CROSSFIT SUFFOLK  **  Forging Elite Fitness

“Helen“

Three rounds for time:
Run 400 meters
1 1/2 pood Kettlebell X 21 swings (or 55 pound dumbbell swing)
12 Pull-ups

Post time to comments.

Livia,  CF Suffolk Training-At-The-Track

SPARTAN PERFORMANCE, Part 2

What does an ancient warrior culture have to do with training in modern time?

Perhaps nothing.  Perhaps everything.  It all depends on individual perception.

Two notable verbal exchanges that took place prior to and during the battle at Thermopylae and were recorded by historians demonstrate the significant character trait of defiance:

“Although extraordinary valor was displayed by the entire corps of Spartans and Thespians, yet bravest of all was declared the Spartan Dienekes.  It is said that on the eve of battle, he was told by a native of Trachis that Persian archers were so numerous that, when they fired their volleys, the mass of arrows blocked out the sun.  Dienekes, however, quite undaunted by this prospect, remarked with a laugh, “Good.  Then we’ll have our battle in the shade.”     – Herodotus, The Histories-

“Upon the Leonidas Monument in honor of the Spartan king who fell there, is engraved his response to Xerxes’ demand that the Spartans lay down their arms.  Leonidas’ reply was two words, Molon labe.  “Come and get them.”              -Steven Pressfield, Gates of Fire-

This type of defiance is necessary to survive, or win, during a bad situation.  This attitude allows one to triumph over adversity.

Back to the original question.  What does this have to do with training?

Life will surely throw adversity in the path.  We believe the enduring of the that adversity will be facilitated by being in excellent physical condition.  Especially when that physically conditioning has the element of mental toughness.  CrossFitting provides crossfitters with excellent physical conditioning with the element of mental toughness.  Sticking with the program and making a conscious effort to improve  performance scores causes the athlete to not only be better physically prepared, but it makes the athlete believe anything is possible.  It takes defiance to get through a challenging metcon workout when your body and mind are screaming , “STOP”.

What better way to train, not only for athleticism, but for mental toughness….for healthy defiance?

Who needs this “healthy defiance”?

Training for the sole purpose of being in excellent shape or for improved athletic performance for sport is reason enough, but what of the adversity in life we don’t spend much time thinking about?

The men and women who routinely go into harms way, soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen, law enforcers, fire fighters all need to be defiant to win in a life and death situation.

How about the “average citizen” who find themselves in a skyscraper that was just targeted by terrorists and have to walk (or run) down stairs from the 86th floor while helping others who can’t help themselves?  How about breaking down far from town, at night and having to walk for miles to get help?  How about those ordinary citizens who find themselves in a position to help people when things are going wrong, a violent crime, a medical emergency, a fire or natural disaster.

Are most crossfitters going to come for training to develop their “defiance”?

YES.  Though they may not articulate it.

Think this is nonsense?

Who would you rather have in the room with you when the crap hits the fan, a crossitter or some out of shape person who does not  experience the defiance and mental toughness it takes to get through a hard workout on a regular basis?

Spartans warriors were crucial to the existence not only of Sparta, but all of Greece and perhaps to Western Civilization. It is just as crucial today to have citizens with the spirit of Spartans.    People from all walks of life can foster that spirit though the rigors of CrossFitting.