Swimming: The Great CrossFit Supplement

Ok, I used to really REALLY hate swimming. I could never calm myself enough in the water to breath correctly. I got frustrated with having to struggle through my less than good technique. And most of all, I hated feeling helpless and slow.

As of somewhat recently, I made up my mind that I was not going to be helpless in the water any longer. I mean, come on right? How am I supposed to call myself an athlete that practices "Functional Movements across broad Time and Modal domains at a High Intensity", when I can't even f-ing swim worth a shit?! So I took a Triathalon class this semester as well as a Water Polo class. The time spent in the water, forcing myself to swim those laps that I used to avoid like the plague has slowly developed a new skill for me. With a little bit of coaching tips from my girlfriend, my old Ex. Phys professor and my Tri coach, I've developed a much more rythmic breathing pattern, a stronger, more powerfull and efficient stroke, as well as a more comfortable attitude in the water.

The reason I put this little story on the blog is that most importantly, swimming has made me a better, faster, stronger Crossfitter. The discipline of controlling your breathing, keeping a rhythm and staying focused on just taking one more stroke/rep to get to the other side is invaluable. In the middle of the "fury of the storm" aka a really tough WOD, you can kind of find your own little safe haven in your mind by just controlling your breath, and taking one rep at a time. The better you can master your mind, you'll find that your body will follow suit. I would recommend swimming twice a week. Watch how much you improve in the next few months!