CrossFit Level 1 Certification

I’m back! Well, I was actually back on Sunday night, but I’m finally starting dig myself out of my to-do lists following a trip to Florida for work, then by my 2-day CrossFit Level 1 Seminar. I was gone a whole 7 days, and although I had Internet, I was literally on the move from the moment I rolled out of bed till the moment I fell back into it. I came home Sunday night totally wiped out but so so in awe of where life has taken me in the past couple weeks — as evidenced by my lack of dutiful blogging.

I’m still awaiting the results of my test, but the seminar itself was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I know we CrossFitters all come across as a bit cultish at times, but when you are in a room with 50 amazing individuals who are so talented, motivated and inspiring for two whole days, how can you be anything but over the moon?

My recurring thought the entire time was “I wish I had known about this when I was younger” — both in the context of the workouts themselves and the idea of reliving my teens and twenties having the mindset I have now as a result of CrossFit. Life would have been so much different. Far too often I think girls are taught to believe that skinny is unquestionably optimal, and that lifting heavy will make you bulky or is only for jocks. In school, we had the choice to play sports or not play sports. No one ever talked about fitness in any kind of broader sense. I didn’t grow up in an athletic family, so I felt completely in the dark.

Nonetheless, I am so thankful for what CrossFit has given me. I’m not only stronger, but I look at my body in an entirely new and much more appreciative light. I always lamented my short legs and curves, but now I am excited by what they can do and how much power they house. Want me to back squat nearly 200 lbs? No problem. I also stand a lot taller, not only because I’m physically stronger, but because I no longer question my athleticism in the face of  other athletes or new physical challenges.

I’m so excited to bring this enthusiasm and love I have for fitness to the floor as a trainer. I don’t want to jinx myself by saying that, but as someone who started from scratch (literally doing WODs with PVC), I know there are so many others out there, who just need that open door, or for someone to say “You! You can do this, and you’ll be great!” It makes such a difference to someone unsure of themselves or where to begin their fitness journey.

Anyway, I didn’t want this to turn into some rambling novel, just wanted to share.