If you haven’t been following along recently, I just started a podcast a few weeks ago where I’ve been talking food, fitness and some life stories. And one of the main things I’ve been seeing is questions regarding starting at a gym and being intimidated to take the first step. I was in that same space and feeling that same way about 7 years ago. I hated going to the gym, I hated feeling like I didn’t know what I was doing, and I hated feeling like people were judging me as soon as I walked in. But that feeling is extremely common with anyone who is just getting into exercise or even just trying a different workout. Intimidation is normal. Feeling like you don’t know what you’re doing is normal. But it shouldn’t hold you back.
Doing something new, conquering the unknown, and feeling uncomfortable is normal when it comes to life. Think about starting a new job or having your first child or signing up for a marathon. We do sh*t every day that scares us and makes us question why we even signed up for it. But those chances lead to experiences and lead to bettering ourselves in the long run. And that’s what you do every day you walk into a gym: you become better than yesterday. Sure, it can be scary and intimidating at first, but if you find a gym that you feel comfortable and welcomed at, you’ll never feel the regret of walking into a gym. The thing that kept me going back to CrossFit was the many relationships I built over time, no matter what gym I went to. I’ve been at the same gym for over 5 years now because this gym makes me feel comfortable, always makes me smile or laugh, and constantly challenges me. Find that gym. If you haven’t found it yet, don’t give up, try a new one. You deserve to find a gym that makes you comfortable and confident, so never give up on that search! Don’t let intimidation hold you back, let it push you forward!
And before I let you go, this week on my podcast, I’ll be answering whatever random questions you have. Whether that are gym related, food related, about relationships, clothes – honestly whatever questions you have, I want to answer them! This podcast will be all about random stuff so please leave your questions here or on my social media so I can answer them! Can’t wait to hear what questions you guys have!
Sunday – Rest day
Monday – Workout out of town at a different CrossFit gym
Tuesday –
Deadlift: 4 x 7. All sets at 75%. Reset at bottom each rep. (16 mins) – I used 155#
(3 Warm Up sets then 1st working set at 75%)
Then 3 Rounds For Time Of: (13 min time cap)
100 Double Unders
20 Hang Power Clean (135/95) – unbroken 1st round
10 Burpee Box Jumps (30/24)
I finished in 9:37 using 85#
Wednesday –
Squat Clean (16 mins)
1 x 3 @ 70% – 110#
2 x 3 @ 75% – 115#
3 x 3 @ 80% – 125#
Then 3 Rounds For Time Of: (14min time cap)
470m Run
10 Squat Clean (135/95)
15 T2B
I finished in 13:something (don’t remember) using 85#
Thursday – Rest day
Friday –
3 Power Cleans Every 90 sec for 12 mins (9 sets). Drop between w. quick reset. Start at 60%, add as you wish. – I got to 135#
Then For Time: (16 min Time Cap)
750m Row
470m Run
50 / 40 Cal Assault Bike
30 Burpees
15 Muscle Ups / Burpee Pull Ups
I finished in 13:36 doing 8 ring muscle ups
Saturday –
Every 5 minutes for 5 rounds:
470m run
20 wall ball
10 deadlift
My slowest time was 3:19 using 105# DL
____________________
Free Travel Workout:
400m run
21 burpees
21 weighted lunges (per leg) – with dumbbells by sides
21 dumbbell push press
400-15-15-15
400-9-9-9
On Sale Fitness Apparel:
Ivy Park Jogger Pants (40% Off!)
Twist Tie Tank Top (33% Off! – 2 colors)
Zella Tank Top (40% Off!)
Running Shorts (33% Off!)
Brooks Running Shoes (15% Off! – 4 colors)
Dropped into your gym while in Denver for the weekend and I can understand why you love it so much! Christy & Jason were awesome and so welcoming. Still searching for a gym like that in my city but yours sets a great example! Thanks to you all for letting me join in on a great workout on Friday 🙂
Can you talk about who you follow like bloggers or on IG for inspiration this week?
i’ll definitely talk about that!
Okay, so I’ve been living under a rock and need to check out your podcast, how awesome! Can you talk about how you narrow down your fitness goals in CrossFit? I feel like there are a million things I can work on, and I end up spinning myself in circles trying to make a decision on what skill to focus on, ending up dabbling in everything and seeing steady improvement in none of it. Any tips on goal prioritization?
