I recently read an article written by games competitor, Julie Foucher that resonated with me. I have always been active since I was a very small child; my mom had me in everything. When it came to fitness later on in life, I pretty much tried everything: yoga, pilates, kickboxing, aerobics, p90x, you name it. I kind of jumped all over the place. Until I found Crossfit.
Three and half years later and I still love it and can’t imagine not doing it. People outside of Crossfit often ask me why I love it so much and why I’m constantly here, why I started apprenticing, etc. Obviously there are tons of reasons why we all love Crossfit and keep coming back day after day to get that “hit”, but reading Julie’s article hit home with me about why personally Crossfit is different for me then any other sport or activity I have been involved in.
In this article Foucher describes how far women have come in the world, especially in the workplace, however she talks of the lack of women leadership and how women still have a long way to rise in a “man’s world”. She then goes on to describe the role women have in Crossfit and the equality displayed between men and women.
“Crossfit as a whole has treated male and female athletes with equal respect and opportunity from its inception. Workouts of the Day (WODs) posted on CrossFit.com do not include scaling options for females or any other subset of the CrossFit community, suggesting that individuals may chose to scale appropriately but should not feel limited in any way, for example by age or gender.”
I related to this part of the article, because this is one of the things that has always drawn me in. The equality and support between genders. Most of us were pretty intimidated walking into a Crossfit gym for the first time. Especially women, myself included. Men with their shirts off dropping weights, screaming obscenities, sweating, grunting. The difference I noticed at Cossfit right away was that there were women alongside them, doing the same, dropping weights, swearing, and sweating.
To some this could seem extremely intimidating; however, what I’ve felt over the years has actually been empowerment. The fact that men and women could workout together and feel as equals and be supportive to one another is pretty awesome. Yes the man beside you might be lifting triple what you are, but we are all going through the same discomfort and getting through it together. You look around the box and you see men genuinely in awe, maybe even inspired by the women around them and what they are physically capable of, whether they are out-snatching them or getting their first pull up. High fives and support all around.
You don’t see many sports like that, where women are getting similar sponsorships, prize money or exposure as their male counterparts. You probably can’t name as many famous female athletes as male; most people probably can’t name a female professional hockey player, soccer or basketball player. But I hear guys around the gym and in the Crossfit community talking about Annie Thorisdotter, Sam Briggs, Camille Leblanc-Bazinett, Emily Beers, Alicia Connors, the list goes on. And not about their physical appearance (maybe a little), but what they are physically capable of. It’s empowering women to get into shape and see how far they can push themselves physically and mentally. It’s not about getting skinny anymore, it’s about getting stronger, faster and fitter.
Check out Julie’s article here: juliefoucher.com
I am in awe and inspired by the men and women of CFV everyday!
xo Meagan
Monday’s Workout:
Warm Up: Not for time but to be completed expeditiously…
12 Cossack squats
12 Pull ups
12 Push Ups
12 Shoulder activations hanging from the bar
x 2
Do some elbow prep as well.
Tech: Muscle Ups! Its all about logging time in the saddle folks. 
Same as before. 5 sets of 3 reps or 3 sets of five reps. This is strength and technique work.
Keep working your appropriate progression. If you want to try a more difficult one then do it. If you don’t quite know where you are then ask your coaches.
Key technique point for today’s session is the turnover. Remember to look at the sky on the way up and flip over to looking at the ground when you receive yourself in the bottom of the dip. Pull to the armpits and below – not the face.
Workout: Chip Away
For Time
30 HSPU
40 Pull Ups
50 KB Swings (Black/red)
60 Sit Ups
70 Burpees
Attack the number. 25 minute time limit. POST TO THE LEADERBOARD!!
Enjoy!
House of Shepherd
03 Nov 2013
Youth Warrior Program needs Your Vote TODAY!
We’ve applied for funding through the Aviva Community Fund. Voting for this round ends TODAY…but there are other funds connected to this application, so EVERY vote counts.
02 Nov 2013
PE 3.0 Week 5
I’ll watch anything set to the Rocky Soundtrack
One thing I forgot to mention on Saturday, was that for every inch of foreword head translation (away from a neutral posture) corresponds with a 10% reduction in lung functionality. So, straighten up.
Both of these are great opportunities to work on pacing and posture. Don’t forget your cool down routine.
A
01 Nov 2013
East Van's Got Talent!
Friday December 6th, 7pm-Midnight
Wine and Cheese
Festive Treats
Silent Auction
and…
A TALENT SHOWCASE!
Attendees will be able to vote / cheer for their favourite act.
No Entry Fee
$$$ is king
Silent Auction closes at 12am