CROSSFIT SUFFOLK  **  Forging Elite Fitness

Rest Day

One of the best reasons we can think of for being in excellent physical condition is SURVIVAL.  Most people don't set out on a workout program with the thought that they may have to be in excellent shape in case of disaster, but, whether or not it's considered, consistent, intense training will increase your chances of weathering a bad event.

The cover story of the June 9, 2008 edition of TIME magazine is titled How To Survive Anything.  It was written by Time reporter Amanda Ripley.  Ripley interviewed survivors of various disasters including many who were in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and has written a book based on her research.  The book is titled The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes-And Why.

The article lists 5 ways to improve your "Disaster Personality".  #4 on the list is "Get in shape!"  Not that it is controversial, but I cannot remember reading a survival article that came out and said it so plainly.  It's refreshing to see.  Ripley further states, "The cruel reality of physics is that overweight people move more slowly and need more space, so they have more trouble fleeing.  On 9/11, people with low physical abilities were three times as likely to be hurt while evacuating the Towers."

The physically fit also are better prepared to handle impact and trauma.  The physically fit recover better and faster than the unfit.  The physically fit are easier to rescue, when they are not doing the rescuing, because of their level of fitness.  If you're not sure what we mean it's because you never witnessed six cops or fire fighters have to carry a person who was to heavy to walk properly.  During an Eastern Seaboard power failure a few years back we watched as some people collapsed from walking a few miles from Manhattan into Brooklyn over the Brooklyn Bridge, just from fatigue.

On the other hand, a friend who commuted by railroad and subway assessed the situation and decided to walk home.  Dyan was always in shape, she's a CrossFitter now, but wasn't then.  Dyan walked over the 59th Street bridge into Queens and headed for the suburbs of Nassau County.  At some point she hitched a ride, but was prepared to walk the entire way from her office to her home.  Oh, she was 7 months pregnant at the time!

None of this is Earth shattering news to CrossFitters.  It is good to know, however, when speaking to those who need further reasons to get into shape, stay in shape, eat well and strive for an elite level of fitness.