Time Isn't All that Matters
Chris Sinagoga | Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 10:00PM During the WODs, we usually focus technique for the movements, going for a pr, or getting it over with as fast as we can. However, we can sometimes take for granted the fact that we do so in a warehouse full of 8-12 people who are trying just as hard to do the exact same thing.
Working out with someone else or in a group provides a team sports environment that has proven to be much more beneficial long-term than working out by yourself (even ask Emma, Ryan, AJ, Amy, and Shannon). There's just a certain amount of comfort in knowing that there are 5 people working out next to you that are also sweating, gasping for air, and being mercilessly critiqued on form.
For many of you, this is the only form of working out you know - which is actually pretty cool. Just make sure that we don't take the people working out with us for granted (imagine how long you wouldn't last if it was just me and you every day in a session). In the big picture, you (singular) are not what makes this place special; it's everyone else. Make sure you are aware of the people working around you - whether that's giving them enough space, keeping your bar from bouncing, or helping them with their pull-up band. The couple seconds it will cost you in a workout will be worth the karma points when you are in need.
This whole post stemmed from this picture I took tonight of Mr. Carey stopping what he was doing to help Wendy in the band (her first time doing banded pull-ups with this much volume instead of rings.)
Reader Comments (12)
Honestly, it would probably suck working out without other people around because personally seeing everyone work around me pushes me harder than I would if I were by myself
I love this post!! It explains a lot of the reason why I love CrossFit so much. We're working together to beat the clock and our PR's and on a more general level we're all working together to achieve better lifestyles and forming rewarding relationships along the way. Sorry, that was a bit of a cheesy spasm. Love you guys!
Btw, I really like that "mr. carey for sainthood" tag hahha
I love working put with a group of people, everyone pushes each other to finish and cheers each other on. Its the best knowing that the people here want to see you finish strong, and its even better watching others finish with you when they have already completed their workout. I definitely would not trade the community we have or take it for granted.
I hate working out by myself! Whenever I swim by myself I never get as good of a workout and it's probably the same in the gym
Working out with other people that push themselves makes a huge difference as opposed to working out with people that don't push themselves to do the movements too. In my gym class last semester, nobody even tried to do anything so it was harder to push myself to go faster because I was already ahead of everybody, that's why I love the environment at the box because everyone pushes themselves to do better.
I am literally unable to workout by myself, especially here at school. Can't wait to get back to the group.
I agree - one of the best things about working out with our group is everybody being willing to help out. I hate being the last person to finish the workout but there are always people to cheer me on until I finish. Big thanks to Mr. Carey for his help with the bands - what a nice guy!!
Hate working out by myself. Love seeing this as an athlete and a coach.
Interesting point Wendy. Just curious, would you rather finish last in a workout where everyone is cheering you on, or finish at the same time in a session by yourself?
Go Mr. Carey! I love the carey's; they're the bomb.com.
I really love this post! I agree that having other people to push me makes me work harder, and because of this I am able to get a better workout. There really is an atmosphere at our Box that you sumy cannot get working out alone. Great post, Chris!