Now that you've watched all of the vaguely interesting movies available on Netflix, eaten everything in your house, checked every social media site and possibly even cleaned your room, you are out of excuses — it's time to hit the gym. It's time to try out your nearest Crossfit gym and decide for yourself if this addicting workout is for you.Crossfit is becoming a major player in the sports and fitness community with approximately 8,300 gyms across 97 different countries, it has become an international fitness sensation taking the world by storm.When most people think of Crossfit, they think of extremely buff men and women that spend all their free time at the gym, intensely lifting heavy objects and grunting, the testosterone almost palpable in the air. Walking into a gym it is not uncommon to see faces contorted under the pressures of extreme effort, sweat dripping from every pore and everyone doing an insane amburpees. You find yourself surrounded by the sound of loud techno music, clanging barbells, grunts of anguish and voices of the group cheering on others to finish the workout and not give in.
I joined the Crossfit community this summer in search of a way to keep myself motivated to workout after losing the shelter of my coaches from high school. The first box I joined was Crossfit8035 in my hometown of Des Moines and then Crossfit Waco upon returning to Baylor. After my first WOD (workout of the day), I was hooked and I have been a proud Crossfitter ever since.
Here are 8 things that I have learned about why this sport is so contagious:
1. The Community: While you might have to be a little crazy to push yourself through the WOD, it is reassuring to have people around you that are doing the same. The community is the most supportive I have ever experienced. Whether you are the strongest or the weakest, there is always someone there to push and encourage you through the workout. This strong community is built around your mutual suffering together through a WOD but is sustained by the genuine kindness of the individuals.
2. The Coaches: No one is as personable, knowledgeable, encouraging or as tough as a Crossfit trainer. They know how to push you to achieve your highest potential and support your in your weakest moments. Their knowledge of Crossfit and love of the sport is inspiring for anyone that comes into the box.
3. The Uniqueness: You will not see a stair stepper, treadmill or any other typical workout machine with a television attached at a Crossfit box. What you will see is pull-up bars, kettlebells, gymnastic rings, climbing ropes and olympic lifting bars. We do not rely on man made machines because our bodies are the machines. You won't find anything like the Crossfit atmosphere anywhere near your local Globo Gym.
4. The WOD: Every single WOD is a challenge. Nothing is the same. There are endless combinations of basic, repetitive movements. Going into the gym and working through a fresh challenge is nothing short of exhilarating. Each unique WOD challenges you mentally and physically differently than others before it and surely others after.
5. The Addiction: There is something addicting about this sport and I think it stems from pure accomplishment. There is something to be said about walking into the box, looking at the workout with dread thinking to yourself, I will never be able to do this, then walking out of the box after murdering the hardest workout of your life. The best part is knowing that you can come back tomorrow and experience the same sense of accomplishment all over again.
6. The Scalability: Coming into a Crossfit box for the first time was more than a bit intimidating, but I soon learned that there was nothing to be afraid of. Each Crossfit workout can be done by a beginner or a professional. You can do the workout with a PVC pipe or your bodyweight added to the bar. You can do kipping pull-ups, strict pull-ups, or, if you're like me, pull-ups with the assistance of a resistance band. They have solutions for any kind of ailment or disability.
7. The Results: It is so easy to see the results when you improve on your time in a WOD or add weight to the bar on your overhead squat. Nothing can compare to that sense of accomplishment. It is extremely satisfying to see your results so plainly in front of you.
8. The Lifestyle: Crossfit has enhanced my life in aspects that I never thought that a fitness program would. It is my best and most valued outlet. It is what motivates me to eat better, stay motivated and live a healthier lifestyle. I am stronger mentally and physically.
For all of the aforementioned reasons, Crossfit has changed my life. Crossfit is emotional, and raw; it's intense and a release. It is an amazing practice that you absolutely must experience for yourself!
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StableDiffusion
Dearest Yoga,
You deserve a great thank you.
