Happiness

We all find happiness in different places and from different sources. And we find happiness from different places at different times. Sometimes it can be found in our health, peace (of mind or general peace in the world), family, friends, vacation, exercise, a hobby, or for some even work. When we get a chance to step back and evaluate, we can often clearly see what really makes us happy. For me, it is never money or things. It is usually getting to spend time with someone, having an experience, or accomplishing something. This week, my happiness was found at boot camp / Cross Fit on Monday and Friday nights. Both days were similar, in that they involved a serious of stations, cycles, and challenges. Monday: At boot camp on Monday we were at the new Academy - which is great. There were only six of us who showed up, but it was a great group of six. We split into two teams of three. I was on the "short" team. Surprise, surprise. I was joined by Joanne and Elva. Our workout had six stations and 3 rounds: 1) flip a BAT (big a** tire) and then jump in and out of it. I like this exercise. It is work, but it is also fun. Reminds me of being a kid and just jumping and playing; 2) jump rope. Just had to remember to keep my arms far enough away from my body so that the rope was not too long. Otherwise, the rope hit the ground, causing me to have to start again. 3) 35 lb kettle bell swings. I always find these difficult. I guess I lack strength (leading to a failure of form). I find the 35 pounds gets heavy pretty quickly; 4) rowing. I always like rowing. 5) hip extensions. This involves a contraption where you are essentially parallel with and looking at the ground, and lock your feet in allowing you to bend forward towards the ground. It's a real test of your core - and especially my lower back. 6) rest We did each station for a minute and did 3 cycles. The kettle bell swings were the most difficult for me out of everything, although jump roping also challenged my endurance and coordination (especially in round 3). Friday: On Friday, although it was Happy Hour, where we normally chose our workout, Eric decided he had come up something for us. This is always a dangerous thing - because you never know where his crazy imagination will take him or you. In our team of four I was joined by Lenel, Joanne, and Susan. Friday's workout had four stations and 4 rounds: 1) 25 pushups; 2) 25 swings with a sledgehammer on a BAT; 3) 25 kettle bell swings; and 4) 25 calories burned on the rower. Again the kettle bell swings were the most difficult for me. I enjoyed the sledgehammer and trying to use in on both my dominant and weak side. It is a good way to get out any aggression. All told, I think it took us all about 37 minutes, although some of that involved resting, as the rower station took the most time. Both workouts were challenging. It was nice having the challenge and the satisfaction in completing them. It was also nice working in teams. So thanks to my teammates! And thank you Eric. Where did you find happiness this week?