MINDING YOUR BODY 2013
divine
(cross)
fits
CrossFit — the Cross-
Training Exercise Program
— Kicks You
BY WILLIAM KENNEDY
TODD COOPER
obin Runyan is a four-year CrossFit veteran and
coach. She came to CrossFit because other
workout and conditioning programs didn’t hold
her attention; CrossFit’s quick pace, varying
routines, close-knit community and friendly
competition appealed to her.
Runyan is with me at Eugene CrossFit, near Valley
River Center, to guide and coach me through my first
workout. I’m far from an exercise enthusiast, so I’m going
to need all the help I can get.
“CrossFit is awesome for many reasons,” Runyan says.
“I hardly worked out before it. When I started, I did the
same workouts as the ‘real’ athletes, but scaled to my ability.
And I got stronger and learned more skills as time went by.”
CrossFit.com, the fitness company’s website, says:
“CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program,”
developed to be a broad fitness regimen that “optimizes
fitness (constantly varied functional movements performed
at relatively high intensity).” In the past few years,
CrossFit’s popularity has skyrocketed.
I set a few goals for my first CrossFit class:
1) Get some exercise.
2) Have fun.
3) Don’t cry and/or beg for mercy.
4) Don’t puke.
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“My name is Luke,” says the class instructor, a
handsome, broad-shouldered man with a friendly smile,
offering me a firm handshake.
“I’m William. I watch Downton Abbey.”
I don’t really say that.
First off we “warm-up” with a 400-meter run outside
the gym. I normally don’t run unless I’m chased, and I
quickly lag behind. But I push through, and soon we’re
back inside. Next, we lap the gym doing high knees, “butt
kickers” (heel to glute, heel to glute) and a sort of
combination crab-walk and squat.
At this point, I’m checking off goal one on my list; I’m
still having fun — but I’m growing uncertain about
accomplishing goal three and four by the end of the hour-
long workout.
There’s definitely an element of competition in the
CrossFit experience. Daily personal workout stats are
recorded on a large white board. The CrossFit Games,
founded in 2007, pits athletes against each other in
workouts they only learn hours beforehand. This year,
138,000 people entered the games.
But those intimidated by competition shouldn’t be
dismayed — CrossFit is a friendly and welcoming
environment. Luke gave plenty of personal attention and
help learning the ropes.
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The remainder of the workout consists of box jumps,
push-ups and basic weightlifting technique (the kind of
weightlifting oversized men and women do in the
Olympics). “Let’s put some weight on now,” Runyan says
after I show some progress learning the form with an
empty bar. “Put some weight on it?” I think to myself
incredulously.
We also practice with a kettlebell — kind of a shot put
with a handle. We lift it over our heads in a core-
strengthening exercise. Next is an 800-meter run. “A half-
mile,” Runyan whispers to me. I give it a shot, but at this
point I’m walking a large portion of the route.
After the workout, Runyan tells me why she thinks
CrossFit works for her when so many other exercise
programs did not: “We hold each other accountable,”
Runyan says. “I saw immediate results.”
“I like going to the gym,” Runyan continues, “and I
never thought I’d say that. I feel better physically,
mentally, emotionally — it’s a game changer.”
“Think you’ll do it again?” Luke asks me, likely
noticing my flushed complexion and the fact I’m breathing
heavily on the floor of the gym. I consider my checklist; I
definitely got some exercise, had tons of fun and managed
to avoid crying or losing my breakfast.
Four out of four ain’t bad. ■
Pam Farmer L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
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eugeneweekly.com • March 28, 2013
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