Last month, I jumped into the regular CrossFit classes at Ignite Fitness. I had been going to the OnRamp (introduction/beginner) classes on and off for a couple months. I enjoyed the classes but I felt it was time for me to move on if I was really going to delve into CrossFit. I signed up for a year.
I go Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6 a.m. I convinced Kevin (also from the OnRamp class) to come with me. So thankful he came with me for the few classes. There’s only about 5 of us on a busy morning. Everyone is super friendly and cool.
In these first few weeks I’ve learned much. Mostly I’ve learned that I have work to do on improve the flexibility in my hips and ankles –– essential for just about every CrossFit lift or movement. Sigh. This morning I went to the OnRamp class where we worked on our OHS. I couldn’t get a lot of depth. Earlier this week, I had the same issue with my back squat.
Damn you, desk job!
There was one woman in the class who sunk down below parallel with no effort. I am so jealous. (I learned she has a dance background.) Wade got his guy and myself to work on loosening up our hips before we tried the OHS again. Test. Re-Test. I tried again but I still couldn’t get lower. Test. Re-Test.
I’m falling apart. Wade suggested other exercises for us to do when we are home. I chatted with his wife briefly who said she used to have the same issue gaining depth. Stretch. Mobility. Stretch.
Interestingly enough, Wade that it is flexibility that mostly limits the amount of weight a person can lift. Even though most people think it is a strength issue.
Too much information!
Then of course there’s my other issue of understanding directions. I am still struggling with the technique for the snatch. I seem to forget everything once I step through Ignite’s doors. I don’t think anyone else has many problems as I do remembering the hand positions on the bar, feet position etc. Clean. Jerk. Snatch. OHS. Front Squat. Ugh.
I’ve never done any weight training like this before. I’ve never heard of any of these Olympic moves until I came to Ignite.
But I persevere. I know CrossFit isn’t supposed to be easy. Challenging, yes. I am pushing my limits. Right now I am struggling with my technique and flexibility. Fine. I know one day this won’t be as big of an issue. At least that’s what I am counting on. In the meantime, I see a lot of stretching in my future.