Do you often see The White Buffalo in the Sky?
A common sight at many CrossFit gyms post workout is people sprawled on the floor in a pool of their own sweat trying to get themselves back together. It makes sense. They’ve just pushed themselves and finished a grueling workout. They deserve the recuperation time. The question is, should they push themselves that hard, and if so, how often?
I think this is a very misunderstood corner of the CrossFit methodology. Unfortunately, the answer to the question “How hard should I push myself?,” is messy and unclear. This is where a quick conversation with a good coach can help!
The answer depends on many factors, including: how many days a week you train, your nutrition, your sleep, your overall physical health, your mental health, stress at work or home, injuries, how hard you are pushing yourself outside the gym, and so much more.
The simplest answer I can come up with is this: there is immense value in pushing your limits (red-lining) from time to time. But you should NOT do that every single workout, or maybe all that often.
You should push hard frequently (we certainly value intensity as a way to adapt) but you also need to learn what RELATIVE intensity is.
Some days when deadlines are looming, stress at home is piling up, and you are tired, you might feel the need for a good solid workout. And you are probably right, but exactly what that means is up for debate.
On the days you are feeling beat down, it might be a great idea to come into the gym and see friends, workout with them, and breathe a sigh of relief when it over. You will probably feel better. That doesn’t mean you need to go all out and score a personal best though. Maybe today you go a bit lighter, work on pacing yourself a little more, and try not to get to the point where you see The White Buffalo in the Sky.
There are all kinds of benefits to working out slower and lighter sometimes (maybe even frequently.) Not the least of which is a healthier you, more CrossFit, a better immune system, and much more.
Talk with your coach. Listen to your body (I mean really listen to it). You will feel better if you do!