You guys . . .

I have just had the most amazing day!

I feel so incredible right now, the best I have felt in . . . well I don’t even know how long you wanna know why?

Because today, sweet invisible internet friend of mine, I did something that scared the pants off me!

Today I headed on over to CrossFit Bondi and stepped into my first every “box” and had my very first official WOD (workout of the day) and you guys . . . it was amazing!

For the longest time I have been intrigued by but also very intimidated by the whole Cross Fit scene . . . never feeling brave enough to give it a try myself but, at the same time I was secretly eyeing it off with keen interest you know?

I think, let me rephrase that, I know the reason I was so scared/hesitant/reluctant to give it a try was just out of fear of the unknown.

I am kinda shy and awkward, I get really nervous in new/unfamiliar surroundings (← yes really) so the fact that I don’t know anyone upped the intimidation factor by like a million! And, you guys know I’m all kinds of clumsy . . . what if I trip and fall on my face?! What if they ask me to do something I don’t know how to do?

What if?

What if?

What if?

You know what if?! What if I suck it up and take that first step, have a little faith in myself and my ability and head on into “the box”?!

What if I make a new friend? Which I did 🙂

What if I stick that box jump and be proud of my achievement? Nailed it!

What if I learn a new skill? = Awesome!

What if I find a new passion and fall in love?! Oh the love ♥♥♥

What if I finally decide to put my pride aside and challenge myself?! After all it’s in our great challenges that we find our feet and grow the most right?!

I love this diagram that Jill (aka JillFit Physiques) shared recently –

Image via JillFit Physiques

It’s in pushing through the pain/discomfort of stepping outside of our comfort zone what we find new opportunities to thrive, new beginnings and endless possibilities.

I love what Jill says in this post – “The better you get at discomfort, the better you get”

And it’s so, so true!

Was it scary? Oh my yes! But was it worth it – absolutely! I had the best time not only that but I have such a huge sense of accomplishment and achievement, such pride in myself right now and that my friend is priceless.

So, who want’s to see what we did?!

Epic Total Body WOD

Start on the rowing machines – 30secs on 30 secs off x 7

Then we did the power clean 7 sets x 4 reps with 2 mins rest between sets adding weight to the bar with each set.

Then we moved onto the dumbbell power snatch –

3 with the right arm

3 with the left arm

Followed by 3 box jumps

Repeat adding 3 reps to each exercise for time up to 4 mins

I managed to get up to (and complete) 12 reps for each exercise for all 4 rounds!

Then  we finished with a nice little Then tabata push up finisher 2 mins x 20 secs on 10 seconds off x 8 sets (which makes up the 2 mins)

Can you say sweaty mess?!

Seriously I was so happy but so sweaty I couldn’t even see if I was in the shot #notpretty #reallift #fitgirlproblems

Don’t get me wrong that workout was tough, as in T-O-U-G-H – I’m talking Tonka tough!

But I did it!

And I didn’t fall on my face! (I may have managed to lock myself in the bathroom and have to be jimmied out before class even started ← yes really but . . . let’s not talk about that 😉 )

Even if I did fall no one would have noticed. No one was paying attention to what I was doing (except the coach of course) Everyone was very welcoming, encouraging and supportive but as far as the actual workout goes everyone was in their own zone, doing their own thing, being all kinds of awesome!

And you know what . . . I feel all kinds of awesome right now – I feel strong, I feel capable and I feel so very proud.

Proud that I stepped out of my comfort zone

Proud that tried something new

Proud that I am stronger than I give myself credit for.

Im just so happy right now I can not even tell you.

Plus – Bonus is that I got to meet an amazing woman who as been a huge influence and mentor in my life – The amazing Jill Coleman (aka – JillFit Physiques) was getting her workout on in the same box doing the same WOD. Can I just say girlfriend is not only breathtakingly beautiful, she is warm, friendly, approachable, humble and holy moly is she strong! If it wasn’t for Jill’s encouraging words and thought provoking posts I’m not sure I would have found the courage to step outside of my comfort zone and head on into the box today. Much respect, gratitude and sincere thanks – more than I can put into words.

I want to take a moment to encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone.

Try something new.

Right here, right now make the commitment to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new.

Is there an exercise class you have been wanting to try but just haven’t managed to get to yet because you don’t know anyone or your embarrassed/worried you might mess up or think you’re not fit enough?

Chances are you are stronger, fitter, braver than you think and you know what, if you mess up . . . who cares?

We all have to start somewhere, chances are no one will even notice anyway . . . and regardless the only mistake you should regret are the ones you don’t learn from (← woah – getting deep and philosophical up in here)!

But it’s really true. We can’t keep doing the same ol’ things and expect to get a different result and I don’t about you but I am ready to challenge myself. Take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

What do you say, are you in?

Just once, you don’t have to make a lifetime or even year long commitment. Even just as a one off? One exercise, one class, one thing?

Are you up for it?! Make the commitment, right here, right now to try something new, just one thing this week.

I know you can do it!!!!!

Feel free to give me a shout out on twitter or Instagram, or even hit me up on the Facebook page or simply leave a message in the comments below with your “one thing” . Share a pic of you doing it, planning it, or having conquered it – you are going to fly I just know it.

Now go, have a killer day

Oh and if you give that WOD a try, let me know how you do with that too 🙂

Peace out –

Em xoxo