Thursday, December 30, 2010

New Year, New Workout

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With the New Year only two days away many of you may be thinking about getting in better shape. It can be hard to find a regime that works for you. So, I thought I would share my journey and how I found a happier and healthier me.

Three years ago I was working out five days a week at a large corporate gym. I would get off from work, commute an hour and then spend two hours working out. It was exhausting. I had no time to spend with my friends and family—I hardly had time to eat dinner. Even worse I wasn’t getting great results. I had hit a plateau and felt stuck. I was one of those cliché girls who would run on the treadmill for forty minutes, then jump on the elliptical for another thirty minutes, spend forty minutes weight training and finish with ten minutes of stretching. You would think I was training for a fitness competition. But, that’s just what I thought was necessary to stay healthy and slim. It wasn’t until I met my boyfriend that I discovered I could finish a workout in twenty minutes and be in the best shape of my life.

My boyfriend started experimenting with CrossFit shortly after we met. He's an extremely fit athlete and this new regime was seamless and natural for him. I on the other hand was reluctant and nervous. How could I reduce my workout time so drastically and still get results? Would all that weight lifting cause me to bulk up? Is it enough cardio? I had all the common questions when I first started. What I found was that you can get a great work out in twenty minutes (or less) and that you only get bulky if you are trying to get that way.

While I still like to mix up my routine such as going for a long run or rejuvenating at a sweaty yoga session, I’ve realized that CrossFit has improved not only my fitness, but my quality of life. I now have more time to do things that I enjoy and my confidence is the best it’s ever been.

Is CrossFit Right for You?

1. CrossFit caters to your individual fitness level.
If you have no experience going into your first class your workout will be set at a beginner’s level. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a grandmother—everyone does the same work out. What changes are the intensity levels and the volume. These are based on age, weight, strength, endurance and flexibility.
2. Focuses on functional fitness.
Functional fitness is among the latest buzz words in the fitness industry. There's a good reason for it. It tailors your training so your body is better able to handle real life situations. Crossfit focuses on building a body capable of daily activities such as: lifting, jumping and climbing.
3. Works the whole body.
CrossFit gives you a full body workout in 20-60 minutes. Most workouts combine body weight movements like push-ups and squats as well as endurance and cardio movements like running, rowing, kettle bell swings and box hops.
4. Curbs boredom.
Boredom is one of the biggest causes of burnout in fitness training. Doing the same daily routine not only drives you crazy but also diminishes results. CrossFit is constantly varied exercises. This helps eliminate boredom and plateaus.
5. CrossFit is a community.
One of the biggest misconceptions about CrossFit is that you have to be extremely fit and competitive to join. The classes have a friendly competitive atmosphere. No matter the fitness level the cheers and support of your fellow gym members will help take you to the next level. CrossFit builds camaraderie through the sweat and tears of a challenging workout.
6. Go hard or go home.
One reason why CrossFit may not be right for everyone is the mental and physical toughness that is essential to your improvement. Of course, if you’re injured or ill you are not forced to push through it. However, you should try your best in every workout.

Check me out on my gym CrossFit Cadence's blog on Tuesday.

32 comments:

Unknown said...

love this! you're getting me so motivated to get back into working out. I finished my first half-marathon earlier this year and I can't believe how far I'd come by setting my mind to something, how i was able to meet my goal. It was exhilarating crossing that finish line but i hated having to spend hours at the gym a day. this sounds like a great alternative for cross-training!

www.ThePantryDrawer.com

Mallory said...

sounds like a great workout. buttt. we don't have cross fit in brazil. sad day. luckily im not the type who needs motivation (marathons are the motivation) but it is sooo hard to focus on strength training alone at home, with no gym. would love to get back on one of those jumping blocks...well we have to work with what we have, right! happy new year :)

R Orozco said...

Definitely trying crossfit next year.
I did bootcamp style traning and then total athletic conditioning training and those two did wonders. Of course, they were done separately. I think I am ready for something new!

Closet Fashionista said...

I really do need to start working out, but my problem is I do NOT want to go to a gym...I hate being places where there are a lot of people...so I have to find something I can do at home and then be able to motivate myself to do it... *sigh* haha
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

SWF_Terra said...

You know I am a big fan of CrossFit. It completely changed my body. And the workouts are SO FAST. It's always brutal. It's always difficult. But that's the way it's supposed to be.

