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Why CrossFit?

#PresentOverPerfect2019

I recently participated in a friend’s podcast when I was asked the question: “Why CrossFit?”

Me and John D. Collins, author of "The Laziness Gene".
(Full podcast available @ https://fightlaziness.com/fight-laziness-podcasts/)

There are so many reasons why I have grown to love CrossFit and as I participated in my latest competition, WOD-OFF, this past weekend in Jakarta, Indonesia, those reasons became even more evident.

1- Constantly varied
CrossFit incorporates so many movements; from monostructural movements to gymnastics to weightlifting. Every workout can be so different. This past weekend, I got to (Yes, I chose this!) bike, row, run, do burpees, kettlebell swings, goblet squats, front squats, power cleans, wall balls, dumbbell snatches and single dumbbell front rack lunges in 4 events over 2 days. Although I personally would’ve loved to be tested more on my gymnastics skills, which I have been working on so much over the last few months, the workouts were still diverse and fun (I use the term loosely!).

Single DB front rack lunges in event 4 on day 2.
I came in 1st in this event!

2- For everyone
No matter people’s age, gender or fitness levels, anyone can do CrossFit. In classes, workouts can always be modified to better suit peoples needs (It's differentiation in the fitness industry!). In competitions, such as the one I just participated in, there are usually different divisions; Women’s RX, Women’s Masters RX, Women’s Masters Scaled, Women’s Scaled (That’s my division!), Men’s RX, Men’s Masters RX, Men’s Masters Scaled, Men’s Scaled, Teams…

The CrossFit Q7 team (Alex, Giang, Noel) getting ready for their first event on day 1 in their first ever international competition.
So proud of them!

3- Health benefits
CrossFit is exercise and we all know that exercise is a great way to help us stay healthy. For me personally, it’s not only about the physical health, it’s even more so about the mental health. CrossFit is a great way to relieve stress. When I workout, I am focused and all my worries go away. I look forward to going to the gym every single day, so much so that when I’m told to take days off, I often sneak into the gym, even if it’s just to stretch or socialize. It makes my mind, body and soul happy! Of course, as you can imagine, competing can be quite stressful, but for me that pressure is manageable and worth it.

CrossFit Wanderlust, Bali, Indonesia.
Where I trained in the weeks leading up to the competition!

4- Challenging
Because CrossFit incorporates so many different types of movements, it’s very difficult to be good at everything. You constantly need to push yourself to work on your weaknesses. Those monostructural movements like running, biking and rowing are my jam; they’re not necessarily my favorites, but I am somewhat naturally good at them. Unfortunately, when it comes to weightlifting and gymnastics, I have had to (and continue to) work my butt off to progress. Improvements don’t always come quickly; lots of patience, time, practice and training are required.

Getting pumped and ready for my last event of the competiton, which began with 3 minutes of Power Cleans at a weight of my choice.
I chose to do 45kg and I did 38 reps, which got me in 3rd place for this event!

5- Confidence
When you see progress in what you’re achieving, it’s great for your self-esteem. With good programming, commitment and benchmark testing, progress will become evident and PRs will be achieved. Going from struggling to clean 60kg a year ago in my first ever competition, to easily cleaning 65kg (and nearly 70kg) this past weekend was incredibly exciting. I’ve always been known to be the tall skinny girl and I’m well aware that weightlifting isn’t my strength, but I’ve put in a great amount of work and every little sign of improvement makes me feel that much stronger and more confident.
Power Clean and 2 front squats @ 65kg during event 3 on the second day!


6- Community
CrossFit classes, and competitions in particular, bring people together who have the same passion and the same drive. This past weekend, I loved spending time with my box mates as well as connecting (and re-connecting) with other athletes from other boxes and countries. I also really enjoyed seeing how athletes encouraged and pushed one another to persevere through tough moments and some overall complex workouts. Sometimes, that “Go Nat!” makes a world of a difference when you feel like you have nothing left in the tank.

CrossFit Q7 box mates Mark and Noam killing it in their first international competition.
Proud of both of them for making it to the podium!

I still remember the first time I tried CrossFit. Believe it or not, but I wasn’t convinced I liked it right away. Initially, I was actually quite intimidated. It took me a few years before I became consistent in doing it. Now, I still have moments where I question my choice to do CrossFit, but fighting through those tough moments, progressing and succeeding are a big part of what makes it so rewarding and so worth loving to me.

Event 3 was a ladder and we had to do 2 front squats from the ground.
I placed 9th in this event, which was my worse placing, but I was still so proud here as I attempted to clean 70kg, which I had never attempted before!
I trained for over 3 months for this latest competition and although I was gunning for first place, I am ok with taking second. I’ve walked away from the weekend being proud of my progress and my achievements, but eager to continue working on my weaknesses and to test myself again in the near future.

2nd place finish @ Jakarta WOD-OFF 2019.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my CrossFit journey thus far in some way; there are far too many people to name here, but you know who you are!

Me and the coach.
Thank you! 




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