Eric M.

I have worked out at a gym all my adult life, but always seen it as a chore – something I had to do to keep from becoming soft and flabby or a blimp. I joined “CrossFit Bloomington” because five different friends were so enthusiastic about it. My gym was closing and I needed a new place to go, so I gave it a try. What a good decision! I just love it. Here’s why:

For the first time in my life, I have found a physical fitness activity that is huge fun, an intense challenge, and exhilarating. The warm ups alone are a good workout, but every time I finish a WOD (workout of the day), I feel completely spent and at the same time completely energized. The WODs are always challenging and sometimes they seem impossible, but somehow, with the encouragement of the trainers and fellow members, you get it done. Then, you stand back and look at what you’ve lifted or what you did with your body and you feel really proud. I have never felt that way about my physical abilities before. Never.

The trainers are stern taskmasters, but extremely skilled at their work. They insist on proper form at all times, protecting participants from injury. They also insist on completeness. Pull ups are all the way up to the bar! Squats are all the way down! Kettlebell swings all the way up! And yet, they are the gentlest, most encouraging people you’ll ever meet. Right when you think you’re about to collapse, they tell you you can do it and that you’re looking good. There is nothing like doing something that pushes you to your limits and having a trusted person stand by your side telling you you can do it. It’s an amazing and deeply human experience.

There’s also an esprit de corps among participants when the WODs begin. People wish each other good luck and encourage each other along the way. The main point of the WOD is to do your personal best, but there is also a gentle competition among participants that helps you do your best. The really cool thing is how amazing athletes who can do everything far better than you take a genuine interest in your success. They finish their WOD and stand by your side encouraging you to do your best. One day I was working on handstand pushups – just trying to go down a couple of inches – and someone I didn’t even know called out, “Way to go, Eric! You can do it! Keep trying.” Wow! What a feeling to be in an atmosphere like that. No wonder I love Crossfit.