Heather Hodges

One of CrossFit’s creeds is to be prepared for the “unknown and unknowable.”  We don’t know what the next moment, hour, or day holds so we train for what we cannot entirely predict. This holds true for the Navy Seal, college athlete, or soccer mom. CrossFitters use functional movements to prepare for battle, the big game, or even to save the life of a child in danger.  We require intensity and discipline from our bodies and we carefully plan out nutrition and rest for maximum performance.  We evaluate our strengths and weaknesses as athletes and build on the strengths and train to improve the weaknesses.

My strengths and weaknesses as a CrossFitter were revealed at Sectionals and it was obvious to me where my training needs to be focused.  In the same way I can say that my emotional, mental, and spiritual strengths and weaknesses were also revealed to me this week while I have been dealing with the sudden hospitalization of my mom.

While it is essential to train your body for the unknown and unknowable it is not entirely sufficient.  It is also crucial to be prepared mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for whatever life might unexpectedly throw at you.  To train these areas seems to be more nebulous and less concrete, but nevertheless they must be done.

So I’ve amended my “training schedule” to include the following: active listening, self-awareness, discernment, contemplation, journaling, communication skills, spiritual fitness through the disciplines of prayer, study, service, meditation, and giving.   I’ll be training these the rest of my life!

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

“[My son] has definitely noticed that he’s getting stronger, and that doing CrossFit has improved his Tae Kwon Do also. I think its helped his confidence as well, just knowing what he can do when he pushes himself.  CrossFit is something that’s bringing us closer together also, its fun to share our aches and pains and talk about what workout we each did.  Its another way to communicate.  He hasn’t reached that sullen teenager stage yet, but having CrossFit to talk about is a good way to start a conversation. ” – Chris, dad of CrossFit Teen, Jack, top left showing off his new “guns.”

“CFC Kids has been an opportunity for Ethan to test his strength and endurance.  He is stronger and faster and looks forward to applying those strengths in the Spring in baseball and track.  CFC has also helped him build his self esteem and been an opportunity to prove to himself that he “CAN DO IT!” – Norah, mom of CrossFit Teen, Ethan, seen above setting a new dead lift personal record of 1.5X body weight…150lbs!

“My boys love CrossFit and cannot wait to get back to class. They enjoy the camaraderie, competition and the challenge! The skills and drills they learn in class have helped them be at the top of their game in basketball and lacrosse–they can definitely outrun their piers on and off the court/field. Nick’s flexibility has improved a lot too–which is so important for injury prevention as he gets older.” – Lizette, mom of Nick and Kyle.

“My son has been doing CrossFit Teens for several months.  He’s done several other teen fitness programs in town and none compare to what CrossFit offers.  He loves the camaraderie and competition the classes offer.  He’s gained a much better level of fitness and physical confidence.  The coach’s high expectations’ keep the kids on track, motivated and committed to getting stronger.  Every day is a challenge and an opportunity for the teens to succeed.”  – Joanna, mom of CrossFit Teen, John McD.

“My son’s involvement in Cross Fit Kids has far exceeded our expectations. It has not only provided him with a healthy and safe after school activity, but it has also provided him with greater strength, discipline and confidence within himself.  Ethan is smaller than many boys his age and is often bothered by it. Since engaging in Cross Fit Kids, he has spent significantly less time focusing on his height and more time focused on his strengths, not only his incredible physical strength but also his personality strengths.” Allison, mom of CrossFit Teen, Ethan.

“CrossFit has been a wonderful influence on my daughter Adrianna a.k.a Nani. As a 7 year old little girl you wouldn’t think that she would be conscientious about what she eats, but she never hesitates to point out the “whats” and “what not’s” to eat that she has learned as part of the CrossFit regimen. She always looks forward to her workouts each week with Coach Heather and is concerned about things like her form in doing push ups and if she is pushing her hips back when performing squats. At such a young age she is very aware of these things and it was all made possible by the things that she has learned at CrossFit.

CrossFit Central is truly a community of support and engagement. It’s not only Coach Heather that encourages her but the other coaches as well. They tell her that she’s doing a great job and create an atmosphere where she is welcomed and supported in her fitness efforts. She looks up to the Coaches and hopes to be as strong as them when she grows up.

I think CrossFit has been, and will continue to be, a very positive aspect of her life. Incorporating health and fitness at a young age is a wonderful gift to her and my hope is that it will remain part of her lifestyle as she grows in to adulthood.

Adrianna has grown confident and is an ambassador for CrossFit. She tells people about CrossFit, and often approaches family and friends to ask them to do push-ups, challenging them to see if they can beat her. Yes, she has definitely become a lot spunkier and confident!” – Lina, mom of CrossFit Kid, Nani.

I’m VERY PROUD of all these athletes who have shown phenomenal determination and heart to get stronger, faster, and more fit over the past months.  These young athletes are the future and are leading the way to a new definition of fitness.  Keep up the good work! – Coach Heather

CrossFit Kids (ages 7-10)  M/W 4:00-4:40pm at CrossFit Central

CrossFit Teens (ages 11-17)  M/W 4:45-5:30 at CrossFit Central

To enroll your child click HERE

Julie, Ingrid, and Mohra are taking on the challenge of getting fit in 2010!  We meet at Cat Hollow park in Brushy Creek, Round Rock at 6:15am-7:15am on Tuesdays/Thursdays for a phenomenal workout!  There is room for you, what are you waiting for?  Contact me for your first free session, heather@heatherhodges.