Redefining Health: Beyond Workouts and Nutrition
Jason Rice • September 23, 2024
At CrossFit Roselle, we often talk about pushing limits, breaking barriers, and reaching new heights in our fitness journeys. But what if I told you that true health involves more than just how we move our bodies and what we eat? The products we put on our skin, the air we breathe, and the materials we use in our kitchens play a crucial role in our overall well-being.
The Story of Transformation
One of our owners, Lynne, was already conscious of ingredients in her food thanks to a couple Whole30 challenges during her first few years as a CFR member. But during her first pregnancy she started learning more about the potential risks of everyday products.
Lynne started researching the ingredients in her skincare and household items and what she found was eye-opening: many common products contain harmful chemicals that could disrupt her health, and her baby’s health. She realized wellness extended beyond workouts and a Paleo diet.
Understanding Toxins and Microplastics
We often think of health in terms of diet and exercise, but the reality is more complex. Many personal care products, such as lotions and shampoos, contain ingredients like parabens and phthalates, which have been linked to health issues. Additionally, microplastics—tiny plastic particles that seep into our bodies through food packaging and personal care items—are a growing concern.
The impact of these substances can be significant, influencing everything from hormonal balance to inflammation. By eliminating or reducing exposure to these toxins, we can enhance our overall health and fitness.
Making Empowered Choices
Inspired by her research, Lynne decided to take action. She began by replacing her conventional beauty products with natural alternatives, opting for brands that prioritize clean ingredients. In her kitchen, she swapped out plastic containers for glass and stainless steel, minimizing her exposure to harmful chemicals. Everyday products like dish soap, bathroom cleaner, and laundry detergent were replaced with less hazardous options, too.
Your Path to a Healthier Life
If you’re looking to take control of your health, start by assessing your daily environment. Here are some practical steps to guide you:
- Read Labels: Pay attention to the ingredients in your skincare and household products. Look for natural, non-toxic options. Avoid non-stick kitchenware.
- Reduce Plastic Use: Invest in glass or stainless steel containers and avoid single-use plastics. Choose fresh, unpackaged foods when possible.
- Enhance Indoor Air Quality: Consider using air purifiers and incorporating houseplants to improve the air you breathe at home.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the products you use and their potential impacts on your health. Knowledge is empowering.
- Share and Support: Join our community discussions on clean living. Share tips and product recommendations with fellow members who are on a similar journey. Consider following Facebook accounts that provide balanced, reasonable guidance such as A Green Slate and Mamavation.
- Use resources like Think Dirty and the Environmental Working Group’s Consumer Databases to check personal care items, water quality, and to easily identify the safest purchases before you head to the store.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
As you lace up your shoes for your next workout, remember that health is a multifaceted journey. It’s about finding balance—not just in the gym but in every aspect of your life. By embracing a holistic approach that includes mindful choices about the products we use and the environment we create, we can elevate our health to new heights.
Let’s redefine what it means to be healthy. Together, we can make empowered choices that support our fitness goals and overall well-being. Are you ready to take the next step?
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When most people think of starting at a gym, the first emotions that come up are fear and intimidation. “Do I have to get in shape first?” “What if I don’t know what I’m doing?” “What if I don’t fit in?” At CrossFit Roselle, we hear those worries often, but the voices of our members tell a different story. Finding Belonging from Day One Kacie thought she had to be “ready” for CrossFit. Instead, she discovered modifications, coaching, and—most importantly—a welcoming group of people who reminded her she wasn’t alone. “I was terrified of CrossFit before trying it. I was surprised to find that I could do it.” Jess echoes that sentiment, saying what she loves most is everything: the low-pressure atmosphere, the owners, the coaches, the other clients. What surprised her most? Family events that bring everyone together. More Than Just Workouts Steph came from a background of mostly running. Lifting weights and trying movements she used to only see on TV felt impossible, until it didn’t. “CFR has pushed me out of my comfort zone… but the real surprise has been the community. Everyone knows your name. Everyone cheers for you. Even when we’re competing, people are still rooting for you to succeed.” Jenn remembers walking into gyms in the past and not even knowing where to start. “Decision paralysis” kept her stuck. At CFR, she found direction through our on-ramp program and structured workouts: “Even if you’re not doing the prescribed version, you’re doing better than nothing at all.” Life Outside the Gym For Amanda, workouts have changed the everyday stuff: lifting the 50-pound bag of dog food, carrying grocery bags, managing the chaos of kids and sports. “You don’t have to be in shape, or be a gym pro, or even know a single thing. Everyone is welcoming no matter your skill or level of workout experience.” Kacie feels the same—being able to move boxes, furniture, and heavy items while prepping her house for sale wasn’t just a task list, it was proof of progress. And Steph? She loves that her son gets to see her work hard, stretch beyond comfort, fail, and try again. “He’s learning that strength means persistence, and that it’s okay to fall as long as you keep getting back up.” The Truth About Starting No one in this group had to “get in shape first.” No one had to prove themself before walking in the door. What they found was a gym that meets you where you are, a community that lifts each other up, and coaches who make sure you never feel lost. And that’s what makes CFR different. Come see for yourself—click that Book a Free Intro button and get started today.
