Did you start CrossFit to lose weight? Meet new friends? Mix up your workout routine? Get back to doing something competitive?
Whatever it may be, it’s important that you never forget why you started. We all have days where we feel like we aren’t progressing, we’re tired, or we’ve just lost all motivation. These are the days that, more than ever, you need to take a step back and remember your “why”.
I always thought my why was to mix things up. I had always been an avid gym go-er, and thought CrossFit would be a fun change of pace (and something to completely kick my ass!). But, when I take a step back and really think about it, my real “why” is without a doubt my mom.
When I was in 6th grade, my mom was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer, and since then has had more medical experiences than anyone else I know. Some of her medical issues we are unsure if they would have happened if she never got cancer, but we will never know.
I started going to the gym to let out stress and take a step away from reality.When I think of all my mom has been through, I realize that you can’t plan for these types of things, but you can help prevent them. The gym became not only a place for me to let stress out, but it also became a way for me to give myself and my body the love it needs, and help prevent any medical issues I can on my own time.
Every year around this time, when talk and action for Cancer Awareness becomes more prevalent, I’m always reminded to put my health in my own hands.
Remember, you started this journey for your own reason. So, whatever that is, make sure you don’t forget it. Fitness is an investment into your own health – in whatever way that means to you. So let’s go out there and put ourselves first. Your “why” is different than mine, but we all are in this because we want to make ourselves better. Even when you are having a bad day, take a step back and think of why you’re here. You may not have lifted your goal weight for the day, or beat your time on the WOD, but you’re out there doing the damn thing, and that’s pretty awesome!
-Coach Ali