Deep Thoughts and a goal has been set.

One of Cara's blog entries reminds me of a few conversations I've had with people regarding exercise.

A few years ago one of my classmates, who I'll call Diane, asked my how I lost weight some weight. Now Diane is not a lazy person, she's extremely intense and competitive and is into sports, but she also wanted to lose some weight. When I talked about how I did a different routine everyday in order to prevent the body from acclimating she made a bit of a grimace and talked about how she liked her routine and didn't want to change it.

One of my roommates, who pitched in college and is very athletic, has been trying to fight his plateaus for over a month now, but says he doesn't want to try crossfit because it is so different.

One of my coworkers (a very athletic/large man) was complaining about not seeing any recent gains. When I suggested crossfit he responded with a smile and "yeah, but I like lifting my weights."

These little stories point out one of the bigger obstacles people face in improving themselves physically. People aren't always lazy, they're can also be afraid of change. Change is scary, change is hard. And that's why there's so many lose-weight-fast schemes that try to make it less scary, less of a change. My experience with Crossfit so far is another example. Currently I'm really sore and I'm kind of afraid of what Jerry will have in store for team 5pm. And there are usually groans in the class when we learn what we're going to do. Even one of the actors in the movie 300 points this out.

But the only way to grow, physically, mentally, etc., is to step outside of our comfort zone. I think Crossfit forces us to do this everyday, and that's at least one reason why it is so wonderful. After a period of constantly stepping outside our exercise comfort zone, we see challenges not as a barrier or a possibility of failure but as a good thing, something to overcome, a possibility of success.

In this manner, crossfit can be life changing. You become more apt to try new things out, to enjoy more of the wonderful experiences this world has to offer, and to become a better person. Crossfit can change lives, and not just because of the physical change, but it can change one's outlook on life as well, and all for the better.

On a separate, less deep note...
A lot of people here at CFOT are making 12 week goals, Again, Cara talks about it here. Right now I have a 3 week goal: lose 5 pounds, improving my physique so I can feel comfortable enough to wear European swim wear while in Marbella (my lack of modesty will not be a problem). …Just for the record I'm not talking about a Speedo, but something akin to drag shorts, like what Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale (Modesty: no, pride: yes). I would partake in the 12 week challenge, but I don't know how my vacation is going to work into Funishments and I don't want to handicap a group.