Fitness: CrossFit

 {Image Credit: Pinterest via Kettlebell Girl Tumblr}

Many people wonder why I decided to start strength training and doing CrossFit, so I've decided to share a little bit of my journey.

To be honest, none of it was my idea, instead it was the gentle nudge of my husband that really got me started. Before we got married, he had expressed a deep desire to be able to work out with his future wife, living a healthy lifestyle was incredibly important to him. So when we got married I knew I was going to have to start getting back into the gym, which honestly wasn't a big deal, until I realized he wanted me to literally work out with him. So my journey to strength began. Needless to say, I wasn't really too thrilled about this endeavor, but I obliged nonetheless.

Looking back, I can honestly say it's one of the best decisions I have made in my life and it's something I plan to continue as I get older. The incredible results I've seen since I've cleaned up my diet and begun strength training and olympic lifting have been truly amazing. But, honestly what is most remarkable is how much better I've felt both physically and mentally.

{Image Credit: CrossFit South Bay}

Ladies, I hear you, you're thinking strength training means "bulking up," but I've got some serious news for you and yes, I too believed the lie, but it's just that a lie - women can't get bulky like men. It's just physically not possible unless you are taking medications for that purpose. When I began strength based workout a year and a half ago I weighed right at 100 lbs and my heavy deadlifts started with just a 25 lb. barbell. Today, I am roughly 108 lbs. and deadlift 175 lbs. I've gained a heck of a lot more muscle but I didn't bulk up, in fact I'm pretty much still the same size in clothes the only difference is I have a lot more tone and definition in my arms and legs than I ever had before.

Don't believe me, check out this article by Cody Rice from CrossFit South Bay. The article truly helped me re-evaluate my attitude towards doing any kind of heavy strength based workout.

I want to continue to grow stronger each and every day. In the future I desire to be able to carry and play with my kids without getting tired. I want to be able to rearrange furniture in my house if I decide to do so. I want to be mentally strong as well, when someone tells me I can't, I want to prove that I can. And when I grow old I want to be active and strong despite my age. I don't want my body to hold me back from experiencing all life has to offer.