CrossFit 312

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Calling all athletes! It’s that time of the year again. Spring season is quickly approaching and there are some titles to win. The “shouldabeenadolpin” hashtag will trend once more and it is our duty to make that happen.
Last week, the girls’ soccer program participated in a CrossFit Challenge at CrossFit 312 which is located at 1201 W. Lake Street, just five minutes away from Whitney Young. When the girls and I first arrived, the outside of the gym looked like a garage space. However, inside the place, there were rowing machines, pull up bars, elliptical bikes, and there was even a resting lounge where you could chill and watch television. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with a friendly smile by our CrossFit instructor. If you could envision a heaven for athletes, CrossFit 312 is what it would look like.
To get our workout started, the instructor led the group through a fun game. Each player was given a 4-foot tube. We stood in a circle facing each other and holding the tube straight out in front of us. The trainer would then call out “left” or “right” and each player had to let go of their tube, move to the designated direction, and grab the tube previously held by the player to the left or right of us. If a player dropped the tube, the entire team had to perform a certain exercise (10 jumping jacks, 10 pushups, 5 burpees, etc.). No matter how much I told myself not to drop the tube, and no matter how much I focused on the trainer’s instructions, the tube managed to slip its way out of my hands.
After the game, we began our first part of the challenge. It consisted of box jumps and kettlebell swings. The trainer demonstrated each movement before we started exercising. The team performed the first part of the challenge in pairs and it was satisfying to see them working together to complete the challenge. We motivate each other.
The second part of the challenge was strenuous! It consisted of rowing, burpees, sit-ups, squats, and lunges. I wanted to quit after 60 calories on the rowing machine but watching my teammates push through the workout was fueling. Everyone finished the second part of the challenge in less than 15 minutes. I felt so proud. Jessica Guigon 18’ commented, “I thought that the CrossFit training was well led and fun. The workouts helped prepare us for the season.” The experience was overall breathtaking (no pun intended). Carina Barillas ‘19 said, “I definitely like working out here. The trainers are very good. The workout space is very nice as well and all their equipment is well kept. It is a really cool place to help people stay active.” Watching the girls motivate each other and fight until the very end was an amazing sight. CrossFit 312 made the experience possible.