It’s Not About How My Body Looks…

It’s about what it can do.

We all care about how we look.

Unless you grew up in a cornfield.

It’s ingrained in us since childhood from society and culture.

You can’t escape it.

It’s a given I don’t look like most women.  Most women don’t lift heavy weight.

When I first started CrossFit, I never thought about my body or what would happen to it.  I just love the sport and went every day.  It wasn’t until people started commenting on my physique that I started to pay attention.  I started looking around.  It was then that I noticed I had changed.  Big time.

A lot of women don’t do CrossFit because they don’t want to look like me.  I get that.

But for me, it’s about what my body can do.  I can do pull ups.  I can squat heavy.  I can do muscle ups.  I can deadlift.  I can run.  I can do almost every move.  And I’m strong.

I’m proud of my hard work.  And it shows.  When I can do something others can’t, it makes me feel special.  But it also is a reward for all the hard work I do.

Ask anyone who knows me:  I work harder than most.  I’m in the box before and after the WOD.  I work out at home.  I do skills every day.  Rarely do I have a day off without doing anything.

All this culminates in muscle ups and heavy snatches and pull ups and double unders and handstand walks.

This is why I’m so excited about the Open.  I want to know just how far I’ve come since last year compared to others my age.  I want to know that my sacrifices are worth it.

My body takes a beating.  No question about it.  If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve read all about my pulled muscles, strained ligaments and tendons, soreness, bruises, rips, etc.  CrossFit does this to you.

CrossFit also changes your body.  If you lift heavy weights, it has to.

But none of that matters.

All that matters to me is how CrossFit makes me feel.  I feel empowered.  I feel strong.  I feel capable of accomplishing any task in my life.  My self-esteem is at an all time high.  I believe in myself.  So much so I’m running for Town Board in my town.

All this because of a sport that challenges the brain as much as the body.

If it’s not hard work, then you’re wasting your time.

Push yourself in all aspects of life.

You only live once.  Make the most of it.  Do what makes you feel accomplished and beautiful and strong and healthy and a contributing member of society.

For me, that’s CrossFit.

What is it for you?