"I don’t have to the time to exercise – I don’t have time to plan it"…. Said All Women EVERYWHERE!!
When I first got into CrossFit I was a full time shift-worker – Nursing – night shifts, double shifts, late-earlies… I was just permanently buggered. I had no energy – couldn’t be bothered thinking about what I wanted for tea let alone where/when/what to do in regards to an exercise program. I was working out on the machines at the hospital gym – aimlessly trudging on the treadmill or stationary bike… leg presses and lat pull downs with no idea what I was doing, getting bored and certainly not getting any noticeable results.
Looking back now I didn’t really know what I needed – Now I know – Something that was time efficient, got me results & pushed me and something I didn’t have to plan myself.
That was what I first loved about CrossFit – All I had to do was make sure I could get to class on time (I didn’t want late burpees!) and just show up. Our coach took us through what we were doing, I learnt new skills, I got a hard workout and I barely even had to think. Plus I got to socialise & have a laugh with my fellow CrossFitters – everyone at different levels but all of us giving everything. Then – head home, eat some food and then off to night shift!
Being a woman (sorry fella’s!) we have to make decisions all day every day… what’s for tea, what to buy grandma for her birthday next week, organise the kids birthday party etc etc… the list is never ending!! It is such a pleasure to go for that one hour per day where someone else helped me and told me what to do for a change. I only had to focus on what I was doing right then and there and I could switch my brain off from the rest of the world for that one hour. Bliss – it almost made the workout part easier – almost ;)!
Sure – it was hard work – everyday was different… I would roll up and it was like… today we are rowing 5km!! Oh oh… I have never rowed that far… oh well – let’s have a go… sure enough – 30 minutes later I had rowed my first ever 5km’s! Sure – no records were broken but I had achieved something that I would have never have done by myself and with my fellow CrossFitter’s suffering along with me – I actually had fun doing it!!
So Problem 1:
I don’t have time….
This day and age we spend a lot of time on social media – switch that shit off and get to the Box (CrossFit gym) instead!!
I know – kids are No. 1 – of course they are!! You spend all your days making sure they are safe, well, happy & learning. But just remember – your mental & physical wellbeing are also very important. How can you be there for your kids or your family if you are falling apart?? Taking time to do this will make you healthier, happier & more able to look after and run around after your kids. It’s also setting the best example about keeping active for them to look up to. It doesn’t have to be hours and hours every day!! 1 hr – 3 times per week….
Problem 2:
I don’t want to plan what to do OR I don’t know what I’m doing…
As an example, a class starts at 5.30pm – get there at 5.20pm – say g’day to your coach & your fellow CrossFitter’s. Your Coach takes you through a warm up, some mobility/stretching, some strength & skill work, then a 10-15 minute workout with demonstrations & assistance with weights & movements. Finish up with a cool down and some stretches – class finishes at 6.30pm – stick around & chat with a few crew after class & then head home. A mental break, physical exercise & social interaction – almost ticks every Box!!
So Ladies – all I can say is – take that 1 hour out of your day for yourself! You do have time – your health & wellbeing is worth it. You don’t have to be fit to do CrossFit… I certainly wasn’t when I started. I started CrossFit as a full time shift-worker - it was six months after my knee reconstruction and I didn’t know a single soul at CrossFit Box I started at. I was doing a workout once or twice a week at the hospital gym beforehand and I certainly didn’t go and get fit before I started (which is the most common statement I hear from people that I talk to about CrossFit). I went to CrossFit and got fit!!
Yours - in the constant battle of work/life balance & realism,
Eve – Nurse/Coach/Affiliate Owner/Mum
