Guess what I did last night for the first time ever?
Dead lifted 100 pounds! :)
I’ve actually never even done a dead lift before, so that was a first, too!
I’ve been hearing so much about CrossFit lately and ever since I tried it for the first time at Reebok One a few weeks ago I’ve been really wanting to try it again! As luck would have it, right when I had CrossFit on the brain after returning from the Reebok trip, I met Chris from Crossfit Dupont at our Tuesday night Lululemon Georgetown run club. I was telling him about how I tried CrossFit at Reebok and loved it, and he offered to have me and Matt come in and try out his gym for 2 months in exchange for sharing our experiences and thoughts on the blog.
Matt and I started taking the “foundations” (aka introduction/form workshop) class on Monday. We’ll be going twice per week; after one more week of foundations we’ll be able to attend the regular classes. Matt’s really excited to give it a go, too!
Last night, we worked on kettle bell swings and also learned proper deadlift form. Obviously I’m not trying to become a serious weightlifter, but it’s really cool and helpful to finally know how to do some of these standard moves! I’ve been slacking on the strength training lately, too, so this will be good for me to do a couple times a week. :)
We started out with hollow pipes to practice our form, then moved to a lighter weight, and then on to the heavier bar. The guys lifted the larger weights first and I was expecting Chris to take the weight off the ends for me, but he only took off a couple smaller ones. I told Chris I didn’t think I could lift 100 lbs, but he was right — I did! :)
Matt picked up the form quickly as well!
So far, so good — excited for next week where we’ll get to learn even more!
Are you into strength training? How many times per week and what are your favorite moves? Have you tried CrossFit?
I try to strength train two or three days a week (squats, bench press, and other exercises using free weights) but I’ve never done CrossFit before–it’s on my fitness to-do list for sure! Seeing you deadlift, Anne, was a blast from the past; it reminds me of my college basketball days ;) I’m excited to watch and read about your CrossFit journey :)
ahh! so jeaous! cross fit still hasn’t come to my part of VA yet! can’t wait to see how it goes for you!
I love Crossfit! I started almost a month ago and I die to go back every morning. I try to go 4 times a week (Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri) and if I’m feeling up to it, I will take the Saturday morning class. Crossfit is my new favorite thing and I don’t want to step into a gym again! Good luck!
Its a great workout and addictive. You’ll realize you’re stronger than you think! I think kb swings are great for all over. Also like sdhp’s and assisted pullups.
I’m a newbie at strength training – working with 5 and 10 lb dumbbells right now. Crossfit looks so intimidating!
This year I have started to get more into strength training. and really love it. I decided to try more new things, moves, classes and workouts versus running so much.
I also just started to try CrossFit and had class #2 last night. I see why people love it, the people are great and its fun, so the opposite of going to the gym by yourself.
Right now I strength train 3-4 days a week.
I am trying CrossFit in Charlotte for the first time next week and can’t wait!
On another note, did you ever get your blood work results from UNC? I would love to know if you learned anything interesting!
I actually keep forgetting to call them – I need to do that!!
I have been CrossFitting for almost 2 year now! I am psyched that it is catching on and people are loving it. It is so fun and challenging. I love that the workouts are always different and it is so fast paced. It has worked me harder than any other workout I have ever tried.
Nice. You look extra focused and badass in those deadlift pics.
:)
I have to admit I’ve always been a bit intimidated by crossfit. It will be interesting to read how your experience is!
Anne – Glad to hear that you’re joining in on the revolution that is CrossFit! I’ve been hooked for 2 months now and although I’m nursing a slight injury right now, I’m itching to get back to the gym!! I’m a big fan of deadlifts, back squats and snatches! (can’t help but love the bench press, but that’s just because I realized I’m still nearly as strong as I used to be!) HATE BURPEES and MAN MAKERS!! Thrusters are really tough too!! I go about 5x per week, if I’m able to make it!
Totally into strength training! It does wonders to your physique :) I haven’t tried an official Cross Fit class – though I’m dying to! – but I’ve taken kettlebell classes. There are so many fun & challenging full-body moves.
Can’t wait to hear about your Cross Fit experience.
SO EXCITED! I just started Xfit too (in a similar blog recap deal) and LOVE it. I really doubt myself with some of the weights but have learned to be more confident. I got over my body weight in deadlifts last time…huzzaa!
That’s awesome – good for you!
That’s awesome! I have recently taken a huge interest in weight lifting and have been doing this class called “BodyPump” that is all over the country, its a Les Mills class. I love it! Have fun with crossfit, but watch out for the Paleo diet advocacy. It is something I have been fighting with a lot of my athletes, as it absolutely isn’t appropriate for athletes. Look forward to seeing a “buffer” Anne soon :)
I’ve tried BodyPump! I liked it but I didn’t love it – I think I’ll like CrossFit better :) And yeah, def not on board with the Paleo thing… good to have variety in the diet!
Wow! Nice job on the 100 lbs! I just don’t have the guts to try it, I think. I deadlift 85 lbs regularly, and for multiple reps, so maybe I should just TRY! Thanks for showing me its possible and not to be afraid!
Do it!!! I seriously was like, there’s no way I can do that, but Chris assured me I could. He was right!
I’ve been strength training for almost 4 years now and have noticed a big difference in my day to day activities. I sure helps a lot! A new Cross Fit facility just opened in my town. I’m excited to check it out to shake up the ‘ol routine a bit!
I started CrossFit in September last year and I’m hooked! I thought it was a bit pricey… but I´m still doing it and love the results.
Yeah I probably won’t be able to continue it after the partnership because I’m drowning in student loans at the moment. :(
Badass ;)
I want to try cross fit sooooo badly! :)
My hubby and I got into CrossFit about 4 years ago when he became a CrossFit Certified Trainer. At first I was skeptical cause I’m a runner-girl, but once I started doing deadlifts, cleans, and jerks I LOVED it. It feels so badass! And when I was doing it regularly I was soooo strong! I don’t do it as frequently anymore because I’m focused more on my running, but I did it all through my first pregnancy thanks to the CrossFit Mom’s website: http://www.crossfitmom.com/ which has scaled workouts for pregnant women.
That’s awesome!
Great job Anne and Matt.
How cool. I did cross fit for about 3 weeks before I happened to get injured. I had so a long way to go, but enjoyed the feeling I got after workouts. It was really expensive though so it is awesome you got to make a trade deal.
P.S.- I am such a klutz they wouldn’t let me do box jumps because I kept flying/falling off. When you do those you can think of that and chuckle.
Lol! I will :)
I’m really glad you loved CrossFit but pretty please don’t turn this blog into Fannetastic CrossFit. Keep up the awesome variety and fun posts! :)
Oh don’t worry, I won’t! I’d be as bored writing only about CrossFit as you guys would be reading it! I’m planning to write about it once per week :)
I do a body pump class once a week. I love the squat track and Shoulder track. Always challenging and always feel it the next day!
That looks like awesome workout! I would love to find a crossfit place near me that works into my schedule, but with 10 hour days that is so tough. Looking forward to hearing about your next two months!
Ahhh I’m dying to try Crossfit after seeing it all over the blogosphere! It seems like DC has quite a few, but I have yet to find one that will work for me budget-wise.
Yeah… they are so pricey! :(
Neat! Great to see that you’re trying this. Seems to me that the key is good form and avoiding straining something in some of the moves involving swinging the kettle bells, etc. Look forward to your reports on it!
That’s great! My friend and I were talking about trying one of the CrossFit boxes in Arlington this weekend. I’m scared I won’t be able to lift anything though – I’m not the strongest (or largest) person!
Don’t be scared – everyone starts somewhere!