Decide to Try
by Team Athleta • Nov 9th, 2009 • Category: Gym+Training, Share Your Chi
Becoming a “try-athlete” was much easier than I thought it would be.
For so many years I had the urge to get out and do it, but the fear and stigma kept me back. Sure, there is fear involved in trying something new, but I have learned fear is just part of the fun. The competition? Piece of cake. It is just me versus all of the endless activities I can muster.
My most recent “try” was a two-part event: diet and exercise. For the diet portion, I cut out gluten and dairy and focused on eating a balanced “live” meal plan (less processed, no ingredients that require a science degree to understand). For the exercise portion, I was just going to start up my gym routine (that had gone not-so-well in the past), but was asked by a co-worker to try out CrossFit instead. CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program that offers constantly varied workouts, lifts and movements to prepare the body for just about anything (BTW, this is perfect for the try-athlete as every day offers a new workout, not routine).
The best part of being a try-athlete is the no expectations clause. I went into the events without pressure; all I had to do was give them a try. I admit that I did struggle with the first event. It was more challenging than I thought it would be, and I was not prepared. While I did learn by trying a new approach to healthy eating is that I want to continue and make it part of my daily life. The second event has led to the biggest changes in my life. CrossFit seems to have been designed just for me, and I am so grateful that I made it a part of the “try”.
While there were no expectations going in to this try-athlon, I do have results. I lost 30 pounds of excess body fat, my body accepts the foods that I am eating and uses it for fuel, and my overall strength and conditioning has improved ten-fold. Also, I have become a bit of a “try” junkie. In addition to the varied workouts through CrossFit, I have tried slacklining, road biking, parkour, yoga, running a 10k, and the list goes on.
I am proud to say that I am a try-athlete. I have no medals or podium photos to share, but I do have a collection of memories, stories and smiles. Please share your try-athlete story… all you need to do is try.
Rachel
Athleta Creative Services Manager
Authors Note: WARNING! The possible side effects of becoming a try-athlete include improved health and wellness, extended periods of elation, life-lessons learned and an automatic “Yes!” reply to any athletic opportunity that comes your way.
DECIDE TO TRY. It’s easy. Just try something to challenge your mind, body and spirit. You know that dance class you’ve been considering? Try it. Try a competitive event for the first time. Try one small shift toward fueling your fitness with healthy food. Whatever it is, just give it a try, then use the Share Your Chi submission form to tell us about your experience.
I myself started crossfit about 2 weeks ago…I’m about half way through the on-ramp program and I am so excited with the results so far! I was so bored with my old strength and conditioning program so I decided to “try” crossfit. It’s so amazing and I don’t think you can EVER get bored with it! And I completley agree with you about crossfit being perfect for preparing your body for anything. I myself have a goal to be in top shape for hopefully xxcrosses fingersxx a future in cirque du soleil.
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Hi Rachel,
You look awesome and I’m sure you feel it too! I had so much fun with you and Janessa at Halloween! So good to spend time with you!
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Hey there! Love the pic and story! I’m inspired. Now I’m going outside and ‘try’ a handstand with my kids. Wish me luck!
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This is so fitting for me today! I was just saying last night that I always wanted to try a bootcamp at the park at 6 a.m. thing or crossfit or just a 5k. I usually stick to classes at the gym, but I’m ready for a change and a challenge. Thanks for the motivation!
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Thanks Rachel. Your story has inspired me to try cross fit. I am 51 and I did my first tri this past June and look forward to another this coming june. Although I swim (not very well), bike and mostly run, strength training is something I have never been consistant with. Thnks again!
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Rachel, I’m so proud of your accomplishment. You’ve worked hard for this, and you’re an inspiration. And now you’re trained to help others reach their “try-goals”. Congrats!
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I’m so happy for you and proud of you. You’re the bestestestestest ever! I love you!!!!
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This year was ‘reclamation lindy’ and I’ve had a great journey of rediscovery… this ‘try-athlete’ idea is a perfect fit! Thanks for sharing your story!
…scatter joy…
lindy
collagecafe04.blogspot.com
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love it rachel…very inspiring. it can be easy to get stuck in an exercise rut, so being a “try-athlete” sounds like a great approach to keep things fresh. I would love to hear more about how easy/difficult it was for you to cut gluten and dairy from your diet…
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@Gymnerd: Congratulations on your On-Ramp start and what an amazing goal: Cirque du Soleil!!! I wish you all the best!
@Beth: The strength you gain from Crossfit, or other weight/skill training will assist you in your other fitness goals too. It is fun to have a variety of exercise activities to choose from when you have a free day to play :)
@Margaret: I thought cutting bread from my diet would kill me. Seriously. I loved nothing more than clam chowder in a sourdough bowl with extra sourdough slathered in butter for dipping. That was my heaven on earth. HOWEVER, after talking with my doctor and reading various articles on inflammation I started to take the gluten thing more seriously. At the very least, I wanted to try cutting out both gluten and dairy to see how my body responded. The first two weeks were really hard, I will not lie. Once I learned how to plan my meals and replace bread with other things (mostly veggies), it was super easy. My body responded right away which made it instantly rewarding. I felt better; much better. My food was fueling my body, not putting it to slumber. Best of all, I wasn’t inflamed any more. My joints no longer suffer and my digestion is, well, smoother. I cannot say that every individual would have the same reaction or that this is the right thing for you, but I can tell you that my quality of life is better because of the changes I made.
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I’m so curious about Crossfit! Thanks for sharing your experience with it. Will check it out in Cincinnati…I really want something that will keep me going. I’ve managed to stick with reformer pilates for 2 years, but all of the cardio and other strength building activities, just haven’t held my interest.
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If you’re interested in trying out Crossfit check out the main web site Crossfit.com – tons of information and guaranteed inspiration from some of the fittest women on the planet!
Being weak is a choice, GET STRONG!!!!
Crossfitting for 2+ years.
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