Yoga and Crossfit – The perfect Match!
When Crossfit and Yoga met…it was love at first sight!
For many years, yoga had been considered a practice mostly for women or for “flexible” individuals. Luckily, nowadays this misconception has been fading and more and more people around the world are practicing and understanding this wonderful and life changing philosophy. Although yoga is divided in 8 different “limbs,” the majority of people are more familiar with the ASANAS (poses).
A community that has been including range of movement (ROMWOD) and yoga into their practice is Crossfit. I find it fascinating that those who practice such a high intensity sport are turning into Yoga for grounding, balancing, and stretching purposes. That is why we went ahead and interviewed our dear friend, crossfit rockstar, and owner of Crossfit 5 Triple 9, Ivan DeWindt.
1. Why crossfit? And what is Crossfit 5Triple9 about?
I found CrossFit to be one the most effective ways to get in shape. I like that I can measure my process, by keeping track of my workout results. I also love the progress I’ve seen in my other sports. It has also increased my confidence in my ability in other areas of my live. I grew up playing all kinds of sports from tennis, basketball, swimming etc and I’m stronger and in the best shape I’ve ever been in at the age of 35.
To my business partners and I, CrossFit 5 Triple 9 is just an expression of our love for the pursuit of fitness and wellness; learning about it and teaching it. Our mission is to motivate and assist people in achieving their highest potential, no matter what stage they are in when our paths cross. They could be Kids, Teens, young ambitious athletes, off season athletes, people looking to lose weight or feel young again, basically anyone looking to increase their fitness and interested in a better future.
2. When did you decide to incorporate Yoga into your exercise schedule?
Flexibility is one of the 10 generally recognized physical skill us as humans can develop or maintain. The others are Cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, Stamina, Strength, Power, Speed, Coordination, Agility, Balance, Accuracy. Flexibility is crucial to performance and prevention of injuries in any physical activity and it doesn’t come easy for many. We stretch after every class, but for significant improvements in flexibility people need to put in extra time. So a few months ago we decided to create a dedicated mobility class. Then the suggestion came from a yoga teacher at our gym to try a yoga class and we haven’t looked back since. We currently have 2 teachers alternating weekly.
3. What benefits have you noticed since you first started practicing yoga?
I used to teach the mobility class, but since we changed it to a yoga class I started participating every week on my recovery day. The benefits are great, besides increased flexibility I’ve noticed increased core stability and increased balance which have translated in improvements in my weightlifting and gymnastics as well.
4. Do you think Crossfit and Yoga make a great match? If so, why?
I do, personally I like to do it as active recovery on my days off. It relaxes me, calms my mind and helps me cultivate body awareness/intelligence in a different way.
5. Any funny stories that have happened in any of your yoga practices?
There are always funny things that happen in class, especially when we try the more challenging versions of the positions. People make funny faces and noises when trying challenging positions. It’s also a lot of fun when we get to try head stands, handstands and bridges.
6. What has been the reaction of your box clients with yoga?
Our yoga class has been growing bigger and people love it. Every week there are new faces. Some people sit and watch on the side lines for a week or two, but then you see them take the step to challenge themselves the following week and they keep coming.
7. As you know, LAFStyle™ is about Loving, accepting and forgiving yourself and others. Our purpose is to take this message to the world, especially to adults going through tough times in different areas of their lives. As an athlete, what advice would you give to everyone out there regarding the importance of practicing any type of sport and maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
My advice is to start today. Being physically active is very important to being a balanced human being. Manage your expectations, be patient, consistent and have fun. Avoid jumping from one thing to another looking for instant results or satisfaction. Do something that makes you feel good and with people that inspire you. Health/ Fitness/Wellness is a journey with no destination, it’s a lifestyle, or should I say LAFStyle 😀
Now on to knowing a little bit more about you Ivan:
A book: Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth.
A song: Be, by Common / Every song on the Album “Transient” by Gaelle
Routine: Night Owl: sleep/work late, but I can sleep in a little now and still get my hours.
Favorite meal: Lasagna (cheat meal) / Chicken Gorgonzola (with dried fruit)
Favorite Quote: “The present is a gift and I just want to be” by Common.
Someone you look up to: My sister for quitting her job and following her dreams, it gave me courage to do the same.
Your biggest fear: Going back to the confines of corporate life.
Hobbies: Traveling
Your biggest blessing: Finding something I’m passionate about and making it an engine for creating positive change for people.
THANK YOU Ivan for sharing a piece of your world with us! I always enjoy learning fro
Until next time!
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