2018 has been an incredible year for my health and fitness and I couldn’t have done it without the help of CrossFit.  The goals I set at the beginning of the year have been met and I am excited for the next chapter in my fitness journey come 2019.

2018 was a great testament that consistency wins.  I certainly didn’t see the big gains out of the box but after months and months of consistent hard work, reshaping my nutrition, and seeking out valuable advice, I was able to improve dramatically and reach new PRs along with become more technically savvy with some of the complex moves.

A couple notes to bookmark for the year end:

PRs

1 RM Split Jerk – 135 lbs (12-16-18)

1 RM Clean – 145 lbs (12-12-18)

1 RM OHS – 100 lbs (12-10-18)

1 RM Deadlift
– 307 lbs (12-20-18)
– 300 LBs (9-20-18)

1 RM Front Squat
– 175 Lbs (12-16-18)

1 RM Back Squat
– 200 Lbs (Nov)
– 170 lbs (7-9-18)

5 RM Back Squat
– 165 lbs (12-18-18)
– 135lbs (4-16-18)

Strict Pull-ups
– 8 (7-9-18)

Karen
14 LB Wall Ball – 8:19 (12-23-18)

14 LB Wall Ball – 9:20 (July)

14 LB Wall Ball – 9:40 (May)

I have some sights on huge gains next year but overall it’s that my body and mind are in the best position they can be in to crush each day.  I think that is the overall motivation so when I continue to age my body doesn’t break down and limit me.  That’s one of the big things that keeps me driving forward.

What about you?

Hope you all have written down your goals for 2019, both long and short term, and are focused to achieving them.

Have a great new year and start to 2019!

Brian

Now that I’ve gone to write these CrossFit posts once a month it’s giving me a chance to sit back and reflect a bit more on the bigger picture.  My life has changed a lot recently and it has made me have to alter my entire schedule and has completely shaken up my world.

However, when you have motivation followed by an intent to achieve certain goals nothing should keep you down.  You have to keep pivoting and make it work and do whatever it takes.

One of those areas is around your overall fitness health.  I’ve never seen a Chiropractor but with some encouragement from neighbors I decided to at least go to a sesh or two and see what they had to say.  It was quite an eye opening experience.  First, Dr. Staker and his staff are phenomenal and really know their stuff.  I knew I had a family history of back problems but didn’t realize until I got X-rays that my L4 and L5 vertebrae were fused together from birth.  Certainly explains a few things but Dr. Staker did compliment me on my overall back health and that I didn’t have too much to be worried about if I was smart about it.  My main issue was my right hip that was just overturned inward and probably why I felt imbalanced at times.

So, taking Doctor’s orders I’ve been stretching and foam rolling a ton over the past month and after a couple sessions recently he’s been pleased with the improvement in that hip and lower back area.  I have to say, I can definitely tell.  My workouts seem easier especially with my squat and I just feel I don’t have as much pressure in that area any longer.

Only time will tell but the morale of the story is this.  Don’t think you know it all.  If you are curious about something go seek out answers and find the truth as you never know how it might impact your life for the better.  I never thought I needed to go see a Chiropractor but my newfound knowledge will help me reach my fitness goals and give me overall better health in the lower back / hip region for years to come.

I hope you continue on your journey to better health and seek out wisdom in areas you might struggle or need more insight.

Keep grinding!

I had been dogging it on my CrossFit journey posts lately due to some personal challenges on this end and only getting to the gym 2-4 times a week the last several.  But, my focus is back and I was reenergized today by spectating at the Triangle Invitational hosted by the gym I belong to, CrossFit RTP.

It was amazing to see the teamwork and camaraderie across the various events and was awesome to see our team, the RX team from CrossFit RTP bring home 1st Place!

I believe the reason I was so inspired is that it reminded me that getting in great physical shape and becoming more healthy is not a short sprint but a long journey through many obstacles.  These athletes competing didn’t just show up but they had been working toward this for many months and years.  It was a culmination of perseverance, patience, and positivity…all factors leading to success.

I’m proud to call CrossFit RTP home and it was a tremendous effort by all of the volunteers from our gym and our winning squad!  Excited to be involved some way next year…heck, maybe I’ll even compete!

Keep grindin’

Brian