Today’s CrossFit workout I wanted no part of. If you skip a CrossFit Workout that was programmed, it’s known as cherry-picking in the CrossFit world, meaning you only do the workouts you want to do and skip the ones that are hard or the ones you dont’ want to do. Today’s programmed CrossFit WOD was this:
3 rounds of:
- 10 power cleans
- 10 front squats
- 10 push jerks
1st round was 95 lb, 2nd round was 105 lb, 3rd round was 115 lb
Then we had a WOD that was this:
3 Rounds for Time:
- 10 power snatches 80 lbs
- 20 box jump overs
- 30 wall balls
I haven’t lifted that much in push jerks since August. I knew that was going to be tough mentally for me more than physically. But I did it. Not happily (I’m glad it’s over), but I know I need to do this stuff to be stronger and to improve at CrossFit. Here are tips when faced with a workout, so you don’t cherry-pick it:
- Go at your own pace. Don’t worry about what others are doing around you. Remember this is your workout, so do it your way.
- Concentrate on good form. For weights that heavy for you (80% and up), good form is crucial to a) being able to do the work b) being able to lift heavier weights moving forward. Take that extra second to get set before you lift to ingrain muscle memory to these Olympic moves.
- It’s about the work. Take it one rep at a time if this is tough for you mentally. Just get the work done and finish.
In CrossFit, we all have the movements we love and those we hate. When faced with those you hate, don’t avoid them like you do your mother-in-law. Do them. You’ll be a stronger, more well-rounded athlete overall. And you may even find you like the moves once you get good at them.
My Journey to the CrossFit Games 