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I fell madly in love.

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with ActiveRain

After a lifetime of searching, I fell madly in love.

Let me start from the beginning.

I've spent the last several years looking for the perfect exercise match to fit my busy schedule and need for variety. The elliptical machine, treadmill, group classes (spinning, step aerobics, swimming, Zumba, kickboxing), running, hiking, boot camp, sprint triathlons, Bikram yoga; you name it, I've tried it. Like clockwork, boredom eventually kicks in and I'm on to the next best thing.

Then one day it happened.

I was introduced to CrossFit. It was definitely not love at first sight. My first "date" with CrossFit left my muscles aching for days and my body so unbearably sore it was a struggle to move. But I knew that I had stumbled upon something special, so I decided to give it another shot.

I spent a few days a week with CrossFit and started noticing changes in my energy and strength. My new friends from class told me great things about how CrossFit had changed their lives. I wanted to see if it would change my life so I set a goal: to take the plunge and commit to three months of CrossFit. Within a few months of hard work (unbelievably as little as 15-20 intense minutes of CrossFit, three times per week) I became stronger and noticed that excess fat was converting to lean muscle mass. My exercise plan was challenging and fun and I noticed real results. This was a win!

Today.

It's been eleven months since I started CrossFit, and I'm leaner, stronger, more energized, less tired and more productive professionally. Each day at CrossFit is completely different which keeps my mind and body engaged. I can also splurge in my diet here and there and stay fit. What a dream match for my lifestyle! I truly love CrossFit.

As real estate professionals it can be hard to find the time and energy to exercise and as a result, health and overall well being are affected. If you are interested in trying a new exercise program and are willing to invest a small amount of time that will produce BIG results, then CrossFit may be a good match for you. 

StickyFiggy cartwheel

What exactly is CrossFit?

CrossFit is a group strength and conditioning program that focuses on varied movements with high intensity. CrossFit includes a mix of strength training, cardio, plyometrics and full body exercises.

CrossFit gyms offer group classes at specific times throughout the day, where they assign a "WOD" (Workout of the Day) and monitor the workout and your progress.

Every WOD is different which keeps CrossFit fun, interesting and unpredictable. With CrossFit, you won't get in the rut of a boring gym workout regimen. Keeping it fresh and varied helps keep your body and mind constantly challenged and you'll notice quicker results. 

Top Benefits of CrossFit:

  • improved strength, both physically and mentally
  • leaner body (decrease fat and increase lean muscle mass)
  • improved stamina and endurance
  • increased agility
  • better range of motion
  • more energy
  • better quality sleep
  • improved coordination
  • decreased injury
  • increased flexibility
  • improved confidence

If you're interested in trying CrossFit, search for a local CrossFit gym - most offer a free intro session. So grab a friend and try it out - keep it fun and interesting and you too may fall head over heels for CrossFit.

Image courtesy of Jane Marshall at StickFiggy.com.

Deborah Byron Leffler BzyBee Real Estate Lady!
Keller Williams Realty Boise - Nampa, ID

Sounds like something I need to look into!  I have been using a trainer since June...and I am seeing results....I only have her until the beginning of June though!   She is going into the Army in January....and I am having surgery in December and will be down for about 6 weeks!   So will have to come up with a plan b!!! 

Oct 21, 2010 07:08 AM
Lauren Bernstein
ActiveRain - Seattle, WA

Deborah - CrossFit is amazing! I tried a personal trainer as well but scheduling could be challenging with an unpredictable work schedule. CrossFit has provided the best results I have ever experienced, with the least amount of time invested!

Oct 21, 2010 07:14 AM
Jon Washburn
Seattle, WA

Lauren,

I thought I was in decent shape before I tried CrossFit. I'm trying to muster the courage to jump in and commit to a three, or even one, month stint.  

Do you have any suggestions on how to prepare mentally for pushing yourself in a new challenging program like this?

Congrats on finding your true workout love. :)

Oct 21, 2010 07:42 AM
Douglas Ching
Kenmore, WA

I don't have the time to exercise, at least thats the excuse I have been giving myself for the last few years (ok i'm not going to lie, the last decade). I always thought that work outs required at least an hour of dedicated time each day, if I can get a good workout in 15-20 minutes then I really have no excuses left.  If I could just put down the coffee cup and feel energized the natural way by being healthy then i'm sure my body would be the better for it.  I'm going to give it a month trial and see what happens (hold me to this).  

Oct 21, 2010 09:02 AM
Lauren Bernstein
ActiveRain - Seattle, WA

Jon - Thanks! You can mentally prepare by setting a goal to try CrossFit for one, two or three months and writing it down. Commit to a minimum of three times a week and write it on your calendar. Once it is written down it is amazing what you can achieve!

You can also play the marble trick with a friend at home or work: get an empty glass and add one marble each time you go to CrossFit. The person to fill the glass first wins. This is a good way to engage in friendly competition and measure your efforts while doing something good for your health. Why don't you and Doug try it?

Doug - This is great! Yes, set aside an hour three times a week (travel and class time) and you will see results! They can also give you a list of travel workouts to follow when you're out of town (some take only 7-10 minutes).

There is a CrossFit gym half a mile from the office - you can pick a consistent class time that works with your schedule (morning, noon or evening). I can take you to class tomorrow if you're ready.

Oct 21, 2010 09:28 AM
Aaron Warner
Recruiter for Central Bank - Bellevue, WA

Lauren,

What does something like this cost? Is it pretty cheap?

 

Jon- I'll see you next Tuesday.

Oct 21, 2010 02:30 PM
Lauren Bernstein
ActiveRain - Seattle, WA

Aaron - Good question. CrossFit is an investment in your health and if you look at the costs of not being active, strong and energetic, it is a steal! CrossFit is less expensive than getting a personal trainer. The five CrossFit gyms I've visited have monthly unlimited packages ranging from $160-$180 per month or if you want to spend less, you can buy a specific number of classes per month for a flat fee. It works out to ~$12.50-$15 per class. Check with your local gyms.

Oct 21, 2010 02:41 PM
Aaron Warner
Recruiter for Central Bank - Bellevue, WA

Thanks Lauren! I'll have to snatch up a package soon!

Oct 21, 2010 03:14 PM
Rowena R
LuxuryRealEstate.com - Seattle, WA
Luxury Real Estate marketing

Wow, I just got back from my first CrossFit class not too long ago and it was pretty brutal.  Actually, it wasn't even a class, it was an introduction.  In that short, seven-minute session I found it a challenge to keep myself rom dropping to the floor.  Even now, it hurts just to type.  Definitely not a sleepy yoga class. 

I'm not the most physically fit person so it was a bit scary, but it was Great!  Thanks for sharing this with us!

Doug- How did your month trial go? :)

Mar 15, 2011 02:49 PM
Mirela Monte
Buyers' Choice Realty - North Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach Real Estate

Hmm!  Interesting!  I need to check it out.  Thanks for the post!

Now featured on Taking Control Of YOUR Health!

Apr 21, 2012 04:29 AM