Can CrossFit Make You Sexy?
You try lifting 890 lbs and see what funny faces you make. (Ok, so it was only 95 lbs, who cares about the details?)
The "face of pain" today is the "face of confidence" tomorrow--that's the CrossFit way. (And check out what it does for "chest expansion.")
Confidence, no matter how it’s “packaged,” is sexy. But how do you increase confidence? For a lot of women, it gets down to how we feel about our bodies. For me, an amazing confidence booster is knowing my body is powerful enough to do whatever I need it to do, so I’ve always worked out.
Lately though I’ve noticed a change. Call me crazy but it might have something to do with this trippy thing called aging. These days, no matter how much I work out, I can’t seem to get strong. I mean really strong–the kind of strong where you can open a vacuum-packed pickle jar in seconds, chase a guy for days, lift 20 gallons of water, or change the tires on your car while also holding your car up. (Okay, maybe not that strong but you get the point.)
My point here is that I can’t even do a single push up, and it’s seriously messing with my head, to say nothing of my sexy. In fact, I can’t get through a yoga class without collapsing face first on the mat, arms and legs splayed open like a bug on a fly swatter.
I found help recently in the form of CrossFit Bootcamp (AKA Grunt School) at Arrowhead Crossfit. ArrowheadCrossFit is owned and operated by Cash Reynolds and his wife, Dr. Natalia Reynolds. (Full disclosure here: Cash agreed to put me through the CrossFit 12-session Grunt School in exchange for my reviewing the experience here, but as always, I write whatever I want.)
I’m more than half way through Grunt School as of this writing. Already, my entire body has toned (especially my arms and upper back), my posture has improved, and my jeans are looser. Friends tell me a certain cockiness has slipped into my stride. Also, I was in the supermarket the other day and opened a whole shelf of baby food jars just because I can. And I’m not even finished boot camp yet.
So what is it about CrossFit that makes it unlike any other exercise program? One unique aspect is the focus on high intensity, super-efficient routines that exercise your body in the way it was designed to move (known as functional exercise). Each CrossFit session is different for a boredom factor of zero and a challenge factor of, well, infinite. The workouts are done at a gym—in my case, Cash’s gym, ArrowheadCrossFit, an inviting, fun space filled with pull up bars, barbells, kettlebells, hanging rings, and other equipment.
Cash Reynolds revealing just how much fun you can have when you're strong.
CrossFit was started in the 80’s by a former gymnast, Greg Glassman. It’s taken off recently probably because it took that long for people to burn out and give up on all stuff that doesn’t work. In addition to its emphasis on intensity and variety (muscles can’t adapt to exercise that keeps changing and that maximizes fitness), CrossFit is very social. You’re never isolated on a machine or mindlessly following some instructor. You’re training with highly motivated, committed people who track their progress along with yours. Yes, it’s demanding but it’s also a lot of fun—especially if you’re training with your significant other.
Cash Reynolds showing off his "60-pack." And you're wondering if CrossFit works?
Cash was also trained as a gymnast. He arrived at CrossFit after spending years training, studying, and writing about fitness. He doesn’t sell any supplements, believing good food and the right exercise are the best medicines. He’s living proof the approach works. By using a combination of a low glycemic diet and CrossFit training, Cash has been able to keep his Type 1 diabetes under remarkable control while achieving uber-strength. (Some examples: Cash deadlifts 500 lbs, back squats 455 lbs, and runs a mile in 5:50 and a marathon in 3:15.)
Natasha Reynolds doing pullups at ArrowheadCrossFit Gym.
I confess, when I first started Grunt School, I was intimidated. I mean, Cash looks like he eats apartment complexes for breakfast, how the hell would I keep up with such elite training? I sought out his wife, Natasha, for reassurance. She’s been doing CrossFit for two years and is model slim. I kidded with her that she looked like she couldn’t lift a chocolate bar. She gave me a sly smile and bounded over to the high bars to do a few pull ups, an exercise a lot of guys can’t do. After I picked my jaw up off the ground, I gulped hard. I wouldn’t have believed it without seeing it. Natasha later explained she couldn’t do a single push up when she started.
Suitably inspired, I got to work.
Skill and technique are critical to success and Cash guided me through each step, ensuring I was moving properly and not risking damage. Each workout involves two activities chosen for their complementary effects fitness-wise and done at a level of intensity and efficiency guaranteed to bring the toughest to their knees.
It turned me into a whimpering mewling baby crawling across the floor begging for a hot bath filled with epsom salts and a Swedish massage. But then, after a day of recovery, I’d notice a shift. It was as though, after each session, my metabolic machinery were fine tuning itself as the sinews and muscles of my body incrementally strengthened and my energy and endurance ratcheted up.
CrossFit keeps you strong and flexible: how many muscular guys can do yoga, too?
Natasha Reynolds warming up with a kettleball.
It’s a very cool feeling. I asked Cash if most people experience this kind of thing.
“Every person I’ve trained has reported increased strength, mobility, energy, motivation, stamina and endurance,” he said. “I’ve trained two Navy SEAL teams, a division of navy seamen, two basketball camps, a wrestling team, and about 60 individuals,” Cash added.
Most of the effect is obviously from CrossFit, but I’ve got to believe some of it is Cash–he’s no ordinary teacher. He puts his all into training people—attention to detail, thorough explanations, patience and enthusiastic support, and a nuanced understanding of body function and form so you come to understand your own body better than ever. I had to wonder what kept him going.
“It’s purely passion,” Cash said. “Passion for teaching people how to increase their self-esteem and improve their physical being, which I believe is the foundation for everything else. People stand taller, walk confidently, feel better, and are proud of what they’ve accomplished. That is the greatest payment I could ever hope for, and I freaking love my work.”
