Coach Caitlin Gray
August 22, 2011
There are questions that every human must ponder throughout the course of a lifetime, none of which are easily resolved and all of which require serious consideration as we seek the answer. What is the meaning of my life? What does my future look like? Will Bella ever leave Edward? How many Nor Cal Margaritas is too many Nor Cal Margaritas? And, perhaps most importantly, what is the point?
Although all of these questions require their own adequate time and consideration, it is this final one that I would like to discuss. In day-to-day life we often get so caught up our routines that we forget to take a step back and ask ourselves what we are doing here. Taking the time to reevaluate the “why” in a situation often gives perspective and meaning to an otherwise monotonous routine, and this is rarely more apparent than in the gym. As a community, it is absolutely necessary that we take a step back and ask ourselves, “Why am I here?”
When addressed, the “why” makes us revisit what brought us to the gym in the first place. Why did you start CrossFit on day one? Perhaps you joined the CrossFit community to lose weight, gain fitness, or improve the quality of life. Maybe it was to meet new people or challenge yourself in a different sport. No matter what the reason, it is unlikely that any of us joined CrossFit in order to post a time or a number on the results board at the end of the WOD.
And therein lies our problem – We. Are. Missing. The. Point. Too often now we find ourselves sacrificing good standards of movement for a barely-faster time. Too frequently do we surrender good technique for a slightly heavier (and ultimately injurious) lift. We did not join this community to cheat reps, to flex nuts (just an expression, ladies), or to take pride in shitty work. That is not the MO of this gym, but somewhere between the friendly banter and the posting of results on the leaderboard, we have lost our way.
So. What to do? Well kids, it’s simple really. Come in to the gym. Compete – with yourself or your peers. Talk trash if that’s your style. Have fun. But above all else, remember why you are there in the first place. Take pride in your work, and know that you have genuinely earned every new second that you take off of old scores and every pound you add on to new lifts. That, after all, is why we are here.
Well said Caitlin!
Very well said Caitlin!!
Caitlin allow me to add my kudos great post
Thanks guys
Great read to start my day, Monday, week! Thank you!
Well said Caitlin!!! LOVE IT!
Amen!
When I am actually healthy I struggle with this exact thing on a routine basis…I literally have to talk to myself through workouts to keep the focus on form vs the ability to shave a few seconds and stroke my ego a touch.
Well said Goose, thanks for the morning MOTO!
A great post Caitlin. This is a point argued by Robb Wolf virtually every week on his podcast. Technique should be the most important thing in any workout and the end goal should always determine the exercise. I would even take this a step further and say that lifestyle in terms of sleep and eating habits need to align with these goals. I know that this message, both in concept and practice, have dramatically helped me.
Fantastic, thank you Caitlin
Agreed. Crossfit, like life, isn’t worth doing half-assed. Thanks Caitlin for the reminder
I crossfit for my future, my fourties, my kids, my health, my self, my mind, and it is truely my happy place. I couldn’t function in my daily life, with out working it out at the gym. I love going and giving my all, cheering on my peers and being the voice to day you can’t quit, or give up. Cheating only cheats yourself. Finishing is an accomplishment you can be proud of. Great post Caitlin, you are truly an inspiration for me to continue on in my fitness goals.