Which Workout (Part 2)

The Popular Power Workouts

A year and a half ago, a popular national chain of HIIT (high intensity interval training) studios, Orange Theory Fitness came to Greensboro. I had seen several friends in the health and wellness company I am affiliated with have amazing body transformations by combining amazing nutrition and these OTF workouts. I had my own transformation, but I was wanting to know what I could do to take it next level. As I said, I love what pilates has done for me, but I wanted to tackle some goals that challenged my body differently. When I heard there was a studio opening in my town, I jumped at the chance to try something new. The first workout was before the studio opened and I had no clue what I was doing in the parking lot, but it seemed fun and the instructors seemed willing to correct any form that was wrong in a constructive way. Over time, I can say that I have seen they are actually invested in results of members unlike what most gyms with this many members coming in at a time are like. It gives a bit of a small class or studio feeling while having the dynamics and encouragement of a larger class. While everybody is wearing heart monitors, the progress is on the screen so each person can gauge if they're working out at the right level, based on individual demographics. You can also see how your body is progressing, yes with the physical changes, but also by the increased demand required in order to get in the orange zone over time. I admit that I happen to be hooked for the culture and the results.

Crossfit, the kick a** group of athlete friends. This is a workout that has intrigued me for years. While I have seen my OTF friends lean out even more and add on some muscle, the crossfit friends have impressed me with their strength gains and how much they absolutely love the community of crossfit. The dynamics of how they get together outside their box sets them apart from other gyms. They are more vested in each other than any other workout facility I have experienced, but I had a whole lot of fear keeping me from pursuing this one. I wanted to go as a guest because no way was I going to consider walking into a workout this intimidating not knowing anybody, and besides, I had been told years before by my MD that due to my scoliosis , even though it's mild and hasn't changed since elementary school, weight lifting free weights versus a machine was something I couldn't do. Recently I learned that a woman I know in her 60s who has been loving crossfit also has scoliosis and hers is worse than mine. This was a game changer because that limit was suddenly removed. I was connected with the physical therapist who runs a local crossfit and long story short (yeah right), I did go into my first workout not knowing a soul and I didn't die. I have no idea what half the names of the moves are, what weight to start with, and I have some fears to conquer, like the jump rope and putting the bar across my shoulders for squats. I have done a few WODs and my initial expectation of what I would think pretty much was proven wrong. I expected to not like it, to feel completely uncomfortable and intimidated and check it off my list. Instead, I found the trainers and others working out are more than supportive, even for a newcomer, eager to cheer on and see others succeed and willing to explain stuff, more than once for those of us who have a hard time getting it. I conquered my fear of squatting and saw no need to go in and injure myself trying to be a badass. I was excited to find there were some things I could do that even surprised the trainer, toes to bar victory credit I believe goes once again to my years of pilates.

Where am I now with balancing out all of the fun choices? Well, you can do anything you want, but you can't do everything. I'm not giving up OTF any time soon, I absolutely love the HIIT training benefits of cardio and weight training combined in a high energy atmosphere. While many popular workouts track PRs, Orange Theory is where I experienced my first several PRs, just tracking the conversion from walking to running. I proudly smiled taking those sweaty pics holding up the white board with a big sense of accomplishment. I'm keeping my once a week yoga workouts with interest in trying more down the road. I know that there are benefits to stretching out the muscles I push in other workouts as well as the benefits of quieting the constant brain activity prevalent in those with ADHD. I would like to add in some crossfit to see what kinds of other fears I can conquer, make some new connections, and gain more strength. I definitely have some areas that I love, but I certainly don't love everything.

That being said, there is some fantastic research that actually supports incorporating a variety of exercises through something called the P.R.I.S.E. workout. I will be posting an article on that this afternoon. In the mean time, keep a few things in mind. You know your body best. Get outside of your comfort zone, but also listen to your body to keep it safe. Make sure that when you learn new workouts, you learn from somebody who is well trained and listens to you. Find something you love, but be wiling to mix it up, and for best results, find a way to keep a variety of options mixed in. Cheers to good health!