I have this same issue! Please talk on this!
i’ll definitely talk about that!!
How do I get out of the mindset of feeling like I HAVE to track what I eat, whether it be through an app or journal, and how do you know when your body just NEEDS a rest day? What signs do you look for other than just the “I don’t wanna go to the gym today” feeling?
just wrote this question down! i’ll definitely cover it!
Yes please! 🙂
You give us a ton of awesome suggestions for workout clothes, but I would like to know what are your go-to CrossFit clothes? Particularly pants – I have to stop and pull up my pants after every 2nd burpee.
Also, thank you for using the word “gym” rather than “box” lol.
i’ll definitely talk about that! and OMG i hate when people say box. or WOD. just call it a workout, ya dick
Just wanted to mention that I purchased some Zella workout pants last week and they are fabulous! Only came across them due to your suggestion. Got the high-waisted ones so they don’t move during workouts. Thanks!
it’s the best!!
Do you participate in the programming at CF B’way? I love that you post your weekly workouts and it appears they do an excellent job of balancing strength and conditioning, while keeping it challenging for a large audience. Are you part of that planning? If so, what templates/models do you use? Also, the travel/at-home workouts you post are great, thank you for those + the videos — it makes life so much easier!
I was just wondering if you’re still participating in barre classes at all anymore? I know you had started doing so a little while back. If you are or aren’t, I’d love to hear a little more on your experience with combining it with Crossfit, and if you stopped, why. I’ve done a few barre classes in the past and am contemplating adding them in more regularly, but also Crossfit, so I’d be interested to hear your view! Thanks!!
honestly, i haven’t been doing it much because i just haven’t had time since i was traveling so much. the studio that i go to is on the other side of town so cf is just a little easier to get to and what i want to be doing most of the time if i’m only getting a few workouts in while i’m in town. but you’ll probably see me going there a few more times now that i’m back in denver for a while. i loved both workouts, i just love cf a little more! but they were definitely great together!
Hey we all know that new person in the gym already took the hardest step by walking through the door! Little does the new person know, we already respect you for your courage and your desire to change. It only takes one friendly “hello” or “welcome!” to make someone feel comfortable so don’t forget to do that when you’re no longer the “new person” 🙂 It will give the newbie one more reason to come back!
absolutely! i always try to get drop ins talking to our members right away so they feel comfortable and more welcomed!
This is SO true and what I was going to comment below, but then figured I’d just add it up here. 🙂 I started at my CF gym with one intro class with a friend. She never went back…I’ve been going for 2+ years. It SUUUUCKED, but the people. Man. I don’t know how it is at other gyms (or boxes 😉 ), but at mine… EVERYONE is so amazing. I’m a bigger girl, and struggled with a LOT of things, but I NEVER felt judged. I felt supported and was cheered for. It’s fucking amazing. We’ve all started somewhere and it’s people/gyms who remember that and keep that in mind for the newbs that are truly successful. 🙂
Juli!
I’ve loved using your Cookbook to make meals for my family. Last night we had your pizza $ ranch w salad. Had sweet potato waffles this weekend. We are trying to cook our way through the whole thing. Thank you for such awesome recipes.
xx
that’s amazing! hope you love every recipe!
Here’s a question for your podcast!
I just wrote such a ramble, realized it was way too much for you to read and have synthesized it down to the following:
How do you deal with people pushing you to lift more weight? As in pressuring you into that? Have you just put your foot down and said “No, I’m not going to rx these workouts even though I could?” I just had to quit a box because they basically wouldn’t let me do lighter weight (loading my bar between rounds) and were constantly pushing me to compete. I get that it was probably just the wrong fit for me, but how did you establish yourself with the coaches and other members when you decided to quit competing? I want crossfit to be in my future but I’m so frustrated these days. (Yes, this is the short version – haha).
you got it! just jotted this one down!
Kate, I can totally relate! The coaches at my last gym were always pressuring me to do heavier weights. It made me feel like a slacker, but I just didn’t want to put on any more mass.
Ugh! So frustrating! Yes. I know people always say “lifting heavy doesn’t make you bigger, eating cupcakes does” but I swear I put on muscle so easily and just get crazy jacked! Good to know I’m not alone!