CrossFit Re-Set

CrossFit has changed my life in so many ways.  I have realized that I am stronger, both mentally and physically, than I ever thought possible.  Like most new CrossFitters I have been envious of the other athletes in my box with their constant PR's, RX'ing every WOD, and their Kipping pull-ups.  Each day that I went in, I would try to increase my weights, increase my reps, and increase my time.

This past week, though, I came to the epiphany that most CrossFitters come to, I have been compromising form to overcompensate my ego.  Bottom line, I really haven't been helping myself by rushing through the WODs with heavier weights rather than staying at a lower weight and really getting the entire movement.  So, I decided to make some changes. . .



Earlier in the week during the Strength (weightlifting) portion we were doing back squats.  Normally, I would look at my max and then scale down the percentage from there.  In doing that, though, when I hit the 85% mark, I know that I would not have had good, true, complete range of motion.  Instead, I started at worked my way up to the heaviest weight that I could and still have good, true, complete form.  



In talking with my trainers this week, it seems that almost all CrossFitters go through this period and have gone through this same process.  They have all told me that while initially I will go down in weights that I will actually see more results from doing the movements properly rather than just throwing heavy weights around.  I sure hope so.  I know that in the last couple of workouts, I really have focused on the movements and I have felt it more with lighter weights than I did by using the heavier ones.

I guess this shows that even though I have found the right workout for me, there is always going to be room for improvement, room to grow, and room to learn.

Have you had to start over with a workout?  Re-set not only your mind but your body, too?  I remember having to do this when I was running a lot, as well.  I'd love to hear about your fitness stories.