values we emphasize at CF Donelson is community. We talk about it constantly, and it’s even written on the back of our tee shirts. We understand that meaningful relationships are vital to our emotional and mental health, so we want to cultivate that within the walls of our gym. As nice as it is to have an amazing physique, what good is your chiseled beach body if you aren’t happy and fulfilled on the inside? Our community distinguishes us from other types of training by how we forge friendships through hard work and sweat.
Speaking of hard work, many exercise trends promise you ideal results through minimal effort. “6 minutes to six-pack abs!” “30 days to a better butt!” “Lose 10 pounds in 10 days!” Hogwash. You're tired of empty promises. You want real results. Real results take effort, and they take time. Sure, you could lose a few pounds in a few days, but it’s not sustainable. Many of you have tried the quick fixes, and you know the results don’t last. You want progress. You want long-lasting health. And if you get a six-pack along the way, you won’t complain ;) You CAN get there, and we can help you. All we ask is your time and effort. No quick fixes here - just building a solid foundation of moving well, and over time - with a little sweat - you can build the best version of yourself.
But I still haven’t answered the question that is burning in some of your minds: Do I really need to pick up dumbbells and hang from the pull-up bar just to get in shape? Well, not necessarily. Like I mentioned earlier, you can combine a healthy diet with some time on the treadmill and look alright. But what if fitness is more than just looks? What if fitness is defined by how CAPABLE your body is? Don’t you want to be the parent who has more than enough energy to keep up with your kids? Or maybe you’d love to be the star player in your company’s softball league? Or maybe you just want to still be independent and walking around when you’re 80 years old? You see, the movements we do here aren’t randomly chosen - they are functional, and they are effective. Deadlifts? Sounds scary, but really it’s just training you to pick up that heavy suitcase. Burpees? The word may be weird, but it’s simply getting back up after you’ve fallen down on the floor. Squats? I don’t know about you, but I want to be able to stand up from the toilet unassisted 40 years from now. And I don’t think I have to explain the benefits of running, sit-ups, or pull-ups. These movements not only reflect and train what we do everyday in real life, but they also happen to be the best at making us healthy and strong!
Hopefully I’ve answered some of your questions as to why I think CrossFit is a perfect way to have fun while getting fit, but don’t take my word for it - come try a class! I’d love to meet you and hear about your fitness journey :)
Spencer Smith
Owner & Head Coach
CrossFit Donelson
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