my favorite workout partner
This month marks 5 years of Crossfit for me. It is funny to think back on what I expected Crossfit to be like and what it actually turned out to be in my life. There were several factors that kept me from wanting to try it years ago. One of the biggest ‘issues’ I had with it was that it was co-ed. Growing up as a gymnast I only worked out with girls. Then I did diving, swam 4 years in college (as a workout, not competitive), worked at Curves for Women, and did various classes – with girls only.
Working out with guys was unfamiliar, unknown, and, therefore, uncomfortable.
I had had gym memberships in the past and always avoided the weightlifting areas because I wanted to be as far away from guys working out as possible. I also would groan when a guy would pop in one of the classes I was taking. The thought of being in a class with guys was a huge turn-off for Crossfit to me.
I preferred to be in an environment just with girls, thank you very much.
BUT there were so many other things that made me want to just give it a try. So I did.
Now 5 years later I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve showed up to class and been the only girl – and most of the time I don’t even realize it until halfway through the workout. It’s just not a thing. I thought it would be a thing. I was wrong. Sidenote: there are amazing women in my class too, many of which are dear, dear friends.
I could write an entire essay on how working out with guys has not only been not a big deal, but how it has actually been far better for me than I could have ever expected. I’ll skip that essay (at least for now) because what I really want to celebrate is the joy of working out with ONE guy in particular – my oldest son Corbett.
I think for many moms of teenage boys there is a tricky dance of trying to connect with their sons. I hear stories from other moms about struggles to find common ground and mutual interests. I am so thankful I joined Crossfit 5 years ago and that it is co-ed. I had no idea that the one thing that made me want to say, “No way!” (working out with guys) would end up being the greatest gift for my relationship with my son.
Most mornings we wake up in the dark, mumble a “How did you sleep?”, and then drive in silence to the gym. We get moving, laugh at each other, encourage each other, compete with each other, and then talk on the drive home. Our mornings together are a catalyst for conversations for the rest of the day. Crossfit is ‘OUR thing.’
5 years ago I almost never walked into Crossfit 51 because I was totally intimated by the thought of working out with guys. I’m sure glad I chose to try it because it turns out my favorite workout partner is a guy.
When it comes to fitness, my goal is to take the best care of the body I’ve been given because life and health can change in the blink of an eye.
I want to be MY best. To be stronger today than I was yesterday. To play soccer with my kids and not get winded. To climb mountains and not be intimidated by the physical toll of it. Ultimately, fitness for me is not about the number on the scale or how I look in a swimsuit, it is about being healthy and ready for whatever adventures come my way…for as long as I am able. Today, I am able, so I’ll get up early, I’ll push myself, and I’ll climb the rope with my favorite workout partner.
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