There are two reasons (other than health) for people to follow strength and conditioning programs:
1.) Because they want to
BE stronger and fit or
2.) Because they want to
Look stronger and fit
Over the past several of decades, the majority of America has changed their agenda. We have made the switch from the first reason for the second. Large scale "globo" gyms have largely facilitated this unfortunate shift in thought through the promotion of bodybuilding. While globo gyms make most of their money by getting people to sign up and hoping they don't show up, they also cannot afford with their model for their clients to participate in functional training. This is because functional or
real training often requires
real trainers to insure the movements are being performed correctly and safely.
Real trainers are much to expensive for the globo gyms payroll as their business model is dependent on hiring minimum wage workers.
So with bodybuilding available, this allowed people to cheaply
LOOK strong and fit and go along their lives all the much happier. Then this bodybuilding technique transferred over to our sports teams and athletes became bodybuilders. The problem...athletes (as well as the rest of us who'd like to be functional human beings) need to actually be strong and fit, not just look like it.
At the same time, on the other end of the spectrum, endurance athletes began to gain popularity. All off a sudden endurance athletes were looked at as the "Fittest people on earth". Now, I do not have anything against endurance athletes. I just think it is foolish that we call someone fit because they can go an extremely long distance at a fast pace. Being fit is not just about cardio endurance, speed, and stamina. It must include strength, power, flexibility, accuracy, balance, agility, and coordination, as well be applicable to all domains. The top endurance athletes (think Lance) are down right weak and unathletic in under any outlet besides their own specialized movement (running, biking, swimming...).
So why is being functionally fit really important? Besides for the obvious answer geared towards most sports, athletes, and many jobs, it is important for everyone because We ARE Human Beings and We PERFORM human movements. Being strong and fit makes you a more useful person. You will be more useful to those who need help, you will be quicker to react in a moment of crises, and you will be able to perform functional movements while you age. You never know what might happen in life, and it important to be ready. It is important to be Crossfit.
So where does that leave us now? Can we shift how everyone thinks about fitness? Yes, slowly but surly, we can influence those around us through example. By becoming strong and fit, others will eventually ask and try it themselves. I hope, one day, we won't be the proud minority of us crossfitters who do what we do, but we will be the proud majority. Excellence is attractive and caught on quickly. Our community demonstrates unyielding EXCELLENCE, and many others will be soon to follow...
Two of my more Recent PR's:
1-rep max Snatch - 160# (previous best - 145#)
"Diane" 3 Rounds:
21-15-9 For Time:
Deadlift (225#)
Hand Stand Push Ups
Time - 6:33 (previous best - 10:04)
1st Fight Gone Bad Tomorrow (with thruster instead of wall ball), wish me luck!
-CJ
Crossfit couple? You bet! Bill and Faith are both amazing people as well as dedicated athletes. I was fortunate enough to have been around to watch Bill help Faith crank out her pullups during her first "Helen" this last Saturday. They make a great team! Bill is so passionate about fitness and getting an affiliate started, I get amped up just listening to him talk. I can't wait to be able to spend some more good times with these two.