A group of us girls gave our friend Alaina a 12-session package of CrossFit as a new mommy gift while she was pregnant. She had her baby last December and started doing CrossFit as soon as she was cleared. She was not only back to her pre-baby weight within 3 months, she looks even better than before. She's totally addicted to CF!

CROSSFIT WOMEN KICK ASS!

ThE fAsHiOn WoRsHiPeR said...

Good for you dear!

XoXO-Kelli K
http://thefashionworshiper.blogspot.com

Tiffany Kadani said...

Oh man, I think I really would love CrossFit. I love how it's a lifestyle but doesn't consume too much of your time. Thank you for this post!

Sammy said...

How I wish I could stay motivated when it comes to working out! Your body is real fit!

Sam

J. said...

haha I just love that the workout post comes right after the eclair cake post! I like how you think!!

Taylor Sterling said...

Jammer- Ha Ha! You have to something to balance it all out. :)

Elle Sees said...

thanks for sharing this! it def works it seems, via your photos

LadyLUX said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alicia Lund said...

Taylor this is such a great and inspiring post!! I'm hoping to up my workout routine in 2011 and my fiance wants to try Crossfit - I just sent him the link to this post ;) Happy early NYE!

Tabitha said...

Thank you for sharing! My friend has been doing CrossFit for a few years and although he was successful in getting me to eat Paleo...CrossFit is another thing. As I explore my new workout regime in 2011 CrossFit might be a good contender.

The Iconic Blog.com said...

Good for you!x

Marcie said...

I have heard of this and really want to try it. I am scared though because I have arthritis in my knees, so I am embarrassed I won't be able to do all the squats and jumps. I think I will try it anyway and bring my husband along.

Thanks for the motivation, Taylor!
M

Taylor Sterling said...

Marcie,

Yes, you should try. Don't even worry about any of that. The only way to get better is to start. I hope you try it. :)

xoxo

Mary @Delightful Bitefuls said...

You have KILLER legs! Just thought I'd throw that out there ;)

Great run down of CrossFit! ...just came back from a good ol sweaty work out... never a bad idea to try something new or switch up a regular routine though!

xo

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great workout!

Lindsey said...

I have been thinking about CrossFit for a while but just never really got motivated to actually try it. So after I read this post, I looked up my local gym and I'm all set to go to my first class at 5:30 today! THANK YOU for posting this and giving me some motivation!

Kelly said...

i love how much you encourage fitness :) i'm looking into crossfit in my area! i'm superrrr interested!

ediot said...

i really need to start working out after new year..
hope you're having a good week dear
HAPPY new year

xx

Taylor Sterling said...

Kelley-

yay I am so happy to help! Give it a few times to adjust and feel it out. I hope you enjoy it!

Mary- thanks so much beautiful!!

Sara said...

I love crossfit! I was on a break for a bit but am thinking of may back soon! Been doing it for 3 years!

Corie said...

I was thinking about trying Crossfit for the upcoming year....I'm afraid.

I'll just stick with Jillian Michaels.

But you are definitely an inspiration.

Roxan said...

Ahh, nice post CrossFit buddy! You are my box hopping hero. Thanks for posting that awful pic of us at Regionals! :)

Dylana Suarez said...

Sounds amazing! You are truly an inspiration Taylor! I hope you have a wonderful new year and you accomplish all your goals! You deserve it!

xoxo,

colormenana.blogspot.com

yiqin; said...

I really neded to go out a workout aasap

Christina G. said...

Thanks for this information! I checked out all the information and I'm totally doing it (with the hubby too) and we're starting a free 2 week trial period on Monday night! Yikes! We both work out sporadically during the year so I know this will kick both our butts, LOL.

Thanks again for sharing! I'm super excited to try it out now since the gym bores me.

Candace @ inFITation said...

I'm a runner but I've been looking for a new fitness routine that can get me active on those days when running or yoga just doesn't cut it. You are certainly the picture of health so I just might take your advice & give crossfit a try. Thanks for throwing in some fitness motivation along with your style posts, it's inspiring! Happy New Year!

Candace @ inFITation said...

I'm a runner but I've been looking for a new fitness routine that can get me active on those days when running or yoga just doesn't cut it. You are certainly the picture of health so I just might take your advice & give crossfit a try. Thanks for throwing in some fitness motivation along with your style posts, it's inspiring! Happy New Year!

Dina's Days said...

I started Crossfit a few weeks ago, and it has completely changed the way I look at fitness. In the last few weeks, I've achieved great strides, and accomplished fitness goals I never, ever thought my body could.

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