Critics.
In the fitness world, they are everywhere.
In the fitness world, they are everywhere.
Recently, I came across a post on Facebook that had a link to one of my favorite articles regarding intensity. The link was from 2009, about a year after I started CrossFit. Even though our sport has evolved, the information in that link was as fresh and relevant as it was 4 years ago. I enjoyed reading it again. Good advice never has an expiration date.
But I read that article with different eyes. Now, I read it as a coach and as someone who knows her weaknesses. It was actually more helpful today than it was back then. Now, I can not only see my mistakes, I acknowledge them. I didn't always do that back then. Most everything I couldn't achieve was someone else's fault four years ago, in my mind. Surely, it wasn't mine.
Jeez, was I dumb.
I now shoulder that responsibility in the gym and in life. I'm stronger for it. I know myself. And, I like me. As an added plus, I don't care if others don't like me and that is pretty sweet, too. It's amazing what you can gain when you realize that even though you are a decent human being to others, people are going to either like you or not and you have very little choice in their decision on the subject.
When I started to CrossFit, most everyone was pretty accepting, kind of like the family you have at your box. I lost 3 lbs, got one double-under or used the 35# kettlebell for the 1st time and it was like a freaking online parade in my honor. I could post a picture of me wearing gloves, a belt and wrist wraps, chalk up to my elbows doing wallballs with a basketball and people would be like, "Great job, beast!" It's part of what I fell in love with when I started CrossFit and it still exists in most every box today and on their Facebook pages. It feels GOOD to be praised for your work. That support made the old 200 pound me come back every stinking day. I felt like a rock star. So did you, right? I hope so! You deserve it, damn it. This shit is hard! No matter what level- RX, scaled, Masters, Games athlete, garage ninja, grandma....it's no cake walk. If it is, write me. I can recommend a good article on intensity.
Back to that article...
The photo that accompanied the piece was of a woman doing a split-jerk. Back in 2009, the simple fact that she had more than one plate on either side of the bar made my heart ache with envy. The weight looked to be 105#. "Holy shit," I thought. "What must that be like?" Her face was pure grit-just beautiful and intense. Inspiring.
Four years later, I can tell you, it is pretty fucking great! It was surreal to read it again and know that I can split that weight now. I thought that was unachievable. Surely, I was an expert about what I could and couldn't ever do, right? Again, I was wrong.
But now, I notice other details. Her split isn't very deep or wide like some other folks, she is wearing running shoes and her grip is different than mine. I'll be honest, you don't see a lot of pictures posted these days of people split-jerking in running shoes. Not the minimal, flat running shoes you see today, but those puffy-soled fuckers you ran in before someone told you to do differently. And ALL the comments below the picture were glowing, encouraging.
As well they should be.
Are people throwing more weight over their heads these days? Maybe, statistically. We have grown in numbers and evolved into a huge community. But, the girl jerking 105# is still awesome...right? Is it still a good lift if it is in an uneven soled street sneaker? Wearing what you have and what is comfortable is still OK....isn't it? Are we allowed to have a narrow split, a deep split, a narrow grip, a wider than the norm, non-hook grip hybrid with heavy metal horns when we go overhead? Can we?
I just thought I'd ask. People have gotten so stinking picky.
My hats off to those who have joined our ranks. I have met some of the finest people I know in the last five years. But this woman who has inspired me since I began would be picked apart by the online vultures if that picture was posted to a large audience today. And that, in my opinion, blows. It will ALWAYS be a perfect picture to me. Not because of the weight, the gear or the form but because of her accomplishment and the inspiration it gave me. And by the way, it's a good jerk in my opinion.
So, I ask you this? Who the fuck are these people, the vultures? Who made them the Online Form Patrol? Are they at your box? Are they your coach? Your partner in tomorrow's team WOD? Think hard... Do you want to throat punch someone at the box? No? Well, someone must know them because they are fucking experts on everything CrossFit. Which is pretty damn impressive because I've been around for a while and I've never heard of one of these prodigies. And I troll....a lot.
But, to the good part:
What amazes me is how all this negativity hasn't stunted the growth our community. These self-proclaimed experts in all things CrossFit are everywhere. Except where it counts-your box and it's social media page. If they attack one of your members, your athletes become Liam Neeson in 'Taken'.
And I love that!
It says something for the strength of the community at the affiliate level that these Keyboard Coaches haven't ruined it for the average CrossFit athlete. After all, when they are picking apart the form of Annie, Kristen, Rich and the Speal, we're all screwed right?
Damn right, we're not.
There will always be haters. Someone will always be telling you that you are doing it wrong, wearing the wrong shoe, gripping the bar the wrong way. Someone will always tell you that you are too slow, too impatient, need to bulk up, you look like a man, you are too fat, too girly, ugly or your form sucks.
Filter that shit.
Sift through and take the good from the comments you receive but don't stop putting yourself out there. It doesn't need to be perfect. No one is.
Even them.
Otherwise, the all-seeing, all-knowing 'experts of all things CrossFit' win.
And we can't have that, can we?
If someone you respect gives you advice, they should deliver it in a respectful manner.
If they don't, then ask yourself if they deserve your respect.
