Get to know Lindsey! Christine and Lindsey sat down to talk about results, body changes, and mindset!
Q. You are a recognized individual that has achieved “results” since you started CrossFit. Do you recognize and appreciate those results?Sometimes it is hard to remember how far I have come, so looking back at where I was and what I was doing a year ago is helpful. Keeping track of milestones in the journey has been a game changer for this reason. This has impacted my confidence significantly and has made me realize that it’s okay to celebrate results and recognize and be proud of yourself for what you’ve accomplished.
Q. What does it feel like to achieve certain milestones?
There was a time when I thought I would never be able to do certain things in a workout like pull-ups, double unders, or RX weights. Then when I started hitting these milestones, I thought, “Wait maybe I can actually get this”. It happens so gradual and when it does there’s a sense of pride that all the hard work is paying off. It teaches patience for sure though and to trust the process!
Q. How do you manage your self-talk, attitude and behaviors when “results” or milestones don’t happen as often as they did in the beginning?
This is hard for me, my self-talk has not always been the best. The biggest thing that has helped this has been the community of KCI. Everyone is your cheerleader. The coaches have the perfect balance of challenging you to do more than you think you can, but encouraging you and cheering you on and helping you figure out the next baby step for a skill.
Q. In addition to your involvement in the KCI CrossFit community, you’re also very dedicated and involved in your church community. What are the similarities between the two?
I have totally thought of this before, there is so much overlap. I think the community piece is the biggest one. When a group of individuals come together for a common goal, there’s something that unites you. We all have struggles and we all have celebrations, and having a community to share that with is what propels us all forward and keeps us going to unfold the best versions of ourselves.
Q. What’s the benefit of having like-minded individuals gather together to talk, celebrate and/or share in suffering together?
Ha, I think I answered this one above. Also, I think that when you experience the same joys and trials as your friends, whether that be the joy of getting a PR or the trial of complaining about your hands being sore from pull-ups, it connects you to each other in a way that nothing else does. And when you feel connected to others, it makes life more enjoyable
Q. Over the years, I have enjoyed working with female clients because they often come into CrossFit thinking they “can’t do” certain exercises like pull ups, rope climbs, or deadlift their body weight. Changing their minds about what IS possible and helping increase their capacity is remarkable. What would you say to other females about developing a “CAN DO” attitude?
I would say never underestimate what you and your body are capable of doing. Think about the journey and what your next step is instead of focusing on what is 10 steps ahead. If you make small progress, pretty soon a year goes by and you look back and can’t even realize how far you’ve come.
Q. How does mental toughness fit into your daily routine outside the gym? How do you, as a mother, instill grit with your children?
I’ve found it helpful to carry over things I’ve learned at CrossFit outside of the gym. For example, sometimes Coach will say “get one more rep in”! It sounds silly, but at home when I am tired, I will challenge myself to do 5 more minutes of housework or play with the kids intentionally for a set period of time or I can read one more chapter in this book to expand my mind. It is so much a mental game and turning off that inner critic. As a mom of 3 daughters, I want to set a good example for them of what it looks like to work hard, practice self-care and live a healthy life. Challenging my girls to push themselves in what they do helps instill grit. I love bringing them to the gym where they can watch others set great examples. They are integrated into the community and witness their parents (and others) working out and supporting each other.
Q. How do you describe CrossFit to your friends or family members?
I usually describe CrossFit in several ways:
1. It’s probably not what you think it is
2. Our coaches are amazing at scaling the workouts and not letting you do anything that you do not feel comfortable doing
3. The workouts change daily and that can really suit someone’s personality if they like variety!
4. The community is why I love it so much – it’s like family
5. In my life, it’s the only workout that I have ever been able to stick with it for a long period of time; I can’t believe it’s been 18 months already!
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