CrossFit: Replacing Resolutions with Habits

“First we make our habits, and then our habits make us.” -John Dryden

It’s a new year, but ever since I started CrossFit three years ago, I stopped making New Year’s resolutions. Don’t get me wrong, I find value in setting and accomplishing goals, but for the first time in my adult life I don’t need to resolve to ‘start working out’ or ‘eat healthier’ – all because of a place called Modig. Before you start thinking I’m some completely unrelatable, super health freak who loves to work out, hear me out.

In the midst of all of the NYE hoopla and my Facebook “research,” I came across a piece of advice that struck me – “Find 3 habits. One that makes you money, one that keeps you fit, and one that keeps you creative.” While I’m still working on two of them, I felt a sense of pride in knowing I already have a passion for a habit that keeps me fit. But it hasn’t always been that way for me, or for the 200ish other members at my CrossFit gym. Sure, there are a few crazies, who admittedly just love to work out and always have (i.e. my former triathlete friend turned CrossFit athlete who now competes in local CrossFit competitions). But that’s not me. I think when people meet me in this phase of my life, or when people look at the general CrossFit population, they think something along these lines: “Oh those people are just wired differently. Those people love to workout and always have.” Not true. There were years of my life where I did nothing more than try to love working out. I made a plan, like, “I’m going to run a half marathon.” Then I went for a run, couldn’t breathe, hated it, and didn’t do it again for six months. Or, that other time when I joined a globo gym and begrudgingly went for three weeks and subsequently paid for an unused membership for 11 months. But when I stopped going, no one from globo gym cared. No one called to see if I was ok, or if I was ever coming back. No one held me accountable, so I never returned.

My behavior and lack of good exercise habits were very disappointing for someone who thought they should like working out. I was a multi-sport athlete growing up and high school athletics was my entire life. But then I found CrossFit and it was different for me – and I’m not alone. CrossFit is more than a way to stay fit: it’s a sport, a community, a feeling, a passion and most importantly to me – a routine. I don’t wake up wondering if I’m going to workout anymore, because it is my habit. Today and every day I will eat, take care of my kids, work, and CrossFit. It’s the only thing since high school sports that I have stuck with for over three years strong, and I have intentions of continuing for a lifetime.

So why do people talk about CrossFit so much? Because it works and because it is something that keeps people coming back. If I were a better writer I would explain why and how it works. But in some ways, the “how” and “why” is just a nuance that cannot be explained. I urge you, if you’re still looking for a passion that helps you stay fit, come check out Modig. We will welcome you, with open arms.

By: Annie Williams

Annie is a wife, mom of two young (and adorable) boys and a Coach at Modig Fitness. Read more about her on her Coach’s profile