The courage to be strong. Do you have it?
The courage to be strong. It’s a phrase inspired by my friend Jennie Yundt over at CrossFit Fire and this blogpost and video. Yup, it’s a “Women’s Night.” Some people might object. Just as some people in the CrossFit world object that we run a Women’s Bootcamp. Their argument is that women are strong and shouldn’t be treated any different, or shunted to the side, or given less weight.
And they’re right. But we’re right too. Let me explain.
Some CrossFit affiliates, like other gyms in this world, treat women as lesser beings. They don’t let them lift heavy. They don’t let them go hard. And that’s a shame. And it makes us want to kick them in the balls. And they usually have balls, because I have yet to meet a female CrossFit affiliate owner who doesn’t go hard, who doesn’t lift heavy, who doesn’t know exactly what women are capable of. They know the score.
I’m not racking on the guys here, I’m just saying that sometimes they don’t understand women the way women understand women. (How many times can I use the word “women” in a sentence? Do I get a prize? Something cute and cuddly?)
And that’s why we’re different at CrossFit Watertown. We get it. Over half of our coaching staff is female. (We’ll let you figure out which half.)
We have a women’s bootcamp because we understand that, in this world, sometimes it’s hard for a woman to have the courage to be strong. Sometimes, she needs to be in the company of other women to let that strength come through. And that’s okay by us. We’re in the business of helping people get fit, get strong, and change their lives. There are many routes to the same destination. We don’t mind taking several paths.
Honestly, guys don’t always get this concept of having the courage to be strong, because they’re expected to be strong. That is both a blessing and a curse, I’m certain. But we’re not talking about guys here. We’re just talking about the girls. If you’ve got the courage to be strong, then join our regular classes. But if you need to hang with the girls for a while (or forever) join our Women’s Boot Camp. It’s really that simple of a choice.
And to the women who are in our box and out there in the rest of the CrossFit world, lifting heavy and going hard — those women who inspire us everyday in more ways than they’ll ever know — thanks for having the courage to be strong. Lift something heavy today and think of me, sisters, ’cause I’ll be thinking of you.
(Text by Lisbeth Darsh/www.crossfitwatertown.com. Barbell babes are Anita and Lady V.)
October 20th, 2009 at 9:25 am
It is so empowering to be strong!!! Get some ladies!!!!
October 20th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I certainly don’t understand them and I live with 6 of them now (counting Ruby and the 2 new cats). I really appreciate these posts Lis. We often think we know what another’s experience is, but we really don’t and we have to learn to accept what they tell us even if it is contrary to what we think we know. Women are strong, they are the fairer sex, not the weaker.
And Lis, I saw your request for good affiliate blog posts to share–you have tons.
Cheers
October 20th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Women can “poke out your eyeballs and grind them in the dirt”….someone once told me that…love that quote
October 20th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Pam’s looking strong on the CFFB site today!
October 20th, 2009 at 10:28 am
BOOOYAH! Here’s the link to Pam getting down with the boys: http://www.crossfitfootball.com/page/index.php?menu=blog&page=blog&hide&id=4171
(Thanks for the heads up, Dan!)
October 20th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Fantastic post Lis!!! once again – Vaginas are where it’s at!
October 20th, 2009 at 11:29 am
I thought 2 turn tables and a microphone is where it’s at!
October 20th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
PAM KICKS ASS. I can’t wait for some of those football WODs. They look fierce. Also fierce are the CFW Women. I love watching you lift heavy sh!t. I’ve been on Viv lately (hehe) about going heavier. I think she finally realizes how strong she’s getting. Get ready to lift more heavy sh!t tonight!
October 20th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I’ll see your v-town, your 2 turn tables, and your microphone, and raise you 3 questionably inappropriate remarks.
October 20th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
yep, women rock.
oh my gosh, i miss CFW! it looks like everyone is having so much fun and there are so many new people! I wish i was back sooner than Nov. 24th. ho hum…..
October 20th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Sue is strong. She inspires me… and I am a man (with a honorable dirty woman knighting)!!!
October 20th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Yay Girls! I love lifting heavy stuff. You know who else is really good at lifting heavy stuff? Erin! She was my platform partner tonight and she is GOOD!
Yay for Anita being the star of the blog two days in a row…now only if she would comment…
October 20th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
I like women!
October 20th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Love lifting heavy “shit”….sorry Beck I feel that this is much more appropriate then simply “stuff”…makes me feel tougher!!! Nice lifting yesterday to all and tonight as well….
October 21st, 2009 at 12:05 am
@ David… I LOVE THAT SONG!!!
@ Lis- LMFAO you are too much