When Rebecca asked me to write a little something about why I do crossfit, I was a little hesitant. In fact, everything that Rebecca and Jason have asked me to with regards to the crossfit gym, other than look after the kids, or cheer them on, is a cause for pause. You see, I am a princess; a delicate, 5’10, 200 plus pound, little flower. I don’t like to sweat, I do not like callouses, and I definitely do not like pain of any sort. So why am I a pretty regular player at Reebock Crossfit 306? Let’s go back to the beginning.
Rebecca is my daughter. I was visiting her in Oakville for Chloe’s first birthday and went with her to the gym—with some hesitation, I might add. I wasn’t convinced that Cross fit was legit, but wanted to know a little more about what she and Jason were so enthused about so I could at least fake some enthusiasm too. (I like to support my children in all their endeavoursJ.) When we arrived, I was less than impressed. It smelled like the old garage in my home town. In fact I thought we were entering some kind of tire shop. I’m thinking—“What the hell?” And the butterflies started flying in my stomach. I clearly did not belong here. My tiara will definitely get tarnished in this place!
But as I sat on the bench waiting for the class to start, Becca introduced me to a few people—much younger than myself, but they seemed nice. Then the class started. We did box jumps, (I did step ups) wall balls, (which I liked because it reminded me of my basketball playing days) kettle bells (which I had never seen before) and push ups. I think that’s all. Anyway, the time went fast and, surprisingly, I had fun. When I came back to Saskatoon, I did try a Groupon thing in the park, but my experience there was not so positive. My other daughter and her husband had joined a Crossfit gym, and I supported their commitment but after my experience decided I would stick to yoga—not hot yoga either. Much too sweaty.
When Rebecca and Jason decided to open Reebock Crossfit 306, they lived with us until they could find a house. Since I worked close to the gym, I would drive Jason to work in the morning, so became a member by default. Sometimes it was just me and Jason, then me and Jason and few very good looking young men--which was more than OK. Don’t get me wrong. However, I was more than intimidated. Bear crawls were an especially humbling experience for me. You see, my granddaughter had recently announced to the world that I had, in her words, “a very humungous butt.” Not something I wanted to be sticking into the air anywhere outside the privacy of my own home.
Through this experience, I realized a few things:
- I am not as strong and fit as I thought I was. Granted, I had let life interfere with my fitness regime during the last 5 years, but did not think I had slipped so far.
- If I didn’t do something about my strength and flexibility, I will need help getting myself off the toilet when I am older. And since I am a pauper princess, this could be a problem—the lack of servants and all.
- I inherited my father’s body. He lived until he was 96 but suffered a lot of pain in his legs and eventually became wheelchair bound the last 5 years of his life. He hated that. I would too.
So I continue. I try to go 4 times a week. My body cannot do more than 2 days in a row. I have to be careful as osteoarthritis is a part of my life. But I know that the longer I keep my muscles strong, the joints will be supported.
I am not interested in competing, or even tracking progress, and that’s OK. I can tell by how my body feels and moves, that I am getting stronger. My butt is still humongous—but I can stick up in the air with the best of them!
I absolutely have fun. The 7 am group is so supportive, and every once in a while Audrey and I get to do the “Granny Grind.” (You will have to attend a class to find out what that is-- wink wink)
Although, all the coaches have been great, I feel particularly blessed when my daughter is leading the class. I am so proud of her and her accomplishments. She truly is an inspiration.
And last but not least (and this is very difficult for me to put out there for all to see, but here goes (sigh)
Jason is an excellent coach. He is patient, knows his stuff, and can laugh with me as I question pretty much everything. (There I said it. Now don’t let it go to your head.)
Love you!
P.S. I will be 60 this year. My prime motivation for doing the workouts is to be able to take care of myself until the day I die. But I have to admit, looking great in a bathing suit next to all the other 60 some things on vacation, and having my husband appreciate the effort is a really nice side effect.
See you at the gym.
*Results are not guaranteed, individual results will vary.