I thought a bear was just an animal...

     I apologize that my CrossFit blog has not been totally consistent with entries.  I have been hard at work and it has been challenging to fit in my writing.  Yeah, yeah enough with the excuses. Let me catch you up to speed....

    I have 3 more sessions left at CrossFit Amplify and I am satisfied with my progress. It is going to  take patience to keep on going with CrossFit to get the moves down. I am much further than I would have been had I just trained at home.  Going to the box has opened up my whole world into CrossFit.    Some may join to get into better shape or to change things up.  Me, I am obsessed. If you know you have an issue that is half the battle.  I am obsessed with seeing progress in my skills and my conditioning for the WOD's.  I have to channel it to this, because our society can distract you on just the superficial benefits of working out.  We have our moments where we fall for it.  I would much rather channel my energy into getting just 10 more pounds on the bar and pulling at the right time, than what the scale says. When I joined Amplify I knew I was getting more than just a WOD, I was getting awesome coaching.  It is so much more than just having a personal trainer or a group fitness instructor.

     I look for that outlet that fills me with positive up lifting feelings.  There is just something that draws me to the olympic bar. I didn't go searching for it, but it is this incredible rush to stand in front of the bar and just lift it.  It is challenging to see the clock tick away as you complete your WOD. The people there keep it real and like to train just as hard as you, if not harder.  I was totally inspired by one who was doing a challenge WOD.  He ran in the down pour 400 meters, followed by 20 thrusters, and then completed 15 pull ups for 4 rounds.  As a runner it is way tougher in the rain. Talk about dedication and the mentally to overcome the weather.  To top it all off it was 5:30 a.m..  At those "global" gyms the members are running inside on a nice treadmill in the a/c.  Really?!?  No offense, that is where I came from for the past 10 years. That is why I can write that.

      The video isn't perfect I am no way near perfect, but I am making progress and I am not giving up.  Isn't that a principle of life...Be better than you were yesterday.


If you really want to see a rockin' video of the bear complex check this out....

Why Video???

Taken by my Coach to show
proper set up form. 

     On a summer night out my husband and I had a conversation with someone who performs.  We got on the subject of watching videos. My mental writer's notepad came on immediately.  At times my blog posts are rooted from passing conversations.  So, you never know when what you say, might just show up here.  Obviously, I will leave you nameless, but you will know it is you.  No worries...it is all good stuff.

     You probably have noticed that Randy and I like to video workout sessions.  From the conversation that we had that evening, I realized the importance of videoing.  He reflected with us that people can be  their own worst critics.  Very true, because when Randy and I see him, we think he is phenomenal. Some people have such a gifts and the ability to share those gifts with others.  Yet, when he watches his performances he said he looks for areas to improve on.  That seems sooo odd to me, because I would say "No,  just keep doing what you are doing!"  Do you see the difference?

     When we watch him we are inspired by his energy and talent.  When he watches his videos it is to assess his craft.  Which leads me back to our videos.  Randy really enjoys filming and editing. I on the other hand like to just workout and blog about it.  I think we make a pretty good husband and wife team.  When he comes back with a video of a workout that I did I find that I go through various stages.

1st: I am grateful that he took time to make it.

2nd: I can't wait to see if our children are in it.

3rd: I sit there and analyze and critique every part of it.  Especially, my form.  My goal is try improve on technique and to see progress.  This lets me evaluate if rather or not my training is effective.

4th: I contemplate the video before publishing it....Should it go on YouTube or not??? There are tons more footage that I just assess and then delete, just so I can get the mental breakdown of where I need to go.
I was recommended by a fellow CrossFitter to download the app "Coach's Eye,"  this has been extremely helpful and a quick way to video and breakdown the movements.

5th: Finally, if it makes it to this stage I will publish it.

 Sometimes we get "hits" and sometimes we get negative feedback, but I am okay with this.  That is what happens when you put yourself out there.  At least we are out there and for the right reasons.

    In conclusion when you see a video hopefully you like it, especially the music.  Thank you so much to our  favorite Chicago Band .  They are very nice in letting us use their music in the videos.  After reading this maybe you will decide to video your workouts, check out your form, and just maybe you will publish it.  You never know who you will meet along the way with the same interest or who would inspire.  At times my wish is that you see a video of me and think the following:
I can do it better and YOU get out there and do it! 

Happy videoing,
Kima
p.s. If you have a video of your training please post it as a comment here.