If you’ve embraced CrossFit, you’re not “normal” — and that’s a good thing. Today, “normal” often means poor health and a sedentary lifestyle.
This is Normal
I have a clear vision of what my life would be like if I hadn’t found CrossFit. And it scares me.
I wake up feeling exhausted due to a combination of the fast food I ate for dinner and the three nightcaps I had after. As I shuffle about getting ready for work, I glimpse myself in the mirror. I’m a little fatter than before. My belly is just starting to hang over my pants. I suck my gut in and strike a double biceps pose. Not much of an improvement; there’s just not much muscle to flex. I make a mental note to get a gym membership and start jogging. And I’ll watch what I am eating for a bit.
I head to the kitchen to find some breakfast before I leave for work. I make some coffee, but with visions of the physique I saw in the mirror still lingering, I forego one of the kids’ Pop- Tarts and scarf down a bagel with cream cheese as I walk out the door.
The drive to work is a stressful rat race, and I can feel my blood pressure and heart rate rise as I navigate around the other zombies on the road. As I loosen my tie to breathe easier, I remember I have a doctor’s appointment after work. It’s just an annual check-up, but I still dread it because I know I’m a little worse now than I was last year.
Finally, at the office, I sit at my desk and plow through emails and assignments until my stomach starts growling to let me know it’s lunchtime. I can’t get away from the office, but luckily, one of the guys grabs me my favorite fried chicken sandwich, fries, and a diet soft drink. I eat at my desk as I finish up some paperwork. I vow not to eat the fries but end up munching on them during a couple of calls.
At quitting time, I push away from my desk and hobble to my car. Hours of sitting don’t make my legs feel good. I weave through traffic to my doctor’s appointment. As I feared, the news isn’t good: weight gain, high blood pressure, and pre-diabetes. Doc warns me if I don’t change my diet and start exercising, I could end up with full-blown Type II diabetes along with a host of other chronic diseases that could kill me. I ask the doctor what I should be doing, and he mumbles something about eating less meat, more fruits and vegetables, and more walking.
I head home after this sobering visit, determined to make changes. As I walk through the door, the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies tickles my nostrils. I walk into the kitchen, and my little daughter runs to hug me. When she offers me a cookie and a glass of milk, I refuse at first, still stinging from my doctor’s words. But seeing the look of disappointment on her face, I quickly change my mind and accept her offer. I end up eating four cookies because I’m a good dad. As I crack open a beer and head to the couch to relax, I inquire about what’s for dinner. As luck would have it, it’s my favorite. Fettuccini Alfredo and a salad paired with a great wine I found on the weekend. And Oreo cheesecake for dessert. Who can say no to cheesecake? I resolve to start exercising and eating better tomorrow.
A New Normal
This “normal” leads to chronic diseases and a life of dependence. But there’s an alternative — CrossFit.
Sure, it takes commitment and effort, but it’s gratifying, the benefits are incredible, and it’s fun. If you’re reading this, you’re likely familiar with a lifestyle that prioritizes fitness and health, but maybe you haven’t taken the leap yet because it feels too hard or impossible. It’s not. I promise. Here’s what CrossFit could look like for you, too.
You wake up feeling the rewarding soreness from yesterday’s workout, a reminder of your hard work. A quick stretching routine energizes you, and you check the day’s workout — snatches, push-ups, and toes-to-bars. You’re nervous but excited, knowing the challenge ahead will make you stronger. Breakfast is simple and nutritious, fueling you for the day.
At work, stress is manageable because nothing compares to the intensity of a CrossFit workout. You take breaks to move, keeping your body loose and your mind sharp. Lunch is healthy and satisfying, and you enjoy sharing this lifestyle with others.
After work, you head to the gym, eager to see friends and tackle the workout. The community, the high-fives, the shared struggle — it’s the best hour of your day.
You jump right into the warm-up under your coach’s watchful eye as he makes sure everyone is ready for the task that awaits. Then it’s 3, 2, 1 … go! When you finish, you cheer for those still toiling away. Once everyone is done, there are more high fives and fist bumps, equipment is cleaned up, and the coach leads a chatty cooldown as everyone slowly comes off the high from the workout.
Now, it’s time to go home and EAT! Steak, baked potato wedges, and grilled onions are on the menu. Dessert is a few dark chocolate-covered strawberries to top off an amazing day. Instead of dreading the rinse-and-repeat nature of going through life in pain, sluggish, and unhealthy, you can’t wait to see what’s in store for tomorrow.
The CrossFit lifestyle might seem daunting, even foreign, to someone new to it. However, one of its most essential aspects is the supportive community. Those of us who know its benefits can help others take that first step. Yes, it’s a push out of their comfort zone, but it’s also an opportunity to join a supportive community that can make a real impact on their health and well-being. Introduce someone(s) to your affiliate, support them, and let them experience the joy, results, and community that come with CrossFit.
what’s your New normal?
- What has your life been like since you found CrossFit?
- Who would you be now if it weren’t for CrossFit?
About the Author
Stephane Rochet is a Senior Content Writer for CrossFit. He has worked as a Flowmaster on the CrossFit Seminar Staff and has over 15 years of experience as a collegiate/tactical strength and conditioning coach. He is a Certified CrossFit Trainer (CF-L3) and enjoys training athletes in his garage gym.
Don’t Be Normal. Do CrossFit.