I’m not a runner. Never have been. Unlikely ever to be. But I run in CrossFit. Not because I want to, but because my coaches think I can and therefore I do. Tonight I ran five rounds of 400 meters in what most people would call a jog. It was my version of a sprint and it took me 14+ minutes to complete it. Although the real sprinters finished in half that time, I felt victorious. Last in, my coaches and co-CrossFitters stretched their arms high into a human tunnel formation, a la children’s soccer matches, and I ran through it. I’m still on a high.

I never got that feeling from a gym, and I was a member of many really great gyms. I went regularly, did my workout, socialized with my friends and went home. I didn’t push through my self-imposed limits. I realized awhile back that I need a smaller environment filled with people who really want to improve their fitness level and sometimes that takes the form of the unconventional studio. And I’m surrounded daily by people who agree with me, so I thought you might like to know our little fitness finds. If you’re looking for an alternative to the mega gym rat race, check out these challenges:

CrossFit Magna – my personal favorite. CrossFit Magna’s daily WODs (workout of the day) are intense and demanding, and last only 20 minutes, on average. It’s a fitness race against time in most classes, which can be scaled to individual fitness levels. A good warm-up and strength exercise precedes the WOD and a long drink of water follows it. The small class community provides the support and motivation I need to achieve my goals. One of which is to be able to do one un-aided pull-up by summer. I’ll get there.

Jabz Boxing – Although I haven’t taken this class, it may be next on my list. From the Jabz website: Jabz classes are high energy workouts that start with 30-60 second exercises with a 15-30 second rest period.  We will get your heart pumping!! With the use of jump ropes, heavy bags, speed bags, and medicine balls, combined with reflex drills, hand-eye coordination exercises, footwork drills, shadow boxing, plyometrics and other boxing fundamentals, this workout will burn the calories and get you toned in no time!

Yoga on the Rocks – Clients and co-workers swear by this class. Located above a rock climbing gym, these yoga classes are simultaneously relaxing and intense, taught by licensed instructors. Here’s the bonus – the gym includes complimentary bottled water and use of towels, mat cleaner, mats, blocks, straps, blankets, eye-pillows, sandbags and even essential oils to deepen your practice. So stretch first, climb next. You can do both at Yoga on the Rocks.

I’d be remiss not to mention the many ways the Olsonistas get their blood pumping outside, which, when you live in a climate like Scottsdale’s is preferred to anything indoors. Running, cycling, hiking, and walking our many canine companions trumps all. Moral of the story – PR is stressful. We blow off steam by sweating. Join us!