A friend sent me this for perusal. It reminded of me of my whole CrossFit box social experiment hypothesis. If you've spent any time debating workouts and speciality gyms with me, you probably already know where this is going (so disregard the following rant).
I've been to several "boxes" in the past couple of years. The writer of the article accurately describes the latest obsession people have with pushing limits, doing the unthinkable. What she fails to identify is the physiological/psychological mind game this type of workout breeds.
((((For those of you that aren't down with the CrossFit lingo -- when I write "box," I am referencing the asphalt-covered warehouse/gym environment where these classes take place.))))
The one of a handful I've visited is in a plaza which houses various manufacturing type companies. It is, in most ways, an empty space filled with simple, back to basics conditioning materials such as bars, weights, places for pull-ups, things to throw or push or jump onto. While some boxes may focus on brute strength and others on cardio conditioning, all boxes are some combination of these elements: space, bars, minimalistic workout gear.
But I'm not blogging in regards to what this writer already identified. This particular box stands out because for one, my best friend (at the time) left her husband for her fellow CrossFitter. What started out as a friendly exchange of motivation became, over time, a willingness to succumb to what I'm about to propose. This was also the site of various other relationship/marital breakups/hookups/threesomes etc. It was a mess of a place, where the co-owner/manager cheated on his girlfriend with her best friend (who also went to this box) to which he's now engaged, all the while he continues to send nude pictures of himself to other various ladies. A mess.
This is not the first instance. I've heard of other boxes in the area and even in the state where this sort of workout becomes the doorway to something more. It's a common theme for sure. I started to question the reason.
My conclusion, logical or not, is this: CrossFit promotes an atmosphere where members do things they never imagined they could do. They lift and jump and run and press what seems an insurmountable amount. They are pushed beyond what they thought, in their minds, was just not humanly possible. CrossFitters also pay an extremely exorbitant amount of money -- which for most will be incentive for them to continue going (to get what they pay for). Along the way, this little workout society of people form an inextricable bond. Why? Because they are working together to do things they thought they'd never do. It breeds a sense of accomplishment, yes. Moreso, it creates this air of invincibility. I think this level of "invincibility" truly influences and clouds the minds of its participants. Here are these people of questionable athletic ability, who are going through these arduous workouts and pushing/shouting/chanting each other's names all the way to the bitter end.
I have never encountered an environment quite like this. I have been known to call it a 'cult.' It, at the very least, can be defined as a misplaced or excessive admiration of "sport" or workout.
With all of this excessive behavior and exercise in invincibility, one has to be mindful of what other things are at stake. You may be shedding weight or gathering a whole new sense of self, all the while giving in to, well, a whole hot mess.
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