I recently purchased a local groupon for 12 crossfit classes at a local box. I have tried and loved crossfit in the past, however, I couldn’t justify the membership cost. This groupon popped up and it was just the challenge that I needed to add a new fitness challenge to my training routine. Check out how I worked it out this Wednesday!
There were about 12 athletes, myself included, who showed up to get their sweat on at the 9AM class today. We warmed up as a group with a series of jump rope exercises and calisthenics. Then our trainer instructed us through a series of movements with pvc pipe. He taught us how to properly perform today’s movement: the snatch.
Yes, it is not a proper or nice word… however in crossfit terms, it is a specific move involving a deep squat and the way you lift a bar over your head. I struggled with my form. I kept getting caught and scolded for my elbows. My form was off. Then when it was time to do the movement, I was too concerned with proper upper body form that I wasn’t going far enough down into my squat.
This whole crossfit stuff is hard work! It is no joke! These people in this gym (all shapes, ages and sizes) were lifting heavier than me and not even breaking a sweat! I was struggling! Yet… with each struggle, grunt, and correction… I was loving each moment!
The workout was 24 minutes of continuous death by snatch. The first minute we would do one rep. The second minute we would do two reps. We would continue on like this until we couldn’t maintain the number reps in that minute. Then we would start again at one rep in that minute… continuing on like that until we had to resume back at one. Killer.
I did a modified weight of 50 pounds. The first round (5) I was only doing the bar (30 pounds) to try to perfect my snatch form. My darn elbows kept popping… and my squat was too wide (and not deep enough). By the end of the 24 minutes I was getting the form… even though I was exhausted! Dripping in sweat!
Once the workout ended, the group disbanded and we all headed our separate ways. There was no group stretch. No coffee dates afterwards. Just get in. Get dirty. Get out. It was kind of nice to know that you go to get a good workout in and that is it.
After my workout, the boys and I headed home briefly to refuel and pack up the van for our afternoon adventures. We headed to our normal gym where I busted out a quick 1 mile on the treadmill for the Runners World Run Streak. I showered and we were off to explore the area’s parks for picnic, play and friends.
I can honestly say that tomorrow will be interesting to see how my upper body will be feeling. I can already tell they are sore… lifting my arms to wash my hair, put it in a pony tail… or even lifting the T man is a challenge! What a fun morning! I can’t wait for my next crossfit beating!
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