- January 24, 2025
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OK, so I left you at the conclusion of my last column with a few questions to think about. “What do you want?” “What do you know?” “How bad do you want it?” “When do you want it by?”
And, last but certainly not least, “Do you have a track record of staying the course?”
This time, I’m going to dive into the first of those questions, and eventually, we’ll have a better idea of how CrossFit fits as an option to achieve your goals.
So, what do you want? From my experience, in fitness there really are only three key roots that our goals all lead to — the understanding of who and what you prioritize most, can aid in your training.
1. Attracting a mate.
This is as basic and primitive as it gets, but really — why do we want to look better?
“Because I’d feel better about myself.”
Sure, but why would looking better make you feel better about yourself? I hope you’re following where this line of questioning leads. Many of us want to embark on fitness to be “sexy” and attractive, which, at the end of the day, amounts to the desire to “attract a mate.”
2. Being the alpha.
We call this group the “fire-breathers” — they want to be in better shape for the innate and primal reason of dominance. This one is pretty easily explained, even if we don’t live in straw huts with spears and clubs anymore. Sure, we don’t have to protect our home and family from wolves, bears and wild animals. But does that mean that the desire no longer lies within us to be stronger, faster and more dominant than our would-be threats? Isn’t the desire to be the alpha — the best — why we enjoy competition so much?
3. Vitality.
Many of us approach fitness from the desire to feel alive or from the understanding that the health of our body relates directly to the length and quality of our lives.
We want to feel good, and it feels good to be healthy — to sleep well, wake up fresh and have an overall sense of well-being.
We know that no one lives forever and that, in many cases, our life expectancy sits completely in the hands of our creator. But here is where “being a good steward with our temple” is completely within our control (“temple” referring biblically to our bodies). If we eat well, exercise and reduce stress, we can improve the health and condition of our bodies. We can live better and longer by improving our habits.
Nearly all personal fitness goals source to these three core desires. They are in no specific order — some will prioritize vitality over attracting a mate, where others prioritize being the alpha. This is truly personal and specific to each individual.
It is important for you to know and understand what you really want before embarking on a fitness program. Something that emphasizes competition may deter someone seeking vitality where it would drive an alpha to be his or her best. Similarly, weight loss-specific programs may excite someone wanting to attract their mate, where it would leave an alpha wanting more.
Luis Rodriguez is the owner, operator and head coach at WinStrong CrossFit on Winter Garden Vineland Road in Winter Garden. Find him on Facebook at facebook.com/WinStrongCrossFit, on Twitter at @WeWinStrong and online at WeWinStrong.com.