Never would I have thought a few years ago that I would be such a huge yoga fanatic, that I would be hitting the gym almost every day to get to class, and that I would be forming all these amazing relationships with so many incredible people who also share a love for you. You've enhanced my way of life in numerous ways that I need to thank you for.
Thank you for showing me my true strength. Not only physical strength, but more importantly mental strength. You've shown me that I am more than what others may think of me, and that I can rise above any obstacle that comes through my path.
StableDiffusion
Thank you for helping me to walk through life with grace and passion.To love what I do and love the life that I share with those around me. Before experiencing yoga, I never truly understood what it was like to be passionate about something. Now that I have, not only do I know what it's like to be passionate, but also have a willing to be passionate.
Thank you for teaching me what it is like to appreciate the small things in life. Which has only helped me more to appreciate the big things. You've shown me to not only appreciate the life around me, but also to give myself the appreciation that I deserve. And more importantly, give others the appreciation that they deserve.
StableDiffusion
Thank you for allowing me to let go. Whenever I feel as if I need a break from the world, the yoga studio is the first place I think of. As soon as I enter the studio, the outside world leaves my mind. You've allowed me an escape that I will be forever thankful for.
Thank you for turning me into a mindful person. Having mindfulness is harder than it seems, especially here in today's society. Over the past couple years, I have become more mindful to the world around me, I have been able to truly be myself and let everyone else be themselves -- all thanks to yoga.
And lastly, thank you for allowing me to breathe. As simple as it sounds, breathing is the one thing that I carry around most with me off the mat. Deep breaths are what get me through the day. Throughout tough situations, emotional battles, and stressful times, I always know to come back to my yoga, to come back to my breath.
I only hope that those around me feel the same way as I do about you, yoga. You have truly transformed my life in the best way imaginable. It is a gift and a great privilege to be able to experience the practice. Thanks to you, I have grown as a person, proved to myself the true strength I have, become more aware and have ultimately started living a better life.
You're the best,
Your Yoga-Obsessed Friend
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Arts Entertainment
Epic Creation Myths: Norse Origins Unveiled
What happened in the beginning, and how the heavens were set in motion.
16 August
3404
Now, I have the everlasting joy of explaining the Norse creation myth. To be honest, it can be a bit kooky, so talking about it is always fun. The entire cosmos is included in this creation myth, not just the earth but the sun and the moon as well. This will be a short retelling, a summary of the creation myth, somewhat like I did with Hermod's ride to Hel.
File:Blake ancient of days.jpg - Wikimedia Commonscommons.wikimedia.org
The Norse cosmos began with two worlds, Niflheim and Muspellheim. These two worlds, the worlds of primordial cold and fire, were separated by a great fissure called Ginnungagap. The waters from the well Hvergelmir, at the center of Niflheim, by many rivers flowed into Ginnungagap and "when those rivers, which are called Elivagar, came so far from their source, the poisonous flow hardened like a slag of cinders running from a furnace, and became ice. ...Then layer by layer, the ice grew within Ginnungagap" (Byock 13). The northernmost regions of the gap filled with hoar frost and rime, but the southernmost were "the regions bordering on Muspell [and] were warm and bright" (Byock 13). Where the cold of Niflheim's ice and the warmth of Muspellheim's fire met in Ginnungagap the ice thawed, and "there was a quickening in these flowing drops and life sprang up" (Byock 14). From the ice came Ymir, known as Aurgelmir by the giants, the origin of all frost giants. As the wise giant Vafthruthnir says, "'down from Elivagar did venom drop, / And waxed till a giant it was; / And thence arose our giants' race, / And thus so fierce are we found'" (Bellows 76-77).
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Entertainment
25 Throwback Songs You Forgot About
But you know you still know every word.
16 August
139723
8tracks radio
We all scroll through the radio stations in the car every once in a while, whether its because we lost signal to our favorite one or we are just bored with the same ol' songs every day. You know when you're going through and you hear a song where you're just like "I forgot this existed!" and before you know it, you're singing every word? Yeah, me too. Like, 95% of the time. If you're like me and LOVE some good throwback music, here's a list of songs from every genre that have gotten lost in time, but never truly forgotten.
