Free Fitness Movement. All you need to do is show up!
When Jackie and Scott asked me to write this blog, I agreed before I knew that I’d be writing a personal narrative. As a journalist, my job has always been to tell someone else’s story. I almost stayed inside my comfort zone and wrote about what running means to me, but that isn’t really my story. We all have a story to tell—one that has shaped the way we see the world and hopefully left us with some wisdom to impart. This is mine.
The Valley of the Sun kicked off May Day in style as NP_Phx_FamilyFeud has officially begun! This morning saw Team Blue, Team Red, Team Yellow, and Team Green duke it out in an AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) circuit workout consisting of squats, leg lifts, box jumps, burpees, push-ups and stairs. The desert sun was intense but nothing compared to the focus on the competitors.
Visitors often think the desert looks inhospitable. Well, they’re wrong. My family doesn’t just survive here, we thrive here. Heck, have you seen how my tribe packs the local hills and theater during the summer? True inspiration.
I’ve seen a lot of new years come and go. Think these buff saguaro arms grow overnight? Well, they don’t. I’ve been lucky that my tribe’s awesome workouts keep me looking young, but don’t be fooled, I’ve seen many moons. Between family photosynthesis sessions and binge watching my cousins on Planet Earth, I’ve had some time to reflect this holiday week.
December 19, 2018, the darkest Wednesday of 2018. Literally. However, if you set your alarm and got yourself to the West Buttes Lot by 5:59 AM, you wouldn’t have noticed. You would have found a group of people with sunny dispositions, warm hugs, and a sea of headlamps. Take that winter solstice. Today’s joy consisted of sprints, burpees, pulse squats, and many, many abs.
I LVOE NEROMVBE CRTOJPE. That’s not quite right. I LOEV NOEMREBV PRTCOJE. Hmm, that’s not it either. I LOVE NOVEMBER PROJECT. There we go!
Today the November Project Phoenix crew rocked a scrabble-esque workout. 17 stations scattered around our playground, Papago Park Amphitheatre. Each station contained a letter, of which to earn, you completed the respective workout and repetitions. Stairs, burpees, and partner exercises galore were completed to earn those precious letters! Once you had them all, you held a plank and tried to assemble the phrase.