Planted Seed

Matt, my trainer, used to be a paramedic and firefighter so subsequently puts a lot of emphasis on safety. He requires personal training prior to his CrossFit classes to ensure that you are educated about and able to perform proper form. It's amazing how important proper form is in anything really. From sitting at computer desk to lifting your own body weight over your head. Either one can cause injury, chronic or acute, if proper form isn't constantly practiced. With CrossFit, I'm learning how my body functions as a machine, and any machine has the potential to fail or break.
Everything from the tilt of my pelvis or the angle of my wrist plays a role. I'm learning what my body wants to do naturally, and how I have to retrain it to ensure safe and proper forms. Minor deviations from proper form can cost you the entire benefit of that exercise, or worse, injure you irreparably. Of course Matt is quick to point out any imperfections "watch your head so you don't hit it" but then quickly follows with "meh...you signed the waiver anyways."
I view CrossFit as the crotchrocket of motorcycles. It has a bad rap because it attracts a lot of droided hotheads and adrenaline junkies who want nothing but to push themselves to the limits for the mere bragging rights. It is a great 'sport' for competitive people, it's even brought out a small competitive streak in me. It is dangerous, it can kill you. But as with any intense activity, or powerful motorcycle built for speed, it's only as safe or dangerous as those who engage in it. I respect my limits and listen to my body. I'm in no hurry to get in the best shape of my life because, quite frankly, then what'll I do???
I mentioned to Matt that I like the fact he has a background in health and safety, because I know it's important to him. Of course he responds with "Safety comes third." I had to laugh; that was probably the "CrossFit-cult" coming out if him.
However, it emphasizes the fact that CrossFit IS dangerous, you have to know your limits and be responsible. Putting this mentality into CrossFit, or anything really, is a good attitude to adopt towards life in general. I personally feel as though CrossFit indirectly promotes this and is another one of it's many benefits.

Today was my first personal training session. I learned how to do a proper deadlift, clean & press and Kipping pull-up. Thank God I just bought that pull-up bar for home. Then my WOD was AMRAP of 5 pull-ups, 10 push ups and 15 squats in 10 minutes. I completed 9 full rounds. Matt said that that was very very good. Noticing my fatigue around round 5 or 6, he yelled at me "Christi you know you can rest inbetween rounds...". I shook my head no, maybe that's the 'CrossFit-cult' in me? It was a good workout, felt amazing of course. As I was leaving Matt nonchalantly said "You know, you could do the CrossFit Games...if that's what you wanted, you're definitely one of the members here that *could* qualify."

All it takes is that little, planted seed sometimes to realize what you want.