Superhero Status

I believe we all seek to have superhero status in some aspect of life.  Well maybe not 'superhero', but we all seek to be amazing and suck less at life!

I have always wanted to be a superhero. Early in life, I savored wearing my wonderful, fabulous, poly-blend underoos.  I loved those suckers! We got to purchase new sets once a month at the amazing Swains General Store in my little hometown. {Yes, Swains really did have everything!} The best thing I remember about these underoos, was everytime I put them on, I truly felt I had super powers! I felt amazing, and was always bursting with self confidence.  

Those shoes are magical. Always combined with my awesome underoos, were a sweet set of kicks. When I got a new pair of shoes as a kid, I would race circles around the house shouting at my dad, "Look dad! Look how fast these shoes are!" {ok, maybe I still do it} I always believed those shoes had an extra special something that gave me superhero powers to run extra fast. This probably explains my fascination and signature trend of colorful, bright, and CRAZY colored athletic shoes. {yes, the crazy, multi-colored ones also do glow in the dark...} The kid in me still seeks superhero status!

I must create the strength and find the willpower to attack whatever comes my way: life, parenting, gym...  At some point, I learned that the underoos and shoes were an illusion of my superhero status, and that deep down those powers come from within. I recall being bummed when I learned that realization. I did gain wisdom by learning that although there wasn't true magic with those special superhero aides, it does not stop me from continuing to strive to be better, make good choices, and suck less at life.

If you can't find the superhero, then go seek inside. Pull it out. Ignite the fire. Go create it! Reflect now on life's journey at this current state of time. Where is the superhero in you? Where is the strength and willpower to take on life's punches? Your cape awaits you.

You suck! One of those days...

We all suck... on some days! I try my best to keep motivated and focused for workouts.  I love to inspire others and find the fire in myself to attack whatever the workout of the day is. After all, that time at the gym, is MY time! My hour to focus on taking care of my body and pushing itself to higher limits and beyond comfortable. The focus is on mind, body, and spirit! Yet, there are still days when I just suck! Yep, today was one of them.

I'm not going to give an excuse or rationale for my suckiness, it just was what it was. Remember, I breathe the mantra of 'No Excuses.' Today was a sucky workout, with lackluster effort from ME! Nothing more than sheer suckiness effort and performance. {yes suckiness is a real word}

I can either dwell on the crap, lackluster, workout effort that I gave, or I can move on and wipe the slate clean.  Own up to it, admit it, and move on.  Yep, you sucked...today!!!  What ev! Lame-O today doesn't equal lame-o always.  

That's the way it is in life as well. You will have sucky days. Blow it off and move on.  There are better days awaiting you out there.

One of my favorite blogs over at CrossFit Lisbeth, had a great quote that was so fitting for today. 

So move on. You make the choice to change the situation, and you can choose whenever you want the new beginning to occur.  Like... NOW!

New Year Playlist

                                             Source: Uploaded by user via Dynamic Edge on Pinterest

 

2012 rolled in and is cruising through.  I decided to try some new fitness activities and adventures this new year and had to sift through the music library to rework a new playlist that fits the new fun activities. There's a mix of old and new in this list.  Unfortunately, my source didn't have LMFAO- Sorry for Party Rocking so I had to substitute another LMFAO (although this one may be somewhat overplayed...) Hopefully, you can find something suitable for your workout.

Happy listening!

 

Another Way - Life Application Through Fitness

Source: weheartit.com via Dynamic Edge on Pinterest

"Your horse is a mirror to your soul. Sometimes you might not like what you see...

sometimes you will."

-Buck Brannaman

I have to admit, I am not a fan of documentaries. Ah Yawn, make me sleep! I'd much prefer to watch an action thriller or adventure drama where I try to figure out the mystery to be unveiled or case to be solved.

Recently at our CrossFit box, we had a conversation, and one of our coaches posted a link to the movie Buck. Um, what the heck is this movie, documentary even, on horses have to do with life in regards to fitness? You may have missed this heavy hitter in the cinematic circle (ha!), but to give you a quick exerpt, it is a documentary that was the inspiration to a better known Hollywood favorite,The Horse Whisperer.

Honestly, I had never watched either so they are both new to me. I did recognize and learn that Scarlett Johansson was actually the little girl in The Horse Whisperer...(yes, US Magazine side note!). I proceeded to be up that week with everyone else asleep, and with nothing else interesting on TV I decided to see what Netflix oldies were floating around. Low and behold, Buck pops up in one of the lists. Really??!!! Alright, I'll give this flick a shot to see what it really is about. The trailer is here below for your viewing pleasure.

