Mindfully Capable

Today I want to take a moment to talk about mindfulness. I’m sure there are a lot of “mindful” topics on this blog already, but for this specific one, I want to focus on being mindful of your capabilities. As all of you have seen, we program multiple levels for each workout. No matter the level though, most of the time the intent of the workout is the same across the board.

When looking at any programmed workout for the first time, it’s important to understand what the intended outcome should be. That’s why you have your coaches! It’s our responsibility to inform you of the intended stimulus and how to attain it in a safe manner. This could be by scaling reps down, shortening the distance on runs, lightening the load, or mix and matching different levels of the workout. Where we run into problems is when we are not being mindful of our capabilities. Being mindful of your capabilities means understanding when to set your ego aside and attack any given workout the way it was intended. If a workout calls for a time domain of 7 to 8 minutes, and the skills may be too advanced or barbell too heavy to the point where it would take you significantly longer, then scale it back! You’ll benefit more from getting the intended stimulus as opposed to stroking your ego.

Sometimes CrossFit has this unwritten rule where people think they should do any given workout as prescribed no matter how grueling or long it takes. I can admit, there is satisfaction in completing a workout like that but what does it really do other than satisfy your ego. If anything, there is more risk of injury if this type of mentality is kept going.

In the end, being mindful of your true capabilities is an important skill to have. It takes work to understand what you can and can’t do, and that’s why you have your coaches to guide you through the process. Long term, CrossFit should be activity that you can be able to do years and years from now. Socialize, drink beer, exercise, and sweat! Enjoy CrossFit by being mindful of your capabilities.