Today: Rise and lift.
[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]Sometimes the best motivation for getting to the box, or the gym, or the track, or the pool (well… maybe not so much the pool) is a fresh pair of kicks. Or the perfect pair of shorts. Or perhaps a new headband. There are mornings, especially ones that follow a late night watching political conventions at the office, though, when all I want to do is hit snooze. Six times. It’s a lot harder to bail when these guys are waiting beside the door, though.
The lovely team at Reebok recently sent me a pair of Reebok CrossFit Flex Nano shoes and apparel designed specifically for CrossFit-ing (is that a word?). I was just two months or so into my membership at CrossFit Southie, and that package could not have arrived at a better time. I couldn’t wait for the next day’s workout to try everything out. It was just the motivation I needed.
For starters, I appreciate the sunny color (blaze yellow with feather blue). Looking down at that cheery yellow really helps as I drop a barbell in front of me, and contemplate fainting and/or crying. Like running shoes, these kicks are sport-specific. They were designed with the essential CrossFit movements in mind. They feel both light enough for jumping and sprinting, and stable enough for lifting. At first, the toe box felt a bit wide, but I’ve found that helps me to spread my toes (did anyone else just think, I hate feet?) and ground down when I need balance, and also to sink back into my heels and wiggle my toes to be sure I am distributing my weight properly for squats. Reebok’s U-Form technology, a feature of these shoes and several other pairs they offer, is a great plus. After taking a few simple steps (essentially heating up the mid-soles with a hairdryer and forming the shoes to your feet), you’re left with a custom fit. Without having to become a famous athlete (I think that’s the other way you get a custom fit… but I’m not positive).
I also received Reebok’s CrossFit Chase shorts and CrossFit Lightweight tank. Both fit perfectly. Normally one to shy away from the short shorts, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and flattering the 2 inch Chase shorts are. In fact, I’ve practically been living in them (save for the office and church, obviously…). They passed the ultimate “please don’t give me a wedgie” test during a recent WOD including lots of running with a 25 lb. sandbag. The tank (featured in this transformation from beast to beauty) lives up to its lightweight name and is modestly cut across the top, perfect for balancing out all that leg I’ve been showing. 😉
This much is true: Clothes do not make the athlete. Hard work does. Case in point: the many, many people wearing cotton who have easily passed me during marathons, or the guy at our condo association’s gym who lifts like an animal while wearing khaki shorts and a dress shirt. Still, anything that gets me out the door faster, keeps me working out longer, encourages me to get after it harder, and allows me to focus on the wod rather than whether or not my shorts are riding up, can only be good. Thanks for the gear, Reebok!
[Disclosure: I received Reebok shoes and apparel at no cost. I was not compensated for my review of these items, and my opinions are entirely my own. I write about brands I respect and enjoy, and Reebok fits this criteria. For sure.]
Also On Tap for Today:
- I loved reading Gretchen’s post about her first CrossFit experience— sounds awfully familiar!
- Meetings galore…
- The case of the missing maple syrup dun dun dunnnnn
Where do you find your workout motivation?
Comments (11)
Danielle (@itsaharleyylife)
September 10, 2012 at 8:35 pm
That WOD seems tense! It’s awesome! I also love your new kicks and outfit! Reebok rocks!
Kelly Nigl (@kellynigl)
September 10, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Yes, I also find that new things – clothing, shoes, etc, really help motivate me as well. Love those shoes. Man, everyone with those Reebok Nano’s. I don’t Crossfit (can that be used as a verb?) but they are so pretty, I want them!
Elizabeth
September 10, 2012 at 10:43 pm
I’ve been wearing them for regular old cross training, grocery shopping, dog walking etc– not just CrossFittin’ …have you seen the pink Nanos? Swoon worthy.
sweetlybalanced
September 11, 2012 at 5:53 am
I agree in that new workout clothes, gear, etc. are a great motivator… Although new clothes in general are a great motivator to get me out the door and into the office to show off my new outfit to the world! Another great motivator for me is knowing how much better a workout will make me feel- never fails!
Caitlin
September 11, 2012 at 11:49 am
I agree, awesome workout sneakers/clothes TOTALLY motivate me to work out, that’s why i always take the time to pack a “cute” gym outfit the night before haha. The yellow and blue color combo on these sneaks is totally key! And the shorts are so cute. I wear those kinds to spin but I don’t usually wear them during other workouts. For those though – I think I’d make an exception 🙂
Jamie (@couch2ironwoman)
September 11, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Agreed that clothes don’t make the athlete, but that hard work does! However, as you said, having the right kinds of clothes (and ones that you love) doesn’t hurt either!
Michelle
September 11, 2012 at 2:01 pm
I LOVE those shoes. They would totally motivate me to work out. Along with new gear, a new goal (negative splits, overall time, etc) motivates me to get out and run.
Ashley
September 11, 2012 at 10:10 pm
ACK! I love those nanos! A girl at my gym has those exact ones and I’m always drooling over them! I’m a sucker for bright colors! and I have some of the reebok gear as well and it is amazing. I love it!
Sleep, Eat, Gym, Repeat.
September 12, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Love the nanos! I wasn’t sure about the fit either, but my coaches told me that they’re meant for heavy lifting days, and they really do help. And they look f-ing amazing too 🙂
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf
September 13, 2012 at 12:48 pm
I LOVE those nanos! I’d imagine waking up to a picture of those on my alarm would get me going in the morning. I totally use nice workout clothes as a motivator but it motivates me to work hard.
Today: My fairy WODmother. {and a Reebok #getafterit giveaway} « On Tap for Today
October 13, 2012 at 10:16 am
[…] through 100 kettle bell swings and 50 ring dips (with a blue band). As I’ve said before, the clothes don’t make the athlete, hard work does… but wearing perfectly fitting, high performing fabrics definitely helps. Need proof? Ask […]