Why Do You CrossFit? - Finding Purpose

If you have been doing CrossFit for any amount of time, odds are you have run into the question, “What is CrossFit?”

As you spew out a few popular movements that non-weightlifting and fitness freaks might understand, there is a remote possibility that what occurs in a CrossFit box was accurately depicted to your audience. Assuming that your answer was coherent enough, the next question is almost always, “Why do you do THAT?”

Some times I feel that the innate pressure that a CrossFit work out creates to compete with yourself and others, get that PR and to push your body to its limits in gym allows for the purpose behind the journey outside the gym to be lost.

Why is it exactly that we do this week in and week out? Why is 30 minutes of cardio and segmented body workouts not good enough anymore? Why do we pay money to do what can only be described as torture, at times, and then show up the next day for more?

In short, because it works.

The secret though, is it only works if you know what you are working towards. What is your purpose? What are your goals? Wanting to lose weight? Wanting to increase fitness? Wanting to be a better parent or partner?

Those are all valid questions and a place to start, but what does it all mean?

So you want to lose weight? Join the club. But what is it about losing weight that is desirable?

What do you want to do with your body and mind that you couldn’t do before?

This is the ultimate question that only you can answer for yourself. And it needs to be answered.

CrossFit can be the tool to help get you there, but you still have to decide the ultimate destination.

Over time, I obtained a vision of myself and my body that became disproportionate to reality. CrossFit has allowed me to change that reality, but more importantly, change my vision. The ceiling and what I know I am capable of has risen. I have higher expectations for what I can do and what I want to do.

I remember going on a hike last spring that I had hiked the year prior as well. My first go-a-round was a struggle. I breathed heavy and my self-consciousness took away from the joy of being in nature and surrounded by friends. After walking into the gym nine months prior and attempting the hike a second time, it was a completely different experience. I was aware of the beauty around me. I joked and laughed with the people I was with. I found different objects to press overhead. I was able to enjoy this amazing activity and be grateful for my ability to participate in it.

I eventually paused at one point and silently reflected, “This is why I CrossFit.”

As excited as I was to hit a 475 pound deadlift PR last week, applying what we do in the gym to improve our lives outside of the gym is pure euphoria.

CrossFit is a tool. A wonderful and powerful tool to get you to where you want to be. However, even powerful tools need conscious and aware operators to be effective. CrossFit can be the tool to help get you there, but you still have to decide the ultimate destination. While you’re on your way to your destination, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the process.

So, where are you going and why do you want to get there? Where is the byproduct of all your hard work in the gym going to take you? Ultimately, what do you want to do with your body that you couldn’t do before?