Getting a little bored with your routine? Perhaps you’ve hit the proverbial wall; your weight loss has stalled, your DVDs hold the same old same old, or maybe you want to spice things up–workout wise that is. There are many ways to add spice; but for now, mainstream exercise is the topic.
Some clients have asked my opinion on Crossfit. I ask “what do you know about it?” Most of them tell me “nothing.”
While employed as a staff nurse, I recall a young patient whose doctor visited her with discharge instructions. This was highly unusual. Most physicians leave this task to the floor nurse. I went to her room to help her pack, as well as clarify anything she didn’t understand. She informed me she slept through most of what her doctor was telling her. “Can you ask him to come back?” she asked. I pulled up a chair for a little “heart to heart.” Understand that this patient was not groggy from surgery. She hadn’t had any medication to induce drowsiness. Nor was she a pediatric patient. Though not much older than she, I put on my “experienced” face. I told her I would put out a call for the physician, but she had to explain WHY. This shook her out of her lethargy. I also told her what I’ve used as a signature phrase throughout my nursing career. “You are responsible for your own healthcare.”
And just like that patient, I remind my clients that they are responsible for their well-being. Whether in the capacity of staff nurse, educator, or personal trainer, I am simply a facilitator.
CROSS TRAINING VS. CROSSFIT
Some confusion seems to exist–there are those who interchangeably use Crossfit and cross training. Crossfit may be a form of cross training. Considering the intensity level however, it may not be a fit for everyone. I think of cross training as a form of exercise to alternate with a normal routine. For example, my son runs cross-country and track. He occasionally sports a t-shirt around the football elite which reads “My sport is your punishment.” True or untrue, running would be their cross training. Players attempting to catch him, to give him a piece of their mind might be their Cross fit, but I digress.
CHECK IT OUT
Crossfit appears to be a collaboration of weight training, plyometrics, rope climbing, tire throwing, tire carrying, gas mask running, kickboxing, obstacle course phenomenon which appears to be grabbing major attention–for diverse reasons. However, I’m not convinced that all of the above activities, while wearing the Crossfit label, are indeed mainstream Crossfit. Still if you are interested, it pays to keep in mind a few ideas. I will preface this list with what I say in most posts, when talking fitness. “Not every exercise is for every body.”
1. Observe to preserve. Assessment is the first step in the nursing process. This is the information gathering stage. It includes history of present illness, review of systems, as well as medications. Assessment or inventory can be your best friend when discerning whether a program, or even a trainer is right for you. By observation, you preserve your resources (time, money, and your body) before signing on the dotted line.
2. Do your homework. What’s in the facility? This includes the trainers. Are they certified? I’m not saying certification always implies results or guarantees safety, but it does imply credibility. Asking questions should never be a threat to a personal trainer. It helps both client and trainer decide if they are a fit for each other.
3. Ask for a trial class–even if you have to pay for it. Not everything is free. Trainers have expenses. Their time like yours, is a precious commodity. But before you commit to package or buy 3 get one free deals, ask to try a class. The only way to know if something is really for you, is to do it.
Need a little more info? Check out http://www.crossfit.com. Videos, personal success stories, and more details can be found on the website.
Fitness is indeed a journey, and its destination can be uncertain–like life itself. it is fraught with bumps in the road, boredom, success and setbacks. And like life, there needs to be challenge to effect change. Yet there are many ways to challenge yourself, to bring about that change. Furthermore, the challenges you are willing to face, should never outweigh the benefits you want to reap. Setbacks in the form of muscle breakdown, joint displacement, or other injuries are not the change most of us desire. Therefore as with any exercise, workout regime, or even trainer, it is up to the participant be mindful; and awake.
All for now. Keep up and keep at it.
LIFE TRAINING WITH CRYSTAL 
Very good advice. So many look for the next big thing, without any regard for themselves. Fitness, like most things, is not a one size fits all. People need to study, look for advice, talk to a qualified trainer before they jump into some form of exercise.
I do believe in challenging yourself. However, if you are just beginning a fitness routine & become injured, then what? Where do go from there? Even if you’re an experienced athlete, you want to keep doing what you love most. Any type of cross training, including Crossfit, should be weighed and measured against your goals.
Thanks for comment!