I have been exercising since the age of 15. For approximately 20 years now I have exercised alone.

WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING??

I don’t regret those years of gym rat passion, but I have finally seen a new dimension to my world of exercise.

Over the past few months, the CrossFit workouts I’ve experienced have me as happy as a clam.

There are many philosophies, techniques, and opinions when it comes to nutrition and exercise. I have my own as well.

I have lightened up over the years…thank goodness.

I focus on placing a bit more emphasis on educating others with what I have studied and share my own personal experience, versus trying to influence someone to be the way I feel they should be. (It’s ok to get a little influenced as you continue to read this amazing article on Crossfit workouts 😉 )

In my opinion, as long as you are free of serious injury and illness, and have some foundation of  exercise awareness and form, consider checking out one of your local CrossFit “boxes” to experience fun, encouraging, and challenging CrossFit workouts.

Crossfit has received plenty of bad press and been hit on the head repeatedly like a hammer craving a nail.

Here is an essential excerpt from my article published on EzineArticles.com titled “4 Powerful Perks of CrossFit Workouts”…

“A common complaint is that people are getting injured because of CrossFit.

I want you to think about the amount of personal trainers and regular commercial gyms we have humming along today.

I’m certain that the number of poorly educated personal trainers, ill-prescribed exercises, and ego driven attitudes completely outweigh the CrossFit community…by a lot!”

What in gadzooks is all the hype with CrossFit workouts??

• I haven’t had this much fun since I was a kid that ditched his training wheels
• The new exercises I continue to learn keep a freshly peeled piece of exhilaration afloat
• The movements and style of exercise programming provides a challenge that shouldn’t be missed
• Working out in a group setting (from 2 to 15) delivers a unique energy and  a competitive push
• Working out in a group setting brings a supportive feeling you MUST experience. Giving high fives after a workout and actually feeling the authentic camaraderie is something that you DO NOT get from working out solo in a commercial gym. (unfortunately my eyes are closed in our fun group photo above)
• The CrossFit box that I selected is one that I knew had reputable and passionate coaches. Find the right location and you will have access to coaches that teach correct form, provide support, and administer appropriate exercise prescription. (If you are in the Phoenix area, check out CrossFit Full Strength)
• I don’t put all my chitter chatter on physical body composition these days, but I can certainly share that at 36 years old my body is healthier and more shredded than it has ever been.  As long as you are fueling your body with quality food on a consistent basis, brace yourself for a sexier bod. (See pic below…cmon, it’s ok to show off a little bit!)

If you choose to participate in CrossFit workouts, listen to what your body is telling you. Whether you have a past injury, current pain, or a flexibly limitation, it’s important for you to do what you are able to do.

There are plenty of ways to “scale down” the variety of exercises and make them suitable for what you are able to complete. Educated coaches should be well aware of how to scale all of the Crossfit exercises.

I have spent plenty of focused and disciplined time at regular gyms for years.

In the short time that I have spent doing CrossFit workouts (3 months now), I have felt more excitement, support and motivation, and challenging workouts compared to all my past gym time combined.

Consider joining a local CrossFit box if you want to challenge your mind and body, add a new dimension to your exercise repertoire, and start seeing the results you’ve been craving.