Check it at the Door

The biggest obstacle to progression is often literally right in front of us: our very own ego. We all have one, and for vital reasons! But if we don't keep it under wraps, what should serve as self-preservation can turn into paralysis. The very thing that is supposed to define us, protect us, and drive us, can become the primary inhibitor to advancement.

In the CF setting, ego shows itself in different ways. For many people, it's the core reason they don't join..."ignorance is bliss", so to speak. For others, it manifests itself as an apathy towards goals or progress. It's easier to rationalize a stagnant state if you don't seemingly care. And then there's the well-known type that we see much too often- the prototype "alpha male" version that pushes us to lift more than we should, placing numerical results before form and quality. Our bench press number is a minute detail; the way we approach our bench press, the way we execute our bench press, and the way we perceive our bench press, complete the big picture.

All the work that we do in the gym culminates with the goal of becoming a more able person. It's SO much bigger than the number next to your name on the white board or the "Rx" check. I love watching PR's, but I really love seeing the ripple effect that fitness and CF has on people's lives...the stronger relationships, improved confidence, increased productivity, renewed excitement for goals and projects and life. Priorities at Paradigm include learning to move better, growing fitter and healthier, having fun, building community, and staying safe while doing it. Looking cool or keeping up images don't make the priority list...not by a long shot. CF will make you a better person, but only after it grossly exposes the reality of who you are, what you can do, and how you do it. Don't expect progress without facing reality head on - no time for fragile facades in this game, let's deal with the real!

Let your coach be your coach, and not your ego. Check it at the door...you can pick it back up after class if you like. And it might even be a bit tougher than when you left it, since you will progress more without it by your side!!

WOD #1: Med-Ball Fun
21 wall ball
MB 400m run
15 wall ball
MB 400m run
9 wall ball
MB 400m run

WOD #2:
row 500m
21 DB front squats
row 300m
15 DB front squats
row 200m
9 DB front squats

Mobility

OLY CLASS: Olympic Total: max snatch + max C&J