Managing Intensity
By
January 22, 2016
In 6 Minutes
Run 800M
Max Wall Ball (20/14)
Rest 1 min
In 5 Min
Run 400M
Max Box Jump (24/20)
Rest 1 Min
In 4 Min
Run 200M
Max KB Swings (24/16)
One of the fundamental concepts of CrossFit is that we workout at high intensity. I often say that intensity is the "secret sauce" of CrossFit; a key component that makes it such an effective exercise regimen. I was having a conversation with one of the other coaches this week where we mutually admitted to struggling when we try do CrossFit workouts on our own. As it turns out, it is sometimes very difficult to muster your own intensity outside of a group class environment; even when you know that the benefit of your workout is lessened without it. I don't know what makes the energy so different when we struggle together through a workout in class, but I do know that I work harder and have a whole lot more fun. So if intensity is the "secret sauce", maybe community is the "side of fries" that makes the intensity a little more appealing.
All that being said, some days we struggle even during a group class, to really "bring it". Maybe your sleep is a little off or you're carrying around some mental baggage. But for whatever reason, you just can't attack the workout with the energy that you normally bring. We all have those days and it doesn't mean that you have lost fitness or are going backwards. It is just a bad day. Try not to be so hard on yourself and try not to string too many of them in a row. Don't let your performance on every single workout be a judgement on the current state of affairs with your health. Remember, we are in this for the long haul and we evaluate our progress over longer cycles than a mere 60 minutes.
Thanks to the Thursday 8:30 crew for helping me find my intensity today.
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