I decided to finish my work week with a bold move (dare I say, reckless?).
I signed up for Nemesis’ 5.30pm Friday class, immersing myself in the heart of Shepparton’s CrossFit scene.
I couldn’t believe I was taking on this challenge, but there’s something about embracing the unknown and pushing your own boundaries that makes life exciting, right?
When I booked my session, owner and trainer Tareke Le Lievre was extremely thorough: he asked me about my fitness background and objectives, injury history and even my eating habits. I was pleasantly surprised.
But let’s be honest: CrossFit has an ‘exclusive’ reputation that can seem intimidating from the outside. In my colleague’s words, the sport can seem “like a cult”.
When I arrived at the gym on Callister St, I was warmly welcomed by trainer Selinda Davies and by everyone attending the class that day.
Selinda warned me that I had signed myself up for one of their most challenging sessions. My face dropped.
With fatigue from the week setting in, I secretly regretted my decision, but there was no way of backing out!
The facilities were bright and spacious, even accommodating parents. A father had brought his young daughter, who kept herself entertained while we trained.
There were around 10 of us and plenty of space to navigate the exercises at our own pace. And there we went!
On the menu: an hour-long session blending cardio, endurance and resistance training — a formula that tested my limits.
To say it was hard is an understatement. I was aching and struggling to catch my breath. Each break between exercises felt too short. I stopped several times, thinking I would give up, but I was so thankful for Selinda. She took the time to correct my posture multiple times while encouraging every single one of us.
All I could think of was how unfit I had become, but I soon realised that the negative thoughts weren’t helping.
When you train, you can focus on the pain your body is experiencing, but that only prolongs your discomfort. Or you can reach ‘the zone’ where your mind and body understand ‘it needs to be done’, which helps you persevere.
That’s where I went, and Selinda’s encouragement was the guiding drive in the background. I was hot, sweating and uncomfortable, and my chicken arms were aching from all the pull-ups, but I was present.
When Selinda announced the end of the session, I felt unparalleled relief. I was too happy to collapse on the floor to catch my breath.
After a welcome break, we stretched and hung out for a bit. Everyone shared tips and their experience, assuring me it got easier with time.
I loved the camaraderie and felt part of a team; it was a nice feeling I could get used to.
My body was still in utter shock well after the session, but when the endorphin rush finally hit me, all I could think of was how fantastic I felt. I was so proud of myself for not giving up despite the difficulty.
The advantage of CrossFit training is that it increases VO2 max, strength and endurance and improves body composition, meaning that you burn calories even when you’re resting.
If you want to work hard a couple of times a week in a friendly and welcoming environment, this might be the gym for you!
Stay tuned for part six of the journey!
