HAMMER REPORT

Making The First Move

“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

This is a question people are commonly asked. It doesn’t matter when it is asked, five years always seems like a long time away. It’s hard to believe that almost seven years ago I decided to make a change to better my health, and rolled into my first CrossFit box almost five years ago. I’m not sure what my answer was when someone first asked me that loaded question, but I do know that wherever I saw myself, I’m so glad it has lead me here.

In the last five years I have adapted hundreds of workouts, made many mistakes, learned valuable lessons, and have gotten to meet thousands of people through the process so, today I want to talk to the people just starting their journey. Here are five key points I hope will help.

• First and foremost, this is not going to be easy. There may be some days you have every intention of quitting, rolling/walking out of the gym never to return, but I promise when you return to the box the next day your body will thank you.
• Be honest with yourself and your coaches. I know you will have every intention of putting in 100% effort, but remember every new experience has a learning curve. The most important pieces are your health and safety. If you know that doing a certain movement will be detrimental to either of those DO NOT try it until you have acquired the skill, knowledge and strength do so
• Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions or use the resources made available. Organizations like CrossRoads Adaptive Athletic Alliance, WheelWod, and The Reveille Project were created to serve the larger adaptive community. Each organization services adaptive athletes using different perspectives to focus on the bigger picture.
• Document your progress. We live in a world where people feed off of others successes. In the beginning you may feel vulnerable, but I promise you, you will have the weight of a whole community supporting you. You’ll look back five years from now and be amazed at what you were able to accomplish.
• Lastly, I want to welcome you to one of the most amazing communities you will ever be a part of. By joining our community you are helping to take the world’s expectation of those with adaptive needs and shatter it. You will accomplish amazing things and meet some unforgettable people. This relationship is so worth it; all you have to do is make the first move.

STEPH “THE HAMMER” HAMMERMAN