My 8 Week CrossFit Challenge – Part 1

I snapped this picture just before an early morning run. Gorgeous!

It’s the dawn of a new day…metaphorically and literally speaking. After years of failed attempts to get me to CrossFit, it finally happened. I’ve always loved working out, but my idea of exercise is a long hard run and some yard work. I’ve watched my amazing man Alex over the the last few years of doing CrossFit, and now as a trainer make incredible physical changes, but also become mentally stronger thanks to the friendships he’s made in such a close-knit CrossFit community.

Fine! I’ll try it.

Okay, so it wasn’t too hard to convince me to start showing up since the only thing holding me back was my pride. I’ve never done any weight lifting and…well…I’m super competitive and can’t stand being the worst at something! Also, I’m a closet introvert who masquerades as an extrovert. I’m naturally very shy when I’m out of my element and a gym full of crazy fit people who can do handstand push-ups and lift obscene amounts of weight over their head is just a little intimidating to say the least. Bad excuse, I know. However, there is one way to get me out of my comfort zone, put my ego aside, and work hard – the prospect of a cruise!

There was going to be a challenge. The winning team gets to take their spouse/significant other/friend/whoever on an all expense paid cruise. I may still be able to go without actually participating if Alex’s team wins, but hey I want to look good too!

Ok, I’m in.

Everyone gets an official, detailed, personal body mass evaluation or BodPod (more on that in a minute) at the beginning and end of the challenge. The team with the most overall improvement at the end of the 8 weeks wins a cruise!

The BodPod looks like an escape capsule from all the sci-fi movies you’ve seen. No rocket boosters though, just close the hatch, change the air pressure, take measurements. I’m not sure how, but it’s able to measure your weight then tell you how much of your total weight is from fat, muscle, and other stuff like bones and organs.

My results weren’t too bad. Because I’ve been following a pretty clean diet I’ve remained moderately lean despite having four children. However, that moderately lean is more of a squishy lean than muscular lean. Here’s the numbers…

Height 5 ‘ 6″ , Age 30

Body Mass >>>>> 119.703

Fat Mass >>>>>> 24.3%

Fat Free Mass >> 75.7 %

So, now I’m doing a CrossFit challenge and I’m taking you all on the journey with me!

My goal is to replace some of that squishy with muscle and build up my stamina. I have eight weeks, an awesome and might I add super hot trainer (who also happens to be my husband), and an amazing team!

I’ll keep everyone posted on my nutrition plan, benchmarks, and fun tidbits along the way. Wish me luck!