Each one of us has a unique body, mind, interests, talents, and personality that distinguish us from every other person on the universe. These differences are what make us want to be around each other. Aren’t you curious about the person standing next to you? Learning about their background, experiences, and views? I know that whenever I meet someone new, I play a quick (or long) game of 20 questions, which some of you may have witnessed by now! Genetics, as well as our environment and exposure, create these differences. I am so intrigued by the fact that there are billions of people in this world, yet not one of them is the same as the next, pretty insane.
The gym is one place where our physical differences come to the surface. How often do you hear someone say, “why can’t I lift that?” or “why don’t my legs/stomach look like yours?” Although diet, exercise, and training will help us get closer to these goals, it’s important to remember that we are all different. We all have a different set of genes, family background, and lifestyle we need to accommodate! At some point it’s more beneficial to acknowledge our differences and focus on our individual potential. Comparing yourself to the person on the next platform is great if it makes you push a bit harder, but not if it makes you come down hard on yourself. The biggest change I am working on in CrossFit is not getting so bogged down in comparing myself to others, but rather becoming more in tune with my individual potential and capitalizing on my unique strengths. Yeah, I look at the girls in the gym who can walk on their hands and bang out muscle ups in their sleep and think “oh man, wouldn’t life be just great if those skills came easy to me”. I’m learning that for the movements I struggle with, I need to not wish away my differences, but use my strengths to build up my weaknesses- unlock another path that will help me reach my potential.
Come to peace with your differences. If we were all the same, if we all had 6-packs, could squat clean a small house, or do legless/handless/whatever the hell competitors are doing, then there would be no point in working hard. And without working hard you would never uncover the talents and strengths you never knew you had in you.
Strength
Deadlift
2-2-2-2-2
WOD
3 Rounds
10 Overhead Squats (115,75)
10 Front Rack Lunges
10 Ring Dips
Level 2 (95,65)
Level 1 (75,35)
Conditioning
4 x 200m Shuttle Sprint*
Rest 1 minute between efforts.
*Start at the 300m line. Sprint to the 400m line, to the 200m line, to the 300m line.
Rest 5 minutes
EMOM 10
100m Sprint
Core
Double Alternating Tabata
-Hollow Hold
-Abmat Situps