It's All In Your Head

I've been doing some critical thinking lately and wow, does my head sure play a big roll not only in everything else I do but of course, CrossFit as well. You might be saying, well no shit but taken a step further, your mental state of mind before a heavy lift or before attacking the WOD has a critical roll in your performance. What's the difference between checking the WOD in the morning and letting your anticipation fester for twelve hours or walking into the box and taking a glance before you begin? How much more can you lift if you focus your mind on the task at hand or have a conversation until seconds before you grab the bar? Does taking a break constitute the mind giving in to the pressures of physical pain or the necessities within your muscles to pause the intensity? Some things I'd be interested to find out.

As my experience with the sport of fitness grows, as well as those all around me I make my best attempts to alter my strategies, better my diet and educate myself as much as possible to subsequently benefit my power output. But I also wonder what are the more minute details to the grand scheme that I can fix for improvement. In place of a disappointed expression or a comment as to how much burpees make me want to puke I've been working on keeping a better attitude towards certain aspects that may take a tougher toll on me. When preparing to PR I find it best to keep my mind clear of all thoughts and repeat to myself "all you have to do is lift this weight". Some other ideas rolling in my head that I believe help my performance include maintaining my focus on exactly what I'm doing and when I'm doing it, (i.e. not thinking about the mile I have to run after 300 squats) keeping the most positive attitude I can muster even in my most uncomfortable element, and making mental goals for what I want to accomplish, be it the next 10 reps without pause or completing the battle in under fifteen minutes. 

Although I cannot admit mental quirks to prove measurable data it still does make a difference in how I feel about what I'm doing. If I find myself moaning and groaning through every repetition am I composed or grunting the weight off the floor? How committed will I be after making everyone in the room aware that we're about to do my least favorite WOD? An important ingredient to the CrossFit way is its community and group energy, so there is no reason to bring it down. I say jump for joy next time you have to run 800 meter sprints, I say give thanks to the workouts that leave you on the ground for longer than the amount of time you were working. Optimism is essential to success.

The effects that your mind has on CrossFit are interesting sure, but how about the other way? What kind of effects do CrossFit have on your mind? I put some thought into how I feel before and after a visit to an affiliate and what goes on for the remainder of the day. I'm generally excited to do all I can to improve my fitness and enjoy the company of the people I'm around while I do so. After the WOD I might feel the occasional nausea but once the endorphins kick in I feel great. Not only can I feel an elevation in my mood but my choices become all around healthier, smarter and more beneficial. After I put so much work in to CrossFit why should I go and eat out of the school cafeteria and throw it away or buy a soda and popcorn at the movies (guaranteed sickness for me these days) to only regret it later? The effectiveness goes beyond the realm of nutrition and into that of academics. As stated in an article on Gateway Crossfit's website, "according to a recent study, students who scored the highest levels of fitness scored 30 percent higher on standardized academic tests than students with the lowest levels fitness". Pretty incredible I'd say. An addiction that shows significant improvement in your physical well-being, measurable positive difference within academic capabilities and an overall better quality life... I'm glad I'm hooked.