Because you wouldn’t do it otherwise
Wallballs
Heavy Deadlifts
Overhead Squats
Double unders
Thrusters
Burpees
This list is full of movements that are hard. Movements that are hated by most of you. Movements that suck the wind from your lungs and the power from your muscles. Movements that make you feel weak, uncoordinated, and out of shape. Movements you wouldn’t do if you didn’t come here. No one (except Steph) enjoys the feelings that come during workouts. No one likes the uncertainty of holding down their breakfast, the risk of raking their shins on that next box jump, or the realization that you’re totally spent when you’re only half way done. But we suffer through every last rep and come out the other side better for it. Stronger, faster, more coordinated and more capable. Taking the easy way out and avoiding your weakness will leave glaring holes in your abilities and sooner or later invite injury. We all have movements that we pray never come up… and it’s usually because we suck at them.
Well, those movements aren’t going anywhere so you better embrace the shitty feelings, roll up your sleeves and improve yourself. I’m a small guy and I avoided anything heavy for my first 2 years of crossfit. When you do your own programming it’s easy to steer clear of things that make you uncomfortable. Once you commit to regular exposure… the hard things get less hard. Progress may be slow, and it may never be “easy” but avoiding difficult tasks is the best way to ensure they remain difficult. Face your fears, embrace the suck, and conquer your weakness. No one will do it for you.
I hate overhead squats, because they hurt and I’m not good at them. But I have a goal to complete 15 reps at my bodyweight. In my quest to achieve that mark, I’ve gained a tolerance for the movement. I don’t enjoy them, but it doesn’t bother me when they come up in a workout. They’ve gone from hated, painful and avoided to just another tool in the box.
Here’s a 30lb personal record overhead squat - 215lbs
Because they suck from Dansville Fitness Club on Vimeo.
