CrossFit - I really don't need a steam room.

If you're like me, someone that's been gyming for ages but really starting to get bored. Then it's definitely a time for change. I’ve been feeling that for at least a year!

I've been a member of a quite posh qym for years. You know the type. Cafe, sauna, steam room, about what seems like 50 treadmills and loads of machines etc. Now that sounds quite nice right? Problem is, no one talks. Everyone wears earphones and for the most part, the trainers don't talk to you either unless you're paying more money for a 1-on-1 personal training session. So what happens? You get bored. You cheat on workouts and you don't re-fresh your programme enough; not to mention the poor technique.

On top of all that, I moved to a new area not long ago so I was also looking for a social scene. It's hard to make new friends when you're in your mid-30s. Could a gym also help me? I had heard about outdoor fitness clubs and CrossFit clubs through a friend and also via some health Podcasts I listen to from LA. It seems to be massive there. Maybe that could be worth a try I thought.

I searched online and found Sunbury Performance CrossFit. A small, new business ran by two guys who live this stuff. Their gym is a 'Box' (all CrossFit gyms are called that), and as per the description, it's a simple square-ish room with various racks and things around the outside of it. No steam room. No Jacuzzi, no cafe. Imagine!

Within about 10mins of entering, I was introduced to more members than in 5yrs of the previous gym, all of who were of mixed abilities, ages and experience. The gym sessions run like classes did back in the old days. You meet at a set time. You then warm up together (run, skip, air squats or any number of different exercises). Then it's strength sessions. This takes elements of Olympic Weight Lifting and gymnastics. What does that literally mean? Some squats with a barbell, or cleans etc (check out online). It's all about progression so everyone usually has their own weight levels and never do you feel like your ego gets bruised as the other members are supportive and typically not meat-heads from weights rooms.

Lastly on the session is the WOD (work out of the day). This is normally a 10min intense work out that will kick your ass in a fun way. It could be skipping again, box jumps, burpees, throwing a heavy ball in the air, running, sit ups, press ups or some combination of countless other exercises. Every day is different. That's the key. The coaches support you, correct your technique and your body experiences different, constantly varied exercise routines.

The members are really a small community. In fact the sport is a bit like that. You'll find yourself getting addicted to the t-shirts, trainers and even diet changes they promote. Eating clean is a big topic for members. Sometimes they even run nutrition seminars.

So, I don't get bored anymore. I'm improving quickly in many aspects physically (mobility, strength, aerobic - i even did a handstand; the first time since the 80s!) and you make friends. Why do you need the steam room?

L.

What to give up for January...

It’s 2014!

At the start of every New Year, many good intentioned people set targets for changing or improving themselves. This usually starts with something to help restore us from the indulgences of Christmas. Maybe giving up alcohol, smoking or even starting a new exercise plan...all good stuff right?

For me, my challenge is about giving up or significantly reducing two things that may help me long term...if it becomes a lifestyle. They are meat and sugar.

In December I watched the documentary "Forks over Knives" on Netflix which further reinforced my opinion that perhaps eating too much meat is not good for our hearts. I've also read part of 'The China Study' which supports and helps form some of the arguments raised in the film. Aside from the animal welfare and climate reasons which are powerful enough in themselves, it's amazing to think that we may be able to reduce and even correct cardiovascular disease by just eating more vegetables and less meat. Seems simple right? So here's my plan. I'll be 100% plant powered in January. I'm intrigued to see how I'll get on. Admittedly I already eat quite a lot of veggies everyday now so I'm not sure how much of an dramatic impact it'll have. I think I'm more curious about habit and how easy I'll find it when out and about on the go, to avoid meat, which is too relied upon as a staple food source. That's the big challenge I think.

Sugar on the other hand, I hope will be under a lot of scrutiny in 2014. Press coverage, blogs, podcasts and general public awareness about it are on the rise and I hope it helps everyone start to realise the negative health implications of sugar and maybe think twice about consuming so much of it. It's crazy how many people are at risk of diabetes, which for the most part can be avoided by better diets!

Two issues I see. Firstly, I know they say 'read the label' to check the ingredients list. For example; if you look carefully, 'Low Fat' food products typically contain more sugar than 'normal' versions and thus whilst low in fat, they will actually make you fat. That is shocking. More importantly to consider is why are we buying food with a label in the first place. We don't need to look on the reverse of an apple or carrot to check what’s in it, so if we were buying and eating more whole foods and less processed, factory-made foods, we wouldn't have to worry about the ingredients list in the first place. Again, it seems simple right?

So I know there's arguments for and against most of these topics and they're actually complex. I'm certainly no Dr or Scientist, but these are my choices for January and perhaps hopefully wellinto the New Year too if I feel better in doing it.

Watch this space!