I want to start off by saying I am not a trainer, crossfit coach, nutritionist and most definitely not a swim suit model. I am just here as mom to share my fitness journey and what has worked well for me. None of the products, or topics have been sponsored and these are my own opinions.
I can say that I have always been active. I was always involved in some activity growing up. Swimming was my sport of choice and definitely one that I wish I had stuck with longer. If only I had known then what I know now….but you can’t tell a teenager anything.
Mid way through 2016 I was introduced to this new work out called “cross-fit” at our local gym. I will admit that my initial impression of what I was seeing in “that cross-fit room” scared me to death. I mean I think I even said there is no way I will ever step foot in that room, it looks like some sort of torture! Well peer pressure got the best of me and some how I ended up in “that room”.
Words like, WOD, Clean & Jerk, Split Jerk, Snatch, Thruster, HSPU, Cleans, AMRAP all so foreign to me and just increasing that intimidation factor. I mean I have mom brain, how in the world am I going to remember what all these crazy terms mean?! And then to top it all off its not “just a work out” you have to lift really heavy weights for about 20 mins to pre-game the workout. Oh and lets not forget there is a timer that beeps up on the wall. I mean you can just imagine what I was thinking after learning all these things. Im pretty sure I wanted to grab my workout bag and quietly slip out the door many times in those early days. Things like, ” I want you to put that barbell with weights on it over your head and then squat down.” Haha when I say run out the door I mean like sprint!
Fast forward, and 3 years later I have stuck with it. I am still in that room everyday and I no longer want to run out the door ( well sometimes I still do haha) but I live for these workouts. It has changed not only my body but my point of view in reference to myself and my attitude more than anything. It has taught me that I am stronger than I give myself credit for physically and mentally. That people really do care about you in that room and will always cheer you on. It has taught me to not give up on something easily and to set goals. I feel like the mental and physical benefit of crossfit has been equally satisfying for me. If you told me in the beginning that I would eventually end up participating in 3 Crossfit competitions I would have thought you were crazy.
My friend and I didn’t even come close to placing in these competitions but thats not whats important. What is important is that we showed up, we lifted as heavy as we could, we pushed ourselves, we didn’t quit, supported each other and we had fun! You guys thats what Crossfit is really all about and the best part about it is my kids are always watching. They are always there to support me and I can only hope that my example resonates with them one day.
Ok so I’ll get off my soapbox about Crossfit and move on to the real reason you guys are all reading this. Questions like “What is your workout routine?”, ‘What do you eat?”, “How do you keep your legs so toned?” “Do you use supplements?” have led me to write this.
Well obviously the answer is Crossfit 5 days a week. The workouts are programed to target specific areas of the body. Some days it may be legs, or upper body, some days its endurance and cardio and some days its every muscle and every category. It is the one thing that has created the most change physically to my body.
Muscle gain does not come easy for me, and it never has. I learned early on in my fitness journey there are 3 different body types. Understanding yours is important when trying to formulate what workout/diet plan may be best for you. I have linked a great website that explains all of this here. https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/body-types-ectomorph-mesomorph-endomorph.html
As far as my diet, I attempt to eat clean Monday through Friday. And by “attempt” that really means that it doesn’t always happen but I make all efforts to try. I mean lets face it I ate Chick-fil-a for dinner tonight BUT I ate good all day up until that point. I think its all about balance and doing what works for you. My diet consists of scrambled egg whites and one egg every morning. I function better when I start my day with breakfast so I never skip that meal, plus I’m always hungry in the morning. I try to eat within about 30-45mins of my workout.
Post workout, a protein shake is ideal but that doesn’t always happen. If I can’t get the protein shake in I try to a least eat some sort of protein for lunch. Meal prepping is essential for me to stay on track. I try to meal prep enough chicken and veggies for lunch Monday – Friday. Snacking is my weakness and I need food that is “grab and go” so meal planning has to happen for me to make things work.
Supplements
I am not a coffee drinker so Advocare Spark is my go to every morning! Fruit punch is my favorite flavor and I rarely try any others. I am obviously a creature of habit. 🙂 I also take the Advocare Catalyst supplement every morning on an empty stomach. It is an amino acid supplement that works to nourish muscle, not fat and in turn works to keep your body toned and defined. It is a form of branch chained amino acids that help support endurance and strength in conjunction with exercise. I also swear by apple cider vinegar and lemon water. Fish oil supplements have also helped along with a daily multi vitamin.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and would not recommend any of these supplements to anyone. Before trying anything new you should do your research and consult with your physician.
Overall you have to find out what works best for you and your body. This crossfit journey has opened my eyes to the fact that everyone’s fitness journey is different and you can never compare yourself to others. Crossfit is more than just a hard workout. Its about building community, helping you achieve your goals and ultimately being the best you for yourself and your family and friends. From one former scared and intimidated mom to another, don’t hold yourself back from trying something new because you just might surprise yourself. 🙂