Sorry guys... but this is intended more for the girls today.
Over the last couple of months of doing Crossfit, I have struggled with my goals and what I want to accomplish with Crossfit. At first, I was mostly just interested in losing weight and surviving the workouts. Now, my goals are more along the lines of competing in the WOD's and learning the lifts and the how and why behind the workouts.
Recently, I have noticed that I am starting to get leaner and I definitely have more muscle definition. But, I have had to fight the typical stereotypes in my head that girls are not supposed to have muscles and that skinny means fit. Open almost any health magazine and you will see size 0 girls all over in their itty bitty shorts holding 5lb dumbbells.
I don't think that I am the only one struggling with this. I have overheard some of the ladies at our gym openly say that they don't want to be able to lift X amount, that it is too much for girls and express doubt in their ability to even attempt certain lifts and weights. I have also noticed that sometimes when we get an great number on a lift/squat or whatever, it is blown off like it isn't a big deal.
I was openly complaining to one of the coaches about how I am not sure about the changes I am seeing w/ muscle definition and that I don't want to go overboard. I think I even mentioned something along the lines of having boy calves now. (I know a few of you have heard me complain about the same thing too. :) ) He sent me this article, http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/CFJ_hayes_chicks.pdf. I love this article. It gave me a different perspective so I thought I would share.
I think that we should all be proud of what we can do at CF and we have come such a long way in the last 5-6 months. What are you most proud of?
That's ok, you can have today.
ReplyDeleteCrossfit chicks are the best chicks ;)
Camey, great post! I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking this, but you look great. I've often thought, geesh, I'd love to be fit like Camey!
ReplyDeleteI agree about the jaded ideas we've developed about body image in this society. I personally have no desire to be a size 0. I would look like a bobble head. My cranium is rather large.
I like the idea of having a little junk in the trunk. I also like the idea of striving for fit as opposed to skinny. Call it a desire for function over form. . . as in being able to lift my body from a perilous situation as opposed to just looking nice in a pair of skinny jeans.
I'm most proud of the fact that I'm not just giving into what's appropriate and settling into getting "old" like many of my friends. I have lots of life in me, and CrossFit has helped me realize this. 2.5 months ago I had a hard time walking up a flight of stairs. Those days are gone! :)
Great post! I sort of accept that size v. weight v. muscle v. strength, etc. will all be something I struggle with throughout my life. I just aim to find healthy ways to combat the struggle and surround myself with family and friends that support me.
ReplyDelete11/15 Food Log
Skipped breakfast (on accident)
Coffee with Almond Milk
Grilled Chicken and Vegetables
Dried Plums (aka Dates)
Grilled Chicken and Broccoli
Apple
Great post Camey! I was a part of that conversation about your supposed "man calves" and I thought you were nuts. I told you that I thought you had the most amazing legs! What I wouldn't do for some more calf meat. lol. It's interesting how we perceive ourselves vs. how others perceive us.
ReplyDeleteMy mother constantly accuses me of trying to get a "man body", lol. She equates weightlifting with me getting a man chest and huge shoulders. Just ignorance. She kind of had me paranoid at first, but I am over it. I like the changes I am seeing in my body due to CF, and I plan to work even harder to see more changes:)
11/15 Food Log
Breakfast-- 2 egg omelette w/ham, green peppers, onions, mushrooms,and tomatoe; 2 slices of bacon and 2 sausage links (I was feeling fat)
Snack--Handful of craisins
Lunch--Grilled chicken salad w/balsalmic vinag.; thin slice of roast beef; mixed fresh fruit
Dinner--Shrimp and Lobster stew, fruit strip, pineapples
Love the post Camey!
ReplyDeleteI'm proud of my muscles and I personally think looking buff, fit and cut is pretty hot : )
I used to be so focused on my weight and I'm not gonna lie, losing some weight from Paleo is nice, but my ultimate goal is to be leaner and stronger and with that, I know that will add more weight overall.
All of you girls are beautiful and although I don't say it enough (mainly because I don't want to sound like a creeper lol) but I've seen big changes in all of your bodies. You all look leaner and stronger and it looks awesome. Keep up the good work!
And I'd have to say our WL boys are pretty hot too ; )
Food log 11/15
post WOD - protein powder drink
breakfast- KIND bar, cup of black coffee
snack - apple
lunch - Dayo's leftover pulled pork (YUMMY) and Jenn's leftover broccoli dish. (I love leftovers!)
snack- a few pieces of the leftover rotisserie chicken
dinner - grilled chicken salad
Everyone should post their Paleo Recipes to the Paleo Recipe's Page link at the top right!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I am so jealous of Kristine and all of those delicious leftovers!
ReplyDeleteBtw....you girls know I do not mind sounding like a creeper. I am always standing behind yall while you squat commenting on how sexy those rumps are! lol.
I'm so glad we're all guilty of checking each other out... I, too, have noticed the awesome changes in everyone - to the point where I want to be like "damn, girl, you're looking GOOD!" but I have abstained. From now on I'm totally telling you, so don't take me for a creep...
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Crossfit body changes have to be my arms, legs, and a shapely bum. I still wake up every morning like a kid on Christmas and check for the beginnings of a six pack (but I'm not quite there yet).
Since I'm approximately 8' tall with a large frame I've always been hyper-sensitive to being “big,” but it’s definitely something I’ve come to terms with, especially in doing Crossfit. When I started Crossfit I had brief flashes of becoming a hoss (with the dreaded buff/thick girl frame…). I chose to do Paleo for completely vain reasons to avoid The Thickness. Now I've moved so far beyond that into enjoying the health benefits of Paleo that it's not much of a thought in my mind. Now I’m enjoying my body for its strength, and I marvel daily at its capabilities as I present it new, ridiculous Crossfit challenges.