By: Sarah Bruce, Assistant Media Buyer at The Learning House 

Only a few months ago, I had no idea what any of these terms meant. Or that they would quickly become part of my weekly vocabulary. Just a few months ago, I was a normal gym goer, doing the same boring things at the same generic fitness chain. Forever wondering why over half of the TVs on the ellipticals still did not work.  It was the definition of monotony and I needed a change.

I had a few friends who had done crossfit, but it was something I told myself I would never do.

“I don’t want to look like a bodybuilder.”

“I don’t want to get hurt.”

Those were just some of the things that I had been saying in my mind to validate my close minded attitude about the exercise phenomenon. But most of all… “I don’t want to be one of those annoying crossfitters that checks themselves in on Facebook everytime they go to class. Blowing up newsfeeds to show off how fit I am”.  A friend once told me that Crossfit is the opposite of Fight Club. This is because the first rule of Fight club is that you do not talk about Fight Club.

With all of that being said, Crossfit was something that I had always secretly wanted to try. I wondered how it acquired its cult-like reputation and why so many people that I knew were “drinking the crossfit kool-aid”.  So I tried a Crossfit 101 class through YPAL, and The Get Healthy Series. I was immediately hooked and conned one of my friends to sign up with me on the spot. I have been a “crossfitter” for over 4 months now. Shout out to Crossfit Louisville East.

I even started a new job last week and two people on my team are fellow crossfitters. It was an immediate bonding moment for us and they are already stopping at my desk daily to tell me about their WODs (workout of the day- for you non-crossfitters). Crossfit was definitely something that pushed me (and still is pushing me) outside of my comfort zone. It might not be for everyone and it might not be forever for me, but I am having a great time while learning a lot about the hidden strengths I didn’t know I possessed. Had it not been for the YPAL crossfit intro class, I would surely still be putting in hours upon hours on the treadmill  bored to tears and wanting something new.  My hands might have been softer and callus-free, but I would not being having as much fun nor would I be pushing myself nearly as much. Still don’t look like a bodybuilder, haven’t gotten hurt and most of all no Facebook check-ins, despite the urge.

About the Series

The YPAL Healthcare Blog Series, sponsored by Norton Healthcare, is part of the new Healthy YP Initiative, which will focus on the health and well-being of our Louisville Young Professionals. This blog series will feature various young professional bloggers in our community sharing their stories on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyles.