Now let's talk addiction. The very definition of addiction is "the condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or involved in something." I think then in this case, yes, I have a new addiction. Thankfully, though annoying sometimes to others, I don't find this to be an unhealthy addiction.
Let me introduce you to Crossfit. What is that? It's a program that was developed by Greg Glassman in 2000. It's a high intensity, constantly varied, core and conditioning program which combines cardio, weights, and some gymnastics moves.
Now let me tell you, I am by no means an expert on Crossfit (not even close), but I WILL gladly talk to you about it with enthusiasm. I started doing it in the fall of 2010, but never really put a whole lot of effort into it until this spring/summer.
Unfortunately, I had a really rough winter. I suffered from post-partum depression and very poor body image. Though I continued to workout through my pregnancy, post-partum, and during my depression, I never really got what Crossfit could do for me.
Finally in February, I hit an all time low. I had enough and it was time to change. I hit an all time high (not pregnant) weight of 180 lbs and 40% body fat.
Though I don't claim to have suffered through a lifetime of obesity or such, I can see how those feelings can be a vicious circle. Not feeling good, eating to feel better, feeling worse....etc...
I would like to tell you I had some epiphany moment, but it is less clear than that. I literally woke up one day and said to myself, "I will not live like this. Being 180 lbs is not making me happy. Food serves two purposes - nutrition or pleasure. It gives me no pleasure to be 180 lbs, so it's time to change."
I continued to do Crossfit 4-6 times a week, but as I changed what nutrition I gave myself, I started to see changes. As the weight and inches cames off, all of a sudden I could do an unassisted pullups, toes to bar, handstand pushups, and even rope climbs. It was challenging, it was empowering. There are many studies done on the positive effects of exercise, and I can attest to those great endorphins. And then comes the addiction part, the more I learned to do, the more I wanted to do. Harder, faster, stronger, leaner....And so is born the addiction....
There is self-confidence that comes from our accomplishments. When we complete something hard, we feel good. When we overcome that fear, we feel better. This is what Crossfit is every DAY....Pushing yourself beyond what you THINK your limits are.
Now some will say there is no way they can do Crossfit, but that is what is SO cool about it...you can modify everything. So you can't do a rope climb yet? There are other ways to modify that movement until you can.
Not convinced yet? Let me show you evidence of hard work. Since the end of February, I have lost almost 40 lbs and 60 inches. I went from a size 12 to a size 6. But better than those numbers are, I gained back my self confidence. I know what it's like to work hard for a goal and acheive it. I am teaching my boys the importance of exercise (as the gym is a part of our normal routine at home and away from home)...and I attribute this all to Crossfit. I have been athletic my entire life. I played collegiate sports. I have NEVER worked out this hard, and loved it this much.
And why not give credit where credit is due....
First and foremost, to my God. Isaiah 40: 29-31. "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
To my husband....Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her..."
To my friends...John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
And lastly to my Coach and my Crossfit comrades...Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow..."
I guess there are plenty of things I could be addicted to...but I can be thankful that I found one that is healthy for me. If you ever want to come play, let me know...I would love to show you all the benefits of this wonderful thing I fell into.
And I will leave you with this Crossfit picture someone posted online...it pretty much sums it up :)
Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength."
