Sometimes progress is hardly noticeable. Other times we make giant leaps forward.
Whether it’s a time of strides or just moving along, I keep showing up as often as I can at the gym (which means most days).
I know I can get lazy. I forget to try things I haven’t been able to do in the past. This is one reason it is so important to have coaches and workout friends who know you and encourage you along. This also makes it harder to be complacent, to just coast. It reminds me to keep goals fresh and in sight.
With that in mind, here are some new tricks I’ve learned lately: (see our instagram for additional video!)
Toes-to-bar
This one was a complete surprise. Chick 1 was brushing up on the skill and told me to give it a try. I hadn’t tried since probably February or March, and never really got too much coaching. But, I gave it a go. First try was bad. Second try was much closer to the bar…and then, on the third attempt, I did it!
Only a few days later I did 27 toes-to-bar in a workout, one at a time. It’s exciting when something clicks. New tricks are fun! But, I ripped my hands horribly so now I’ve invested in grips to protect them. (This feels like a sign of a real CrossFitter!)
Burpees over the Bar
I’ve written about jumps before. I’m still doing 12-inch box jumps. I jump over dumbbells. But a couple of weeks ago I finally did burpees over the bar, jumping over a barbell with plates loaded. It’s not a fluid motion, but I got it done!
Wall Balls
I’ve struggled with these most of my CrossFit life. They exhaust me and my form deteriorates quickly, which leads to back strain if I am not mindful. But, after a lot of work, I’ve finally started moving from the 10-pound to the 14-pound ball. The sets I have to break them into are usually very small, but I am coming along. (I still dread them in ways that I *don’t* dread burpees. This is a mental challenge I need to work through. Practice saying: Wall balls! YAY! I LOVE WALL BALLS!)
Handstand
I did do some special training videos working toward handstand strength and technique from Performance Plus Programming through Barbell Physio. With help, I got an assisted handstand and need to keep pushing forward on these. I can’t kick up yet, but I will sometime soon!
And a couple of other gym-related breakthroughs:
Chick 1 and I made it through a partner WOD without incident. She will tell you that I yell at her during partner workouts (true!) and that does not work out for the overall good. But, on a recent Saturday we ended up partnered and managed to make it through it. Big stuff!
Finally, despite my spongy midsection and crepey drapey loose extra skin, I removed my soaked tank top at the end of the Peachtree Road Race in front of the 60,000 other runners and volunteers gathered in Piedmont Park. I don’t think I’ll ever have firm, taut skin so although I am proud of my progress, showing my midsection is still cringe-inducing. But, I decided to just do it since I was crazy hot and two of my running partners were already down to sports bras and shorts. I’m pleased to report that everyone lived through this experience and no one has lasting vision damage (that I am aware of). A bit of body confidence is a great feeling.
As much as I celebrate these, I also have friends and coaches pushing me to move forward. Add more weight to the bar. Start putting some moves together. It’s easier to get used to my scales and just keep practicing the new stuff, but my coaches and friends at CrossFit Faded Glory are always pushing me to be better. And even though I don’t always remember to try new tricks to see what I am improving at, every day I show up and do the work I am getting better.
What are your new fitness accomplishments? Any new goals you’ve set? Let us know in the comments!
2 Chicks and a blog 