We tend to compare ourselves to others. I think it’s a pretty natural thing to do, but sometimes it can be to our own detriment.
In a workout, you can be comparing how you finish to others. Here’s the thing – we’re all on our own journey so the comparison isn’t valid.
Instead, compare yourself to yourself. At Kanna, we track our workout results using an app. We also will repeat the same lift every few months and do the same benchmark workouts every so often. Measurable, repeatable data is what you should actually use to do any sort of comparing.
Look back on the data from when you first started working out. You’ll probably be surprised by how far you’ve come.
I still have notes from my very first workout in 2008:
“1/30/08
1st timer
First time ever doing crossfit, trying to get in a good workout routine. Never liked doing big lifting but after feeling my lower back during dead lifts, can see the value in them.
Original WOD:
Three rounds for time of:
225 Deadlift, 15 reps
15 Handstand push-ups
15 Pull-ups
95 pound Thruster, 15 reps
Modified to:
3 rounds:
95# deadlifts 10 reps
feet on 3’ box HSPU 10 reps
10 strict pull ups (5 reps x 2 sets)
65# thrusters 10 reps (1st set, then dropped to 45# for last 2 sets)
12:42″
I hated deadlifts. I hated squatting. I love both now.
Sometimes we can lose perspective, so that’s why the past is useful. But also remember to look towards the future and use your future self as inspiration. In the words of Matthew McConaughey, be your own hero.
-Coach Chris