Bursting the Exercise Bubble

All this talk about the economy has me thinking about limitations, how we lived without any sense of limitations for a very long time until one day, sometime about a year ago, the bubble popped, or at least, quickly deflated.

It became clear that not everything (i.e., finances, housing values, salaries) can increase exponentially. Like with beanie babies and designer purses, we are reminded that a sound economy and a fair amount of hype can drive up costs. Soon everyone is frantic. We've got to buy a house (or those beanie babies) asap! Just think of how much they'll be worth in 10 years! Then the bubble pops and we realize we won't be paying our childrens' college tuition with our collection of stuffed animals.

During my gym days, I thought length of time determined the value of a workout. I watched the clock and didn't feel satisfied until I'd put in at least 60 minutes at the gym (30 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes of weight lifting). Some days I spent almost two hours in the gym and duly patted myself on the back for doing so.

If my thinking were true, if time equaled results, then there would be no limit to how long I could work out. I could increase my workouts by 15 minutes every week for infinity, but would I actually become stronger?

I'll never forget the day I was at the gym, stretching on a mat, when a girl my age came over and began doing push-ups, just banging them out, one after another. I was jealous. Why couldn't I do that? I worked out 6 days a week for an hour at a time, and I could barely squeeze out a SINGLE push-up!

Don't get me wrong, I've never left the gym regretting a long workout. But I dreaded it--not because it was challenging, but because it was boring. Seeing that girl do push-ups made me realize my routine wasn't paying off.



I quit going to the gym over a year ago and I don't miss it. While I don't belong to a CrossFit gym, I've been able to learn about the program and reap the benefits at my fiance's garage gym, where he's acquired a nice collection of basic workout equipment. He's lucky because he has the space, which I understand many people don't have. However, there's still much to be done at home.

For example, I used to do CF in my little apartment in North Carolina. I started by doing sprints in the neighborhood, and then incorporated push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, and squats. I bought a used set of weights (a full size bar, 2 dumbbell bars, and100 pounds of plates) and began doing front squats and push presses. I searched the CF website for new movements that I could do without shattering a window or puncturing the ceiling. I also incorporated my own interests, and kept doing yoga at least once a week.

The cardio theatre. Inspires boredom and anxiety at the same time.

I was liberated! Liberated from paying for a gym membership (and the fuss that goes with it; parking, cost, crowds, etc.). Liberated from feeling obligated to spend 60 minutes at the gym every night. Liberated from false limitations and the illusion of progress. I can actually do pull-ups and push ups now(not very many, ahem, but still) which I couldn't do before. I can't blame the gym for that, I know. But I can say the atmosphere of large commercial gyms makes it difficult for most people to learn new movements in a public place. It also discourages most people from really pushing. I mean really really pushing. Maximum output equals maximum results, but if getting red in the face embarrasses you, you probably won't work that hard in the gym.

One day I plan to join a CF gym. I look forward to meeting other CF'ers and becoming a part of a community of people who enjoy challenging themselves. For now, I enjoy the program at home and at the garage gym. It's affordable and personal, and just what this girl needs to make progress. I encourage everyone to at least consider what they can do at home. The simple act of changing your atmosphere will encourage you do try something different, and your body will respond.