1. "Big Pimpin'" - Jay-Z ft. UGK
Jay-Z gives us a ballad about, you guessed it, pimpin' big in NYC. Jay-Z's rhymes paired with that catchy beat is just bound to get stuck in your head for the rest of the night.
2. "Mr. Brightside" - The Killers
If you say that you don't know any of the words to this song, you're the worst kind of person... a liar. This classic has left stamps of its lyrics on 99% of the population, and has a forever spot in my soul.
3. "Lose Yourself" - Eminem
This song always leaves me feeling like I could sign a record deal and launch my career as a rap/hip-hop legend... and craving spaghetti.
4. "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American) - Toby Keith
A ballad for the ages that brings the overly patriotic American badass out of all of us.
5. "Drop It Like It's Hot" - Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell Williams
SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!
6. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" - Green Day
This song makes me want to walk down a lonely road, preferably a dark one, and reflect on all of my life choices. Nevertheless, it's still a fantastic song.
7. "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" - Panic! At The Disco
If your friends don't "chime in" by screaming the chorus at the top of their lungs in the car with you, it's time to leave them there and find new friends. Also, did anyone ever tell the groom what his bride has been up to?
8. "Semi-Charmed Life" - Third Eye Blind
A life anthem for all of us. Third Eye Blind has recently released another album. My inner child is tingling.
9. "Baby Got Back" - Sir Mix A Lot
Nicki Minaj sampled this in her song "Anaconda" in 2014. Take a minute to realize that some people have heard that, but not the REAL jam that the sample came from. Now, cry.
10. "Get Low" - Lil Jon ft. Ying Yang Twinz
The real question is which version is better: Lil Jon's or Sandra Bullock's?
11. "Check Yes Or No" - George Strait
You don't have to be a country lover to know this song. My hardcore rocker/screamo friend even knows the chorus. Don't try and tell me you don't. I don't like liars.
12. "Ride Wit Me" - Nelly
"Ayyyyye, must be the monaaayyy!" - frequently screamed lyric
13. "Pony" - Ginuwine
Even though I can't hear this song without seeing Channing Tatum's half naked body in my mind, it's still one of my favorite songs to hear. Instant day brightener when I hear that funky beat at the beginning.
14. "Cleanin' Out My Closet" - Eminem
As sad as these lyrics are, Eminem really hit this one out of the park.
15. "Gangstas Paradise" - Coolio
10/10 would recommend listening to Weird Al's parody of this song.
16. "It Was A Good Day" - Ice Cube
The first time I heard this may have been on Grand Theft Auto, but that doesn't mean that it isn't a great song.
17. "What's Your Fantasy" - Ludacris
Another song that I knew most of the lyrics to that I probably shouldn't have at a young age.
18. "Everybody (Backstreets Back)" - Backstreet Boys
They really were back, and we all wish they had stayed.
19. "Misery Business" - Paramore
I can't tell if I want to be Hayley Williams or be ON Hayley Williams. I'd be okay with either. #girlcrush
20. "Steal My Sunshine" - Len
This feel good song makes me want to rip open a popsicle and ride my bicycle around town.
21. "Fly" - Sugar Ray
As repetitive as this is, this song will never get old.
22. "Song 2" - Blur
WOO-HOO!
23. "Buddy Holly" - Weezer
Weezer may have hated this song, but we are glad they recorded it.
24. "No Rain" - Blind Melon
Maybe it's just me who is obsessed with this song, but if you haven't heard it, I highly recommend.
25. "99 Problems" - Jay-Z
I have 99 problems, and this playlist solves all of them.
