The Beginning

My purpose in writing this blog is to chart my progress and journey to personal fitness in the program CrossFit Amplitude.  Today I come out of hiding and shed light on a subject that a lot of people feel is taboo.  Obesity.  In January, I stepped on the Wii fit to have a little fun, and was told by the computer that I was obese! Me? I've always been a little chubby, or "big boned" as my Grandmother always called it.  But hearing that word set a tone for me.  237lbs. 37 BMI.  These numbers were devastating.   After working out on my own, cardio, weights you know the drill, I was not seeing any results.  I wanted something dramatic.  A true lifestyle change.  As I left for the gym several weeks ago, I noticed my neighbor had a sign on the back of his car that read CrossFit Amplitude.  I had tried another CrossFit program in town and was not overly impressed, but something drove my car to that gym. 


So today I begin. 


It wasn't like working out with a trainer.  It was different.  The energy was palpable.  There was no talk of weight or scales, only strength and "personal bests".  My "baseline" workout (as crossfitters call it) time was 9:47.  It was comprised of a 500 meter row, 40 squats, 30 situps, 20 pushups, and 10 ring pullups.  My trainer, Josh Coleman, was so encouraging.  He walked me through every exercise first, explaining the importance of form in each move.  He stressed the importance of pushing myself once we started the timed relay and told me it would take me around 10 minutes this time around, but that my time would continue to improve.  I started.  Those who know me know that I can be quite tenacious.  Regardless if I fell over, I was going to not stop, not break form, and even when I was breathing so hard I thought I was going to pass out, Josh egging me on the background helped me finish strong.  I left that building on a high that was unparralled.  I made it through it.  I felt like I was going to throw up!! But I did it.  Mission accomplished.  The first day is always the hardest.  But heres to hoping it won't be! 
  I will continue to write about my progress each day.  I will be crossfitting Monday through Friday for the next month.  And forget losing weight, I just want to be strong!