So, I do CrossFit, too. It has been life changing. I do a very modified version because I’m very out of shape, but lifting heavy things has helps my brain so much. I alternate with Pilates which is equally hard, but different. Both bring me into my body and keep me very present. LMK if you want to chat either.
The number of women who I've heard say 'lifting heavy has changed my life' is REALLY starting to feel compelling to me...! (I enjoy Pilates too, but it also feels very much in my existing comfort zone of physical activity.) What you're describing really feels like what I'm after in many ways... would loveee to hear more about your experience at some point. 🤗
I second the lifting of heavy things. I've been going to a weight lifting class with some of my friends and it really gets my head right. It makes me feel more grounded and also puts me into some of the best sleep of my life. Plus, I feel badass when I do it. The instructor who teaches the class is really wonderful and there's always a great playlist. And there's a range of age groups as well as a range of how heavy people are lifting so it really feels like you can choose your own adventure which I love.
So something I’ve been doing that’s challenging me physically is CrossFit. I feel like the heyday of CrossFit in the broader culture has passed and I had all sorts of weird feelings about it, but I joined a local gym that, from the website, seemed to welcome all kinds of people and bodies. And it’s been so lovely! I started out with 1:1 training and now I’m in the classes and it’s so fun to see progress and do things that I’ve never done (like use a barbell).
Doing physical things I’m not very good at is one of my top life skills, so let me know if you ever want to chat about sprint tris or cycling as well. 😆
Man, I so admire (and envy) that doing physical things you're not very good as is one of your TOP skills! Not that it surprises me. 🙂 I love that you found CrossFit. I agree, it seems like its cultural 'moment' around it seems to have largely passed, which definitely makes it feel more approachable (to me). I remember going to a friend's CrossFit competition a while back and definitely feeling some kind of draw... now I'm intrigued to look into local gyms and see if we have an approachable/welcoming one!
(Does your comment suggest that you've also done a sprint tri??)
Yep, a friend and I did a few sprint tris pre-2020. Really fun and I’d love to get back to it at some point. We did them in places like San Diego and Truckee and made a weekend of it. I had experience cycling so the big challenge was swimming. Even with lots of practice I mostly panicked and backstroked the whole way, which still got the job done 😄
So, I do CrossFit, too. It has been life changing. I do a very modified version because I’m very out of shape, but lifting heavy things has helps my brain so much. I alternate with Pilates which is equally hard, but different. Both bring me into my body and keep me very present. LMK if you want to chat either.
The number of women who I've heard say 'lifting heavy has changed my life' is REALLY starting to feel compelling to me...! (I enjoy Pilates too, but it also feels very much in my existing comfort zone of physical activity.) What you're describing really feels like what I'm after in many ways... would loveee to hear more about your experience at some point. 🤗
I second the lifting of heavy things. I've been going to a weight lifting class with some of my friends and it really gets my head right. It makes me feel more grounded and also puts me into some of the best sleep of my life. Plus, I feel badass when I do it. The instructor who teaches the class is really wonderful and there's always a great playlist. And there's a range of age groups as well as a range of how heavy people are lifting so it really feels like you can choose your own adventure which I love.
Ya'll are REALLY making a strong case here...!
Glad to see your words on Substack Michelle! Thank you for sharing my piece and I can't wait to read your next essay whenever it's ready. :)
So something I’ve been doing that’s challenging me physically is CrossFit. I feel like the heyday of CrossFit in the broader culture has passed and I had all sorts of weird feelings about it, but I joined a local gym that, from the website, seemed to welcome all kinds of people and bodies. And it’s been so lovely! I started out with 1:1 training and now I’m in the classes and it’s so fun to see progress and do things that I’ve never done (like use a barbell).
Doing physical things I’m not very good at is one of my top life skills, so let me know if you ever want to chat about sprint tris or cycling as well. 😆
Man, I so admire (and envy) that doing physical things you're not very good as is one of your TOP skills! Not that it surprises me. 🙂 I love that you found CrossFit. I agree, it seems like its cultural 'moment' around it seems to have largely passed, which definitely makes it feel more approachable (to me). I remember going to a friend's CrossFit competition a while back and definitely feeling some kind of draw... now I'm intrigued to look into local gyms and see if we have an approachable/welcoming one!
(Does your comment suggest that you've also done a sprint tri??)
Yep, a friend and I did a few sprint tris pre-2020. Really fun and I’d love to get back to it at some point. We did them in places like San Diego and Truckee and made a weekend of it. I had experience cycling so the big challenge was swimming. Even with lots of practice I mostly panicked and backstroked the whole way, which still got the job done 😄
Gahhhh that's so cool! And making it sort of a 'destination' event with a friend is so smart. My wheels are totally turning...