Let me be clear, no matter what your goal is at Outlier CrossFit/Barbell, there is no easy way to truly reach that goal. Whether you want to be fit, compete, or anywhere in between, it will take hard work and it will require you to be uncomfortable. The Outlier staff is here to make sure you stay the course and do not “cherry pick” workouts. I have personally been asked the following question numerous times: “Can I do something different? I don’t want to do [insert dreaded movement].” My answer and the other Outlier staff’s answer to anything remotely similar will be (as it should be), “That’s nice, do it anyway.” Now let me clarify. Of course if you have an injury or other valid reason for needing to modify a workout or movement we are completely happy to modify the WOD for you. I am just talking about those times you do not feel like doing a certain movement/workout.

There are two main reasons for this answer. One, there is a deliberate and strategic process to Outlier’s programming and to alter that programming without a quality reason (injury), can lead to overuse injuries. For example, James programmed front squats and sprints so that the shoulders could have a day off to recover. If you decide you want to do a bunch of wall balls and pull-ups instead, by the end of the week you may be coming to the staff telling us about your shoulder impingement problem due to overuse. Secondly, if you look at a posted workout and get a visceral reaction in the pit of your stomach that tells you to avoid the gym, bells should be going off telling you that this workout clearly hits a weakness of yours. Instead of running from this, you should be running to it! It will remain a weakness until you work on it!

So, on those days that you don’t want to come in or you want to do something different, remember that THERE IS NO EASY WAY. The days you work your weakness are the best days because you are mentally and physically beginning to crush something you always used to run from. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. It is how you will see improvements.

James Storer