Something good

How about something wildly different! 

Here is an update on our classes at CrossFit. In the first photo the woman on the left is Bonnie. She started working out in 2015 ?? with a personal trainer [who later started our CrossFit gym]. Her concern since she is petite was to protect her bones from Osteoporosis. She is active in the church and the community. Bonnie is in her early 80's.

The middle gal travels as a Sheep Judge and photographer. She is in her 30's. I don't recall the woman on the rights name, but she is in the next generation. 

On Friday April 18th, it is bring a friend day to CrossFit. I've asked my grand daughter Ariel to join me and she said yes!

The photo below is a shot of our current Legends Class for our gym. As you can see, we are just ordinary folks over the age of 55+. Most of us much more than 55. Some of us are in our 7th decade but I'm not going to say who.

--I've got the baseball hat on---

We come from all walks of life. Most of us are 'retired' now. You wouldn't know it but some of us are battling some major health issues and we are each other's support.

We stick together like glue in the gym and laugh as we work out with a fantastic coach who tailors our workouts to our abilities and aching parts.

We move together, we moan together, we laugh together.

All of Mobility issues are addressed by our coach and we've seen improvement in everything we do. We don't have to kill ourselves trying to be Olympians, we can be ourselves.

Imagine coming into a workout where we have to run a quarter of a mile. The coach figures out what we can do. We walk fast for 100 meters, 200 meters, whatever it takes to do movement. Those who can 'run' [me] do. Those that can't walk. No one is looked down upon for their abilities and we only encourage each other with positive words and actions.

Some of us lift PVC pipes just to do the motion of lifting. Some of us use weights. Some who cannot walk well may choose to ride a stationery bike or row. No judgement. We encourage and support each other.

The coach leads us in this. She is an amazing person. Her name is Angie. What can I say about a wonderful lady who has encouraged me and made me feel loved and wanted in a gym situation for the past 4 years. If anyone is the epitome of positivity, it is her. 

I've had people ask me ... "but isn't it terribly expensive?" 

Actually no it isn't. It is less expensive for one month's fee than one visit to a Physical Therapist.  I know. I had two shoulder surgeries and one elbow surgery in 3 years. For nearly 3 years, I had to see PT in order to be able to move my shoulders and elbow again.

One does not have to 'be' in shape to join up with our gym. The coaches always work to your level, whatever that might be.

Whatever the world is doing out there at the moment. I have this positive outlet in my life and I am so grateful for it and the people I've made friends with.

Our motto:

I'll be there for you.

Goal Review with Coach Josh

I've really had a hard time staying motivated for going to the gym lately. I need those workouts to keep my mobility and strength in good form.

There have been a few mornings that I haven't felt so great and others where I just decided I had too much going on. I feel guilty sometimes leaving Rich home to watch out the window and nap. I feel guilty on planning a short trip to see my son. 

Josh asked me pointedly "How does Rich feel about it?"

My answer enlightened me. "Unconcerned. He tells me to have fun."

What are my goals for this summer? 
Me: Do the KVR Trail Challenge again be the first to do it back to back. Take time to visit my son. Another goal was to camp out one night at KVR.

A goal next year was to hire someone to keep and eye Rich while I take a 4 day backpack/hiking luxury vacation in Arizona or perhaps the Pacific Northwest. Another goal was to do more photography for the local track team [I enjoyed IT that much!]

How does that have anything to do with being at the gym? 
Well, in my mind it has a lot to do with it.

Without  consistent workouts, I can lose the ability to do so many things I do around the farm. 
Like shoveling manure, pounding fence posts, or doing the easy things we don't even worry about. Like picking something up off the floor without the fear of falling.
Getting up from sitting on the ground without help.
Standing up from a chair without having to use the table for assistance.

Balance. 

Mobility.
Bone Strengthening.
Cardio.
The social aspect is incredible also. Working out with others makes for a great social gathering.
We sweat and laugh together.

So for the summer, I hope to be going to the gym for classes mostly at 6am. I'm up so early anyway. Why not beat the heat and go and get my day started.

That still leaves time for exploring KVR and gardening, caregiving, cattle rustling, mule riding, . ..

Coach Josh asked if I'd be at the Murph which is a CrossFit challenge done each Memorial Day as a fund raiser. You can read about it here: About the Murph 

The Murph

A word about the Murph. It can be scaled back so everyone can do some form of it. Our gym has this each Memorial Day along with a cookout in which the gym members and their families show up and bring a dish to pass. 

Josh asked if I was coming and I told him about my out of town company. He challenged me to make my action figures do a Murph. I laughed at that silly suggestion. ...

Well. Okay!

 Lil' Bear decided he'd have one for all of his friends just like one at the gym.

These guys chose to run 
through the gardens!

Air Squats on 
the porch.

Group push ups.

Post Murph pot luck dinner
with family and friends.

I plan on doing this next year with the modifications of course. 

After all, my action figures didn't seem to have a problem with it!

The money raised also goes to a great cause.