Pushing bodies to the limit
Everyone has goals.
Some people aim to get fit while others build muscle or lose weight.
But for three people from Matamata, it’s about pushing their bodies to the limit and smashing personal goals.
Tea Wellington, Paul Hammond and Chris Croasdale have all recently returned from the CrossFit national champs in Hamilton, an intense two-day competition.
CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity.
Workouts are based on functional movements reflecting the best aspects of gymnastics including weightlifting, running, rowing.
They are the core movements of life.
Croasdale competed in intermediate male division, finishing second, Hammond finished 7th in mens scale division and Wellington finished 28th in female scale division.
At 15-years-old, Wellington was one of the youngest competitors, and without a teen division, was competing against women twice her age.
They had to qualify for the champs, in a month long on-line event. Only 32 men and 32 women were selected to compete.
Croasdale, co-owner of The Evolve Gym, says CrossFit is addictive, but it’s not about being an adrenalin junkie.
‘‘Stepping up steps, or picking up grocery bags are part of daily life, so the movement is functional exercise, it’s movement used in everyday life.
‘‘Cross Fit is not about competing, but staying healthy and fit.
‘‘It’s high intensity, but there is a strategy behind it as well. ‘‘It’s marketed at anyone. ‘‘There are probably 10 women in this gym who have done competitions.
‘‘Three years ago they came in here, they have had kids and haven’t been in a gym before.
‘‘Their main goal was to lose different fitness weight and feel better.
‘‘Now they are lifting 100kgs off the ground and doing their first CrossFit competition.
‘‘It’s cool to see some of them breaking down emotionally cause they were so happy with themselves on the day,’’ says Croasdale.
Hammond is one of three Matamata competitors heading to the CrossFit Masters League on the Gold Coast in October.
Joining him will be Kim Louch and Steven Langdon who will make up 90 participants from the New Zealand team.
With nationals out of the way, and 10 weeks to go till the Masters, Hammond is now putting all his workout efforts into mentally and physically preparing himself.
Part of his preparation strategy is to train two hours a day, six days a week, and increase it in the few weeks proceeding it without emptying the tanks.
He says mental discipline can be the hardest part, as you have to train your brain to not give up when it wants to.
It’s the reason why Wellington was one of the youngest competitors, as he says many teenagers lack that mental discipline.
He says Wellington has a natural ability and will go a long way in CrossFit.
All three dream of being able to compete in the World CrossFit Games in the US.
This is where the absolute best of the best from around the world will battle it out to be the ultimate CrossFit champ. Visit the Matamata Chronicle, Neighbourly.co.nz page to watch the video.