Jump, Pull and Madonna??

Ok, this post could bring on an abrupt end to my blogging career.

A couple of disclaimers: First, I don't watch much TV. Second, I don't care for pop music and third, I left the typical gym treadmill cardio sessions behind years ago.

So with all that said, the heavy snow and the ridiculous handling of the removal in our area, kept me inside this week way more than I would have liked. Couple that with a bum shoulder and I found myself (in disguise of course) in my local Globo Gym and on a treadmill to make things even worse. Nonetheless, my body was craving a long, sweaty, cardio session, so I went for it and hoped no one would find out.

A consistent theme that I often cite, is the creativity and imagination that is so critical in our pursuit for the perfect pull up. An interesting derivative of this theme is “reinvention”. High school for me was in the mid 80’s and it was then that an unknown at the time (Madonna) came on to the music scene. Twenty Five years later, and endless new “looks”, she is still a relevant and a wildly successful pop star. While not my taste in music, I admire her staying power and more than anything, the creative approach taken to continue to reinvent herself.

Ok, so I am on the treadmill, Plasma TV’s overhead and all, and Madonna (with yet another new look) graces the screen. The song is “JUMP” and I had some immediate observations. First, she is in unbelievable shape. The muscle tone in her arms (and elsewhere) could not be missed. Second, the recurring scene could have easily been lifted from our local CrossFit box. Yes, she is jumping, pulling and doing muscle-ups and other gymnastic moves but all of this is on a steel bar system that made me proud. So while all of this equipment is cool, this issue of reinvention is what kept me thinking all week.

Reinvention, as defined by Webster is "to remake or redo completely or to bring into use again". In fact, I have read some articles that gives credit to CrossFit for its contribution to reinventing personal fitness. While this may or may not be true, it's really up to each of us to look within. The simple saying we have all heard many times holds true; "if we always do what we always have done, we'll always get the same results that we've always had". As it relates to our personal quest for fitness, this notion of reinvention sits at the very core. The commitment we have all made spurs the creativity, variety and imagination that results in continual reinvention each time we hit the gym. I love this idea of "bringing into use again"; it was just this past week that we spoke of engaging muscles that were previously unaffected as if they were sitting dormant.

Here are five really simple ideas to embrace this idea of continual reinvention: 1) Bust through your comfort zone 2) Surround yourself with like minded people 3) Set goals and take steps daily to achieve them 4) Keep learning always 5) Stay relevant.

It was over three years ago that I abandoned my prior view of staying fit. That's when I was introduced to CrossFit and the idea of high intensity training. A few adventure races, road races, a marathon and a Triathlon later, REINVENTION certainly seems like an appropriate label. It's the less obvious and daily steps we take that define true reinvention however.

For me, I promise to nurse my shoulder to health, stay off the treadmill and leave Madonna for others to enjoy!