I can’t say I freaking love CrossFit yet—it’s more like CrossFit is the challenge I love to hate. I do love the results so far though. The big test will come on the last day when I’ll see how I do with the dreaded push up. I’ll report back then and let you know. Wish me luck!
PS: If you’re looking for a great gift idea for Christmas (it’s a blast doing it with your partner or a friend) or you’re determined to keep your New Year’s resolution at last, Cash is offering $100 off the introductory training (Grunt School, which is 12-sessions) until the end of January, 2010. Here’s the contact info:
Tel: (480) 444-2310
Email: cash@arrowheadcrossfit.com
Arrowhead CrossFit
15525 N. 83rd Ave
Peoria, AZ 85382
http://arrowheadcrossfit.com
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Comments
Very cool and congratulations on taking the hardest step of your progress, beginning. I couldn’t tell you how many times I am at the gym and see new people come in only to leave by the end of the week, it’s sort of sad. Good luck with the rest of your training!
My CF journey is taking me to hell and healthy. I am in a bit of a rut right now, trying to get off anti depressants but I am addicted to Olympic lifts. And, on point, I felt my sexiest when I was well in the throes of CF several years ago.
Curious to know if CF has any affect on your depression? Is it allowing you to get off antidepressants as exercise can do? Thanks for the input!
Hey P
Check back in a week. Right now, I am in such a tight spot and dont have a lot of energy and am really doing Paleo to stand myself upright. I am doing basic home WODs and know once I have a full week of Paleo and vitamin and fish oil, I am going to feel diff. But hell, yeah, even writing about CF on my blog is staving off darkness.
[...] To see Pamela’s article on her CrossFit experience visit her blog http://seasonedsex.com/crossfit-workouts/ [...]
What makes anyone sexy is confidence, and feeling good about yourself and how you look just adds to your confidence. We often talk (and complain) about ourselves and our situation but you feel better when you stop whining and do something about it. The older we get, the harder it is to keep in shape . (Damn gravity!!) Nothing sexier than someone that makes the effort to look their best.
BTW– I would enjoy workouts together. Men sweat but ladies glisten!! Now that is sexy!!!
Keep up the good work.
The end is near — this Thursday I have my last day of CF. After that, I’m launching the CrossFit dating site….(joking)….I promise to post on my “after” thoughts!
I personally don’t think cross fit can make anybody sexy, it can make you get in shape, but there’s a big difference between being in shape and being sexy, what make a woman sexy is her confidence, the way they carry them self, the way they act, talk and communicate with others. A dress is not going to make her sexy, it can make you look good, but looking good it’s not being sexy, but that’s just the way I think. All you women are beautiful and I wanna to tell you that SEXY is being happy with yourself, I have seen many beautiful woman in good shape, but when they open their mouth it’s a turn off, I love smart women, independent, sweet and on… like I said before you all are beautiful, you bring life to this world, and I thank you all.
Great article, I personally tried Crossfit and its great. But any exercise is for nothing without a healthy and proper diet. BTW, what other diet programs can you recommend to go with Crossfit?
Hi Owe. I agree, exercise and diet are the cornerstones of health. I’ve always said, nothing feels better than healthy. I’ve forwarded your questions to Cash Reynolds, who is extremely knowledgeable about diet (especially from a blood sugar control point of view). I asked him this question and his response was something along the lines of avoiding processed foods — white sugar, white flour, etc. As another friend and CrossFit devotee says, if the food requires any manufacturing or processing at any point then avoid it. He’s super fit! I’m sure Cash will ave more to add. Thanks for the question!
Owe, I agree with you on the priority and importance of nutrition. I’ll tell you what I think of diet recommendations, mostly reflecting my background in crossfit and as a diabetic.
I like a simple-steps approach. Whatever else you do, I think it’s important that you start by reducing sugar. The more sugar you can eliminate, the better, including all its pseudonyms: high fructose corn syrup, cane juice, maltodextrin, maltitol, etc etc. If you’re not in the habit of reading nutritional information, get into it and get past the initial shock and distress of how much of our food is saturated with sugars.
Next, understand that food is hormonal and addictions play a role. Sleep deprivation and stress are driving a lot of people’s cravings for carbohydrates and sugars. Being aware of these hormonal factors is the first step to improving your control of them.
Mythbusting. Having the intellectual spine to reject common myths and marketing bullshit is a big key. Low-fat “diet” foods are unhealthy. When choosing where your calories come from, you should always prioritize fats over carbohydrates. (Too often, you won’t really have a choice. For economic, convenience and comfort-food reasons, carbs are basically inescapable.)
Ethics. Do you buy into Original Sin, that man is evil by nature, that the body and its needs are evil? If so, you might also like veganism. If, on the contrary, you think that ‘nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed,’ you’ll want a diet (and an ethical system) that is based on human nature. This goes back to having an intellectual spine and not being a sheep. Our bodies are built to optimally function on a meat-seeds-veggies diet. Trying to subordinate nature to misanthropic moral fantasies is scientifically and ethically misguided.
So, other name brand diets include the Zone by Dr. Barry Sears, the south beach diet, Atkins, all of these low-glycemic-index approaches are basically good.
I strongly recommend getting your hands on ‘Fat Head: The Movie’ by Tom Naughton. You’ll find clips on YouTube (eg. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8WA5wcaHp4), and it’s available through Amazon and Netflix. Closely related, the single best book you’ll ever refer to on nutrition is Gary Taubes’ _Good Calories, Bad Calories_.
Couldn’t agree with your post more! Zero boredom is the factor. For me, it has become a quest. Good luck with your pursuits! Amanda