Howdy Partner

We’ve recently been doing more partner workouts and team warmups before class. I have mainly noticed it because of the logistic hurdles with social distancing and COVID protocols; but, also because I don’t like partner workouts and I definitely don’t like warming up with games.

I know, I know…what’s wrong with me? CrossFit is all about community. We’re all in this together. Partner workouts and games are great for building a sense of cohesion in classes…blah, blah, blah. Look, folks, sometimes I just want to show up, workout, and get back to the business of my day. Also, to be honest, I am often WAY too competitive and inevitably things…get…weird.

But here’s the deal. We started using programming from Taz and Pat Barber at Warmup and Workout a few weeks ago. In my opinion, when you decide to implement a new program, you’ve made a decision to do what the program prescribes. Yes, there is always room for tweaks and modifications, but if you start making major changes, or picking and choosing what you will and won’t follow, then you can’t honestly say that you are following that program and you, sir, will be lost once again.

Pat and Taz have been programming games. They’ve been programming partner workouts. And we’ve been doing them. And, you know what? Despite my grumpy, curmudgeonly attitude, people are smiling, whole classes are erupting into laughter, and dang gone-it, I think it works.

So why do I bring this up? Well, it all comes back to letting go of my biases and my sense of expertise. I am confident that I can create an effective CrossFit program. I have over a decade of experience working with athletes of all skills and experience levels. I know I am a knowledgeable educator and coach. Wow, with all of that confidence, experience, and knowledge filling me up, how would I have any room to get better? Yep, that’s right, time to let it all go because it’s a load of crap.

The improvement process never ends. The second we let ourselves think it’s too late, we’re too old, we know too much, or worse, that it can never get any better, is, for me, a very scary moment. It’s a paralyzing feeling and I can understand the tendency to let it creep in. That’s why everyone needs a coach. 

Coaches offer us a glimpse of something we often can’t see ourselves. They are the catalysts that push us just a little bit more than we are willing to push on our own. They are the 10 percent we need to get through that paralysis and find the next stage of our improvement. Bottom line,  whatever it is you think you do or do not need to do in your life to feel better, look better, or be better, you don’t have to do it by yourself. Let someone help

So I may still not be the biggest fan of partner workouts or games for the warm up, but I’m willing to give them a try because that’s what my coach told me to do…and you know what…

See ya’ on the Creek.

-Coach Jack