I have a little bit of ADD tonight so hang with me on this one folks. There are a couple things I want to address. First, I hope you enjoyed the video of Finland’s Milko Tokola, but more on that later. This video was forwarded to me by one of our long-time members, Sean. Sean has been a member of CrossFit ABQ since the beginning and is one of the best, smartest, and hardest working athletes I know. One of the things I admire about Sean is that he is always looking for ways to improve. There are so many resources out there (videos, articles, smart phone apps, etc.) that can help us to become better, and I encourage you to be like Sean and take advantage of them. I have learned a lot from Sean over the past few years and I still do today. I have always liked the saying “learn from those who are where you want to be”. If you see someone in the gym doing something you want to be able to do, ask him or her about it. One of the things I love about the CrossFit community is people’s willingness to help each other, and that is something that is definitely alive and well at CrossFit ABQ. My point is, if you want to get better at something it takes a lot of work. That is not very profound, I know, but for many it’s a tough pill to swallow. As much as I wish it were possible the hour a day you spend with us isn’t enough. You have to stay hungry. Watch videos, read articles, work mobility at home, work Olympic lifting drills at home with a PVC pipe or dowel. If you have questions on something please ask one of us, or one of your fellow members. We have such a diverse community with so much knowledge; make sure to take advantage.
Now a quick word on the video. The way this guy approaches his lifts is phenomenal! He is fearless. His explosiveness, speed, and intensity are unreal. What I want you to think about is how do you approach your lifts? Are you afraid of missing or is there no doubt in your mind that you will make the lift? Are you focused on exactly how the lift will go or is your mind wandering? Are you approaching each lift with ferocity or just going through the motions? Now I’m not suggesting to go all banana sandwich and forget technique, but I do want you to attack your lifts. Focus, be fast, and never allow fear to creep into your mind!
That dude is a freaking animal. And this is the ultimate compliment to Sean and I totally agree with all those qualities you described 🙂 You’re pretty inspiring, yourself Matt Booth!
That means a lot! Thanks Tiny 🙂
Thanks Matt Booth. I think that although it is necessary for us all to have our own journeys and have our own learning experiences along the way, it doesn’t hurt to get help and learn from the successes or failures of others. I always say “if I knew then what I know now”, or “why didn’t someone tell me that before?” On a side note, Matt Booth is the ultimate example of “practice what you preach”. It may come as a surprise to many of you but Booth did not walk into CFABQ as the physical specimen that he now is. A TON of CONSISTENCY and HARD WORK has made Booth into the beast that you see today. If you get the chance to work out with Booth take advantage because that is REAL LIFE motivation right there!
Thank you Sean. You are too kind.
what is scary is that the heavy single he got for the snatch (130) is still under rich froning’s 300lb snatch…..
Motivate me, Matt! Explosive was the first word that came to mind while watching that video…staying hungry…
Now that is Motivation, Determination, Consistency, and Hard Work, CFABQ STYLE!!!!!