Picture this: your alarm goes off at 5:15 a.m. You squint at the clock like it just personally insulted you. The voice in your head whispers, “You could skip today. One day won’t hurt.” Now imagine this: you have a friend waiting for you at the gym. Suddenly, the pillow feels less persuasive. Why? Because someone’s counting on you. And that changes everything. Working out isn’t just about dumbbells and burpees. It’s about the invisible glue that keeps you consistent. And that glue? Accountability. That’s where the workout buddy steps in. Why We Struggle With Consistency Here’s the truth: most people don’t quit because the workouts are too hard. They quit because they’re alone. - Problem #1: Motivation dips. Starting a program feels exciting—you’re fueled by the novelty, the new shoes, the shiny water bottle. But excitement wears thin, and life starts throwing curveballs (sick kids, late meetings, Netflix whispering your name). When the buzz dies, showing up becomes a battle. - Problem #2: It’s too easy to bail on yourself. Let’s be real. If you promise only yourself you’ll train at 6:00 p.m., who’s going to notice if you don’t? You can shrug and say, “Tomorrow.” But “tomorrow” is where fitness dreams go to die. Consistency isn’t about Herculean willpower. It’s about designing your environment so skipping is harder than showing up. Enter: The Workout Buddy This is where the buddy system swoops in like a superhero wearing sweatbands. - Accountability built-in. If you’ve ever canceled on a friend, you know the guilt. It’s like eating the last slice of pizza when you promised to split it. Showing up for someone else pulls you out of bed in ways pure self-motivation can’t. - External motivation becomes momentum. Your friend is tired? You encourage them. You’re dragging? They text you “See you in 10.” Together, you create a rhythm that keeps you both in motion. The Power of “Showing Up” Think of your buddy as your fitness insurance policy. You might not always feel like working out, but you’ll do it because you made a promise. And promises are sticky. There’s even science behind it: studies show people who work out with a partner are more consistent over time. It’s not just about the calories burned—it’s about the commitment honored. And guess what? That consistency builds something sexier than six-pack abs. It builds trust in yourself. Every time you show up when you don’t feel like it, your brain takes notes: “I’m someone who follows through. ” That identity shift is worth more than any PR. A Quick Reality Check Does this mean your buddy is some magical unicorn who will drag you through every workout smiling? No. Sometimes they’ll cancel, sometimes you will. Life happens. But here’s the key: - You’ll cancel less often. - You’ll show up more consistently. - You’ll push yourself harder because someone else is sweating next to you. That’s the edge most people are missing. Pro Tip: Treat It Like a Meeting You Can’t Cancel Here’s your takeaway: put workouts with your buddy in your calendar like an important meeting. You wouldn’t bail on a job interview or a doctor’s appointment, right? Same rules apply here. And if you don’t have a buddy yet? Invite a friend who’s curious about fitness, or join a group class where the community vibe does the heavy lifting for you. Final Word A workout buddy isn’t just a companion—they’re the spark plug that keeps your engine firing when you’d rather stall. - Alone, it’s too easy to hit snooze. - With a buddy, it’s easier to hit start . So text your friend. Schedule the workout. High-five after. Laugh about the sweat angel you left on the floor. Because fitness isn’t just about reps—it’s about relationships. And the stronger those are, the stronger you’ll be.
