Getting Fit with Crossfit

I've always been a big fan of self-improvement.  I believe that while we are alive on this earth there is always room for growth, for learning, for change. Though I noticed that accepting change or learning new habits  gets harder as I become more and more set in my ways and my thinking,  I  don't think I'd ever wanna be that  old dog without new tricks!Recently,  the SoMoms launched its #betterme campaign. If you follow me on Instagram, you would know that the SoMoms have become one of my favorite companions to hang out with, seeing them almost every week. Though we usually meet up for events or meetings, some of us thought there must be a way to make our meetings, our projects and  campaigns more meaningful not just for ourselves but for our families and our beloved readers.The #betterme campaign is our effort to take steps towards self-growth and improvement. We believe that by striving to become better inside, we also improve in our roles in life, #betterwives, #bettermoms, #betterfriends, and so on and so forth, with the positive growth and learnings trickling into different parts of our lives, and the lives of all those around us.One component of the #betterme movement is of course, physical. To stay healthy and get fit. Most of us in the group are very busy with family and work or business. While most if not all of us are health coscious women, in choosing meals well, using safe products, trying to lead balanced lives, I can only count on one hand how many of us followed a regular fitness regimen stated here.So in an effort to be better women, we were invited and challenged by Crossfit Kapitolyo to do a 6-session introductory program with crossfit .Prior to this, Gary and i had become gym delinquents. Before our summer vacation abroad, we were religiously going to the gym together and had personal trainers guiding us through circuit training exercises (dreaming about the benefits of inversion table and other similar equipment, too). After almost two months of being stagnant, I wanted to get back on track and needed a bit of a push.I had heard about Crossfit, about its intensity, how coaches would motivate much like an army drill seargent. I was nervous about trying it but I knew people who were hopelessly and happily addicted to it.  So I thought to myself "what the heck" and signed up for the program. This may just be the push I need.On Day 1, the coaches at Crossfit Kapitolyo were very supportive and patient with us newbies. Our coach, Mike, gave us an orientation on Crossfit and its principles and rules.After warm-up, Coach gives us our WOD or work out of the day, which changes every time. I got to like that there is always variety and challenge with every session. No room for boredom here.Coach Mike explaining our WOD. We quickly learn different terms like AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible) and DUs (Double Unders- that's doing the jump rope with the rope going twice under in one hop. Something I have yet to learn!  Wall Balls, as the name connotes, consists of throwing a ball against the wall- not as easy as it sounds. We also learned the term "burpees" which was the tough punishment of intense push ups with hops if you are late for class!Kris, Cai and Jenny listening intently along with our other gym matesWe also got oriented to the equipment such as these KettlebellsMedicine balls and plates. The white boards are used to  count down the rounds you finish. And our Bobble water bottles, I never workout without.After the first day, we were all smiles outsideSoMoms Kris, Cai, Jenny and myself, with SoDads, Marc and Gary (extreme left and right)but quite exhausted inside...heheOur legs and thighs were dead that night and the following day, we could barely walk, it was a challenge of mind over matter. And people were telling us to just go back for Day 2 and we will feel better. So return, some of us did, and this was our WOD for Day 2We plowed on...Jenny and CaiMe on the ringsNoemi who worked hard inspite of her frozen shoulderWe got  worn out in the end, but there were some little rewards like learning about this rubber grid foam roller...it stretched and soothed our muscles...We survived and were all smiles after day 3*Excuse the post-workout blurred shots. Try taking a photo after a WOD, it isn't easy to keep jiggly arms and hands stable. lol.We went on to complete our sessions,and we all felt we were getting stronger as we completed each day and developed our own rhythm for the workouts CaiGary with Donnie, Jenny's husband, looking onand our coaches giving us the motivation we neededJenny with Coach Ann in the background cheering her onIt helped a lot that we did it together.With GaryWith JennyAnd we met new friends along the wayOur last group shot after day 6At the end of the 6 session program, which we did twice a week, I loved having gained these benefits:1) Feeling stronger. I felt I had more energy throughout the day. I noticed I also felt more relaxed and less stressed out when days got too busy.The blush. Exercise releases endorphins, (happy hormones!) just like breastfeeding does!2) Feeling and looking more trim and slim. Though I didnt lose weight per se (My weight has remained the same the past 15 years!), I felt my thighs and arms became slimmer and firmer. I'm sure my core had also strengthened as doing sit ups from Day 1 had become so much easier by Day 3 or 4. Since I have bad posture, tightening my core is a priority and crossfit helped me achieve this.3) Being able to squeeze in workouts in the day. Crossfit sessions are intense but quick. Some WODs are done in 30 minutes, some in an hour. Depends on what the coach prescribes. Perfect for busy moms like me.4) Being part of the Crossfit community even for a while. We noticed that the culture in the gym is warm and they promote camaraderie and support for each other. Even after our sessions were done, our gym mates would give us callouts to come back soon.Overall I enjoyed Crossfit and am thinking of going back soon!This is the evolution of man according to Crossfit...I'm glad I didn't stay in the "dark ages", got out of my comfort zone and gave this a try.If you are looking for a workout for yourself,  and would like to try Crossfit, check out Crossfit Kapitolyo Schedule and Rates: http://www.cfmnl.com/kapitolyo-pasig-rates-schedules/They also have branches in Libis and Alabang. For more info, check out the Crossfit MNL website here.