The trailer got in my head at first not because of the horses theme, as I know nothing about them, but how this applies to my recent new adventure in fitness through CrossFit. I have avoided this fitness adventure for several years and am just now having my eyes opened to a whole new world. Yes, CrossFit is challenging from a fitness perspective, but it is not just about fitness. It's about training for life outside the box!

"Breaking a horse... a whole element of abuse. You don't realize how unjust it is until someone shows you a different path."

I'm fairly driven and for years I have had a mindset of pushing myself harder, heavier, and faster in most areas of fitness. Of course I know rest is important to rebuild and rejuvenate, but rest is honestly a hard one for me to tackle and embrace. No excuses is a mantra of mine and although I've had several knee surgeries, I still want to play hard regardless. Call me stubborn, driven, or a pain in the arse... They all apply! The reality is, I will not be able to continue at this driven pace for the long term. I have got to figure out how to do workouts more efficiently so I can play the rest of my life.

I realized through CrossFit that my previous mindset and pace really is a whole element of abuse on my body. I was exhausted, getting stupid, mindless injuries, and hungry all the time. My body was rebelling against me and I was not having it! Insert CrossFit, and I can now see after a short period of time that there is a different way that definitely fuels my competitive fire, yet also gives me the fitness benefits in a shorter, more efficient, less destructive way. Wow! Where have I been? The blinders have come off as I have been shown a different path.

"That vulnerability is what makes you great."

I've mentioned before, but CrossFit was a tad bit intimidating at first. I like to be good at what I do, and I definitely don't like being vulnerable. Who does? I ate the humble pie, but was determined to come back and do better. I am still striving to get better and learn as much as possible. It was time for a change and time for vulnerability so that I can grow and change in a positive way.

Recently, two team members from our box were working hard during the WOD. Yes, I am really learning how to use CrossFit lingo correctly :). It was actually an experience that resonated so clearly with me. You see, these team members were TAPPED out physically. I mean physically there really was not much left to give, but with both members, you could see the fire and mental focus in their eyes! It was amazing to see this sight during a really vulnerable state. Both found that fire and pressed on! Yet another clear life application through this fitness journey. You will encounter situations like this in life!

Although we tend to put up the armour when it comes to being vulnerable, there are benefits and life lessons to be had. Being open to new possibilities in life enables you to explore options more freely and to gain insight into the healthiest and most productive alternatives for yourself. Another benefit of vulnerability is being open to change and altering your behavior patterns so it gives you the chance to rid yourself of unproductive habits that impede your emotional health and personal growth.

"It makes you better in areas not related to horses."

We conquer many hurdles and mountains in life. How will you train to overcome and get past these obstacles? Those workouts are challenging and mentally taxing. Sometimes the fight and battle is monumentous and we can't mentally see ourselves succeeding. Same thing happens in life! You CAN push through and conquer these situations! The lessons learned in fitness through CrossFit are only tools for life's applications.

This horse is moving forward! I would love for you to join the race with me.

Pinterest - Health & Fitness Motivation

So if you're in the social media arena even a smidge, you've probably heard of Pinterest. It's a newer social media type where it's basically a virtual pin board. You can post pictures, videos, & links to various things you find on the web and organize them to various "boards."

Many of us have newly been sucked in and can't quite figure out why we spend so much time here. You didn't realize there are so many things that could interest you from funny quotes, DIY projects, recipes, home decor, fashion, motivational quotes, etc.

For me, Pinterest reminds me of a modern version of my teenage self being fascinated with making collages out of magazines. I had a love for athletics, sports, inspirational quotes, and the latest super models like Niki Taylor :). I would spend hours cutting and organizing my artwork to be strategically placed on an 8 x 10 piece of paper so I could slide it into the front of my see thru vinyl school binder. I had all my inspiration in front of me to see on a daily basis! I don't know how many times I re-made my infamous collages, but I loved doing them.

Source: youtube.com via Dynamic Edge on Pinterest

Pinterest is the current version to keep inspiration and ideas in all one visible, easily organized space. Plus, one doesn't have to scour the web bookmarking every page that had a good idea. Much easier to quickly "pin it" so one can come back to it later, and the link to original website is tagged there as well. Viola!

Dynamic Edge recently set up our own Pinterest boards for health and fitness. If you are looking for some motivation, inspirational wisdom, favorite fitness finds, recipes, or books, come check out our boards and follow us!

PS Make sure you watch the motivational video above. Makes us want to hit the playing field or gym RIGHT now!