#03 - 🏋🏾 CrossFit: A Beginner's Guide for Business People

One more rep, before you close that deal ;)

¡Hola amigos!

Welcome to my Odyssey, today I wanted to talk about the importance of keeping a healthy body while aiming for that Unicorn status. Being physically strong is paramount when you work towards an ambitious goal.

As Socrates said:

“No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.”

But first I wanted to give you some context about me and Crossfit itself.

The Backdrop: A Lifelong Dance with Sports

From the adrenaline-fueled days of youth to the wisdom-laden age of 38, sports have been a constant heartbeat in my life. This deep-rooted passion eventually led me to the exhilarating world of CrossFit, a relationship that has experienced seasons of intensity and repose.

A daunting challenge struck when I was 30. A severe ankle injury benched me from any training for over a year. Those months became a crucible of patience and introspection, with the sports I cherished feeling like a distant dream.

After almost 15 months out, emerging from that shadow, I found solace in CrossFit. Its ethos of adaptability resonated deeply. Despite the echoes of my injury, CrossFit allowed me to tailor my workouts, ensuring I could give my all, regardless of physical constraints.

CrossFit Odyssey: A Deeper Dive into the World of CrossFit

The allure of CrossFit lies in its unique blend of strength, agility, and endurance, making it stand out in the fitness landscape. Let's delve deeper, guided by insights from crossfit.com.

CrossFit's Ethos: Preparing for the Unknown

CrossFit is a philosophical approach to fitness. At its core, constantly varied workouts ensure readiness for any physical challenge. Imagine a harmonious blend of gymnastics, weightlifting, and sprinting, all brewed together like a rich cup of Colombian coffee.

The Guiding Light: The Role of a Coach

CrossFit's beauty lies in its adaptability. Whether you're a fitness novice or a seasoned athlete, CrossFit, guided by a coach, meets you at your level. These mentors ensure that as you conquer one challenge, another awaits.

A Glimpse into the Coliseum: What does a CrossFit Class Look Like?

• Whiteboard Brief: The session begins with a gathering around a whiteboard or TV, where the coach outlines the workout.

• Warm-up: The coach leads a warm-up to prepare for the challenges ahead.

• Skill Practice: Focusing on movements that feature in the day's workout.

• Workout Prep: Gathering the necessary equipment.

• The Workout: An intense session of strength, agility, and endurance.

• Clean Up: Winding down, exchanging acknowledgments, and preparing for the next day.

Deciphering the CrossFit Lexicon

CrossFit has its language:

• Box: A CrossFit gym.

• Affiliate: A term symbolizing a gym's connection with the CrossFit parent entity.

• WOD: Workout of the Day.

• AMRAP: As Many Reps/Rounds As Possible.

• Burpee: Transitioning from laying flat to a jump.

• Thruster: A blend of a squat and a lift.

• Snatch: Lifting a weight from the ground to overhead in one motion. This lexicon is the beginning of what you'll learn.

Every class starts with a whiteboard brief, ensuring participants are always informed.

The Undeniable Link Between Physical Health and Success

Physical health isn’t just about the absence of illness; it's a state of complete physical well-being. When you're healthy:

• Energy Reservoir: Your body is your reservoir of energy. With good health, you can channel this energy towards relentless focus and hard work.

• Mental Clarity: A healthy body fosters a healthy mind. The mental clarity that comes from physical well-being allows for sharper decision-making and strategic thinking.

• Resilience: The road to ambitious goals is seldom smooth. Physical health builds resilience, allowing you to bounce back from setbacks faster.

• Strength: More Than Just Muscle

Strength isn’t merely a physical attribute; it’s a multifaceted quality:

• Physical Strength: Enables you to endure long working hours, travel, and other demands of ambitious pursuits.

• Mental Strength: Equips you to handle stress, setbacks, and failures, transforming them into stepping stones.

• Emotional Strength: Helps in building and maintaining relationships, a key aspect of any successful venture.

The Interplay of Health, Strength, and Ambition

Ambition without health and strength is like a car without fuel. It might look impressive, but it won't get far. As you work towards ambitious goals:

• Consistency is Key: Ambitious pursuits require consistency. Being strong and healthy ensures you can show up every day, giving your best.

• Endurance and Stamina: The journey towards high-reaching goals is a marathon, not a sprint. Physical health provides the stamina to endure, while strength (both mental and physical) equips you with the resilience to face challenges head-on.

• Optimal Performance: To give your ambition the best shot, you need to operate at peak performance. This is only possible when you're in optimal health and possess the strength to push through barriers.

Cultivating Strength and Health

To truly harness the power of strength and health:

• Regular Exercise: It keeps the body fit, boosts mental health, and increases endurance.

• Balanced Diet: Fuels the body, providing the necessary nutrients for both brain and body.

• Mental Well-being: Practices like meditation, reading, or even hobbies can ensure a sound mind, fostering emotional and mental strength.

• Rest and Recovery: Equally important as hard work. It ensures the body and mind rejuvenate, ready to tackle challenges afresh.

In Conclusion

Ambitious goals demand more than just a fervent desire; they require the holistic strength of body and mind, underpinned by robust health. As you chase your dreams, remember that your body is the vessel carrying you towards them. Nurture it, strengthen it, and it will not only support your journey but also amplify your chances of reaching those lofty heights. The CrossFit journey is one of growth, challenges, and continuous learning, so I think both are the perfect match if you want to be successful and healthy.

Y ahora, un cafecito ☕