Not so (Cross) Fit

It will come to no surprise by now that exercise and I are not the most compatible of couples, however after agonising about whether to rejoin the gym recently, I was invited to a free circuit training session this evening so I jumped on board and thought why the hell not! Of course, how I interpreted it, and what actually happened are two very different stories.

Picture the scene: a friend contacts me on Facebook after my random status update about rejoining the gym and mentions one I didn’t know existed in Northampton called Crossfit. When I spoke to her about it, I managed to interpret it as a chance to catch up with someone I haven’t seen for months and have a good old natter in between circuit exercises. Now, when I think of this, I think 10 sets of press ups, 10 sets of star jumps, maybe a few weight sets and running from one side of the room to the other. Not so shabby really! Of course, somewhere in my blonde infested brain, what I was told and what I actually experienced was a whole other ball game.

After agreeing to pick me up, we drove round to said Gym, not far from my house, which seemed to appear out of nowhere. I wasn’t too fazed to begin with but it did cross my mind where the big building was and why we were driving into the smallest car park a gym has ever seen. Still, I didn’t really question it. On approach I saw we were walking towards what I can only describe as a huge converted garage and I soon found myself distracted by Mr Fittie and his sexy legs and was too busy checking him out to notice what was happening around me. Why oh why did I choose to wear the most horrific pair of cropped leggings and old t-shirt today? I really need to take note when going to the gym – men will always be there!

It took me a few minutes to register where I was, but once I managed to compose myself I looked around the room and I thought I had entered some sick and twisted red room of pain, and I was convinced Mr Grey was going to appear in his joggers and riding crop in hand and beat the crap out of me. Unfortunately he never showed, however the latter was still true, just not in the masochistic way I had first thought!

Grey thoughts aside, we began our training starting with a warm up which included a gentle run around block – yes outside and in the rain – something I was not prepared for. We then made our way back and started on 5 sets of 10 kettle bell swings, box squats, bunny hops, ring pull ups and more squats with weight bars on our back which we alternated for about 15-20 minutes. By now I was looking more like a heart attack victim than an Olympic champion! From there, we then went onto our 5 set circuits (and finally a chance to stop and breath I hoped) but no, we were pushed to our limits once more. Wall and floor climbs, kettle bell lunges, swings and to top it off a 50m sprint outside, still in the rain. Thankfully I wasn’t the only newbie there so we were given a little more grace and were told to do only 3 sets which to be honest, I’m not sure how I even managed that but I did, and I have to admit it felt good.

Had it been described to me like this before hand, it is without a doubt I would have said no, but in hindsight, I’m really glad I didn’t know what was coming because despite the pain, the body shakes, the red face, and the ridiculous amount of sweat seeping from my pores, I have to admit, I loved every minute of it. The people in the class were pleasant and so friendly, the trainer was really motivating and supportive, and despite being the slowest and probably most unfit there, I didn’t for one minute feel intimidated or stupid. Everyone was so focused on their own workout and that helped me to keep my focus too.

I’m really glad I had the opportunity to go and although I was aching before we even finished, and knowing full well I will be in agony tomorrow, part of me feels really smug but also quite proud of myself. Although the ultimate goal is to get fit, it definitely is the kind of workout that involves a lot of mental strength, but it seems to have triggered something inside of me because I'm feeling really good now, almost buzzing, and for that reason I don't think Crossfit has seen the last of me!