Arell tackles ring push-ups while Cheryl split squats.
Can you tell everything from this picture? Can you tell who else is in the class? Who’s coming up the stairs? Who’s watching from the club room? Exactly what the weather is outside?
Probably not. You’ve got some indicators, but not all, and you’re only seeing through the lens of one camera. And one camera shot, no matter how good, does not offer enough information — just like one viewpoint (no matter how seemingly perceptive, intuitive, or adept) can offer all the information you need to make a full and informed decision most of the time.
Sitting in another CrossFit Level One Course yesterday, the point was made again and again, “Don’t believe us because we said it. Go out and look for yourself. Explore. Ask other people. Educate yourself.”
How rare is that viewpoint in today’s world? The urging of exploration and investigation, even if it means possibly digging up contrary information? So many fitness regimens, so many companies, so many ads scream “Look at us! Pay attention over here! Only WE know the score, only WE know what’s good for you.”
But CrossFit says different. CrossFit places the burden of proof on the promiser (“Prove it”) and the burden of education on the individual (“Go look it up and find out. Try it. See what happens”). That’s quite a refreshing change, when you think about it.
Listen. Consider. Explore. Experiment. Decide for yourself.
Kinda nice, huh?
August 16th, 2010 at 9:48 am
That is one of my favorite things about CrossFit – it’s methodologies evolve and we are not afraid of that. I forget his exact words, but at the 101 Greg Glassman said something along the lines of “If playing kick the can yielded the fittest athletes in the world, we would be playing kick the can”.
It just so happens the current methodologies seem to be working quite well.
Otherwise… I shall be making my return this evening from my “vacation”. 6pm. I even groomed my face and have a clean pair of shorts. So uhhh, yeah, this is very exciting. No need for cake or a parade or bringing out the golden throne and transporting me from my car to upstairs a la Egyptian God treatment. That was too much last time. I am a humble God.
August 16th, 2010 at 11:12 am
haha Nate! It just so happens that Sue and I were talking about getting a throne-like easy chair to put in the corner of the gym. I don’t think we even knew at the time that your highness might grace it with your presence!
August 16th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
What is up with the blog today? Only 3 post? Where are all the cfw’rs
August 16th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
I’m at an exciting meeting for work, and just visited the blog for the first time today because I’m bored to death. What are the rest of the excuses? See you guys tomorrow for the regular WOD’s and the comp WOD.
August 16th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
For you Rockstar
I’ve only been doing this for 7 months and the entire time I have had a lot of my friends doubt what I have done until just recently.
I don’t know if Crossfit is just getting more popular in my group of friends or they are starting to believe what I have been talking about. Some of my friends thought I joined a cult and others just thought I was crazy.
It goes back to the old saying, “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink”. Well just recently a few of my friends took a sip.
My wife and one of my best friends joined CFW and a few others have found boxes closer to them. They are now believers and the hook is set. They both are working to clear off the schedule and make time to get in a WOD. I get daily text messages from some of my friends across the country asking what we did in our gym today.
August 17th, 2010 at 10:24 am
Hi guys
I just got an email from Jason. For those going up to Albany:
Courtyard Marriot in Albany (168 Wolf Rd)
Call: 866-541-6400 Reference: “Crossfit Competition”
I think you have to book for both 9/10 & 9/11 but it will be about $220 for both nights with the taxes and fees.
August 17th, 2010 at 10:28 am
Tony – email me btrzaski@gmail.com – I need your last name and tshirt size!