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Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash
Life is full of many wonderful pleasures that many of us, like myself, often forget about. And it's important to recognize that even on bad days, good things still happen. Focusing on these positive aspects of our day-to-day lives can really change a person's perspective. So in thinking about the little things that make so many of us happy, I've here's a list of some of the best things that often go unrecognized and deserve more appreciation:
1. Sun showers
2. Smiles
3. Tight hugs
4. Discovering new foods you like.
5. Laying in bed after a long day.
6. And being completely relaxed
7. "This reminded me of you"
woman in white shirt leaning on yellow wall
Photo by Bostan Florin Catalin on Unsplash
8. Breakfast foods
pancakes with syrup
Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash
9. Over-sized clothes
person in brown knit sweater
Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash
10. Contagious laughs
a person sitting on a couch with a laptop
Photo by Surface on Unsplash
11. Car rides with that one person
woman in black and white floral dress sitting on red car hood during daytime
Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
12. Random (I miss you/ I love you) texts
a person holding a cell phone in their hand
Photo by Behzad Soleimanian on Unsplash
13. The city at night
high angle photo of cityscape
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
14. Surprises
woman covering eyes with hand
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
15. Blanket cocoons
smiling woman wrapped with white headscarf
Photo by David Izquierdo on Unsplash
16. Good hair days
Good hair | Jamie | Flickrwww.flickr.com
17. Really good coffee
mmm coffee | We found a good coffee place on the island. Act… | Flickrwww.flickr.com
18. Days where you're in a good mood naturally and for no particular reason
man jumping on the middle of the street during daytime
Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash
19. Conquering a fear
person jumping on big rock under gray and white sky during daytime
Photo by Sammie Chaffin on Unsplash
20. When they give you a lot of guac at Chipotle
a bowl of guacamole next to a bowl of tortilla chips
Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash
21. Being so comfortable with someone that you can literally talk about anything
two women sitting on a couch in a living room
Photo by Marea Wellness on Unsplash
22. Home-cooked meals
cooked food on black bowl
Photo by Jingxi Lau on Unsplash
23. Tattoo stories
men's arm tattoo
Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash
24. Leaves changing color in fall
a group of trees with orange leaves
Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash
25. Butterflies in your stomach
The butterflies in the stomach... | Check out my blog! www.p… | Flickrww.flickr.com
26. Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches
two bread with sauce in box
Photo by Douglas Bagg on Unsplash
27. When you can't stop laughing
a couple of young girls standing next to a tent
Photo by Colin + Meg on Unsplash
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Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:
Coors Light Summer Brew:
This summer shandy begins this list, it's a mix of lemon, lime and orange. While this is by no means a craft beer, it still has it place as a refreshing summer brew to enjoy.
Leinenkugel Summer Shandy
Solid choice for any summer get together, great taste with a hint of citrus.
Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat
Distinctly reminds me of Fruity Pebbles, but nonetheless is a wonderful summer beer.
Want to know more about beer?
Summertime is the perfect time for beer, and that's why International Beer Day is on August 2nd. Our community has you covered with more stories about beer, including:
- The Benefits of Drinking Beer: Let us count the ways. There are more than you might think.
- Delicious Beer Substitutes: Is beer not typically your thing? Try one of these instead.
- Unique Beer Flavors to Try: Whether it's hard apple cider or the tase of wild blueberries, these are great options.
- If College Majors Were Beers: Business, sports medicine, design – there's a beer for every major.
Sam Adams Summer Ale
Sam Adams is known for their traditional Boston Lager, but their Summer Ale is damn good.
Hell or High Watermelon
Made with real watermelon, not much is more summer-esque than juicy watermelon in July.
Blue Moon Summer Honey
I love me some Blue Moon, so the summer brew is a no-brainer on this list.
LandShark Lager
Fun fact: LandShark is owned by Anheuser-Busch, and is more commonly know as the signature drink of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.
Corona
Obviously Corona had to take the number one spot. To me, there's nothing more refreshing than a cold Corona with lime on a hot summer day.
So whether you're on a sandy beach, a fishing boat, or at a pool, just remember what our dear friend Jack Nicholson said, "Beer, it's the best damn drink in the world."
Drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
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