Banded No More

There is a pretty interesting transformation that takes place when new people come into our community. The first thing is that huge intimidation factor that has to be overcome before you can even walk in the door. Once those fears and inhibitions are squashed, then a person is a bit lost because of the lack of familiarity of what is going on. Then there are the standards and movements that the athlete is not at all accustomed to performing. It is a very interesting evolution or process each individual goes through. In many cases, people are drawn to our community because they have a goal in mind. Like I said before, the goal can be grand in nature like an Ironman or it can be something as simple as looking better naked in the mirror. Inevitability, people are drawn towards a movement, exercise or workout that has either plagued them or has acted as barrier towards their forward momentum. The amazing thing about these barriers is that with hard work and consistent focus an athlete will break through. Not only does this fast-track an athlete towards better fitness, it also expedites the mind and spirit to victory -a victory that is felt across the entire community - a victory that carries over to other parts of the athletes lives and further sets the bar high for continued success.

My latest story from ECC comes from an athlete named Katie. Katie came to ECC just over one year ago. She was hoping to step out of her comfort zone and start a new healthy life. One of Katie’s barriers has always been pull-ups. She has progressed through the range of motion and progressed through resistant bands only to be stuck in a rut – unable to come off the crutch with the use of a band. Katie has spent that last several months staying after class working on her movement. Just last week Katie was able to do her first unassisted pull-up. Then she blasted out seven in a row. It was through Katie’s hard work, perseverance and her ability to break through her barrier. This is just the momentum Katie needs to break through her next huddle. Congratulations Katie – your hard work has paid off – average people doing amazing things. ~The Average Joe