Workout of the Day:
“Helen”
Three rounds for time of:
400 Meter Run
21 Kettlebell Swings (24/16 kg)
12 Pull-Ups
Optional Finisher: Bench Press – 5-5-5
Turn that Frown Upside Down
Written by Mike Hom
I had a very interesting discussion with my good and brilliant friend Bryant of CrossFit Oahu about the relationship between training intensity and long term health which quickly degenerated into a discussion about terrible workouts that make us sad. By sad, we mean that rictus of supposed suffering we all endure during our training sessions. In CrossFit, Coach Glassman makes a very convincing argument–with proof–that the level of intensity in our training is a key driver to our success in maintaining functional health into old age.
But what does the relationship between the “sad face” and “intensity” look like?
Well, based on some logical rationale and largely on humor, I have come up with three possible curves that can potentially describe the relationship between “Sad Face” and “Intensity”.
As you can see, each one of those curves could really describe how “Sad” you look based on the intensity of your training. Maybe your sad face creeps up on you during a workout. Maybe you get more sad in a linear fashion as the workout progresses. Or maybe, just maybe, your “sad face” levels out as a result of varying influences such as determination, focus, or your sheer willpower.
Let’s take a step back for a moment. It goes without saying that the human body enjoys homeostasis and responds with extreme petulance to a break in the fragile balance of comfort. Much like your standard risk/reward system, your amount of return in gains is based on the time and effort you must invest in your gambit, and yes there is a potential for “loss” at times in your training. As opposed to standard “House” rules, we stack the odds in YOUR favor–we provide as much information as we can to help you stay informed, and we provide guidance for you to train safely and correctly. If that’s not a winning combination, I don’t know what is.
With all of this said, I truly believe in the balance of the Universe–Risk & Reward, Yin & Yang, Matter & Anti-Matter, etc. I truly believe that intense training that results in the phenomenon known as “Sad Face” will pay dividends with your health and improved quality of life. I call this “Satisfaction.”
Well then I must have a depressed, slit-my-wrists face cuz I have never felt better in my life. I’m doing higher weights, getting faster times, and just all around kicking ass (in my head, I’m a stud! In reality…well…you know.)
Liz!!! The sweatbands really worked out well today! No sweaty palms on the pull ups. What a huge difference. Thanks so much for the recommendation!!
30 Helens agree….Crossfit Invictus is the happiest place on earth.
awesome kids in the hall reference!
Cynthia, you ARE a studette! We are so blessed to have you at the gym with us–you’re an inspiration for any man, woman, or child to put maximum effort into your training.
Yay Cynthia! Although sweatbands do make us look cooler, they actually do serve a purpose- plus you can wipe the sweat off your brow, which is rad.
Thanks everybody for the massage recommendations!
So, not to be a downer, but doesn’t Coach Bergener also blame his bad wheels and limp on his powerlifting? Going on 3 years of Crossfit, I love the health benefits, but I am not under an illusion that the aggressive, heavy lifting will not affect my joints and soft tissue in the future. I am hoping Mark can throw some medical research and Latin sounding phrases my way to prove me wrong, but it seems sensical that damage is being done to my joints, I just always thought the other benefits outweighed the cost.