Wednesday is known nationally as 'hump day.' But here on Rise and Shine, we like to call it 'Wellness Wednesday.' That's because this is the day we interview doctors, therapists and the like on the show. I know it's Wellness Wednesday because I always feel extra guilty for eating donuts, candy and french fries. Luckily, that guilt doesn't last long. 

 

Speaking of junk food--I have a confession. You know how health experts warn about gaining 7-10 pounds over the holidays? That happened to me this year. So, like the majority of Americans, I made a resolution to lose that weight and get in shape. For the last decade I've been an avid jogger, cyclist and roller blader (don't laugh--it's good exercise!) This year, I decided to add something new to my workout regimen: weight lifting. I tried to come up with my own weight lifting routine, but I haven't lifted weights since my football days in college. I ended up getting frustrated and I started to rethink the weight lifting idea. 

 

It wasn't long after that I overheard someone talking about a workout trend called 'CrossFit.' I put Google to work and learned it was a combination of cardio and strength conditioning. I also learned it wasn't for the weak-hearted. People in the CrossFit Community brag about blisters and stuff. I'm an athletic guy with a decent threshold for physical pain so I figured I'd give it a shot. 

 

So here I am, a member of the CrossFit community. There are several locations around the Magic Valley that offer the program; I go to CrossFit Magic Valley in Jerome. I made the mistake of calling it a gym the first day. The ladies in charge (yes, they're ladies and they can probably beat up most guys) quickly corrected me--apparently it's called a 'box.' The box looks a lot like a garage; it has minimal equipment. CrossFitters believe 'your body is the machine.'

 

Here's another term CrossFitters use: WOD. It's an easier way to say 'workout of the day.' WOD's range in length from 7 to 30 minutes. Sounds pretty easy, right? That's what I thought. But WOD's are crazy hard. Here's an example of one we did earlier this week: 

 

AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) for 20 minutes:

 

5 pull ups

10 pushups

15 air squats

 

You start the WOD when the clock starts counting down. When I finished this workout, my entire body was sore--including my neck. Why my neck? Pull ups and pushups are supposed to work your arms and squats are supposed to work your legs. 

 

Anyway, that's my life as a CrossFitter. I've survived two months of CrossFit and I decided I equally love and hate it. Since I've started, I've gotten sore in parts of my body I didn't even know existed. I've also lost ten pounds, put on a little muscle and I've had a lot more energy. Before I started CrossFit I would drink two full thermoses of coffee every morning. Now I only drink a little cup and I'm good for the day. 

 

I'm not going to lie, CrossFit isn't for everyone. It requires a high threshold for pain and some self confidence, especially when you look kinda funny doing things like a 'kipping' pull up. 

 

Here a picture of me doing an overhead squat. If you look closely, you can see that I'm crying a little. 

 

 

Here's a picture of trainer Becky Chambers after a WOD. She says this is how you should look after a WOD if you did it right. If that's the case I must REALLY be doing workouts the right because I usually end up on the floor in the fetal position with my thumb in my mouth. 

 

 

Here's a picture of CrossFit Magic Valley Owner Brett Whitherspoon doing squats. See, I told you she could probably beat up most dudes. 

 

 

 

As I mentioned, I have a love/hate relationship with CrossFit. I love CrossFit all day except for when I'm doing a WOD.. then I hate it. If you're looking for a way to get in great shape and mix up your workout I recommend you give CrossFit a try. Well, first you should buy a bucket of Icy Hot THEN you should give this a try. 

 

Meteorologist, Nick Kosir

KMVT and FOX 14