This weekend while I was sitting outside reading a book I got the sudden urge to see IF I could do a pull-up. It’s always something I’ve said that I can’t do (yet), but never really allowed myself the chance to see if I could. I threw my running shoes on and headed to the park to see what I didn’t know yet about myself.
This post is a little misleading because now you’re probably thinking I grabbed the bar and knocked out ten reps in a row. Well you’re wrong.
I got to the park and shamelessly worked for about five minutes on holding myself up and trying to see what the “kipping” motion is all about.
At the end of it all, I was able to jump up, pull-up, lower down a few inches, then pull my chin back up over the bar before my arms gave out. I am only going to count that as one rep because the jump-up shouldn’t count - but it made me proud to try.
It was a challenge, but I decided to not be ashamed of being such a beginner even though there were several spectators who could see my weakness right through my tough-girl attitude.
It was a challenge, but I decided to not be ashamed of being such a beginner even though there were several spectators who could see my weakness right through my tough-girl attitude.
This trial and somewhat-success really makes me want to get better. To be able to do one confidently. To be able to do two. Hell to be able to do five! I’m a seeker of constant improvement and can see this being one of my new adventures to tackle as I introduce myself to new workouts and different ways to challenge my body.
And no, the workout didn’t stop there - I stayed and did a circuit with squats, lunges, burpees, planks and sprints that got me sweaty and satisfied on a beautiful Portland summer afternoon.
