Had a breakup at the end of 2021 that dealing with, was pretty stressed out about it and started going to a powerlifting gym (shoutout Rx S&C) that had a strength and conditioning class with some weightlifting, kettlebells, etc. Got me tired as a dog, cleared my head and after a bit, the results helped my self esteem. I was also playing a lot of ultimate frisbee, and the amount of aerobic exercise made it easier to take up jogging. I moved to NY last summer and after I got here, it really helped me during the transition to join a crossfit gym and jog on my off days. Had some back problems, the weather got crappy and I got out off the habit of exercise and my mental health really suffered. Have recently started running again and I can see a marked difference in my mood and stress level.
i was biking 50-100 ish miles a week all summer/fall and i felt great! first time in my life i was using my body like that lol lots of energy + better mental health etc but once late stage grind mode for this app kicked in i fell off completely and don’t leave my apartment most days. i can feel the difference today is the day, going to start working out again
i’ve been slowly getting into fitness over the past year and it was a real lightbulb moment for me when i started doing more intensive workouts (as opposed to only yoga/pilates) bc they are wildly more gratifying, physically and mentally. turns out the confidence and motivation you get from doing hard things is what makes u actually wanna continue working out.
i’m now more active than ever and it feels great!!!
Beyond shocking development for anyone who knows me off the internet. I’ve gotten so strong and feel like a badass lifting the big bar over my head (and then waddling around the city for days afterwards remembering what I did). Never thought I’d do something like this but I’m so glad I gave it the ole college try and am putting that rec out to anyone else who has hesitated about CrossFit specifically but wants to get stronger/have more workout structure/protect from injury (vs just running)/build gym community.
I met Erin (@RIOTGRRRL) and Jake (@SLOWDAZZLE) last year after I started using PI.FYI—we organized a meetup before a Jonathan Richman show and immediately clicked over our shared taste in music and similar sensibilities. We started hanging out a lot and had some great times together. I’ve also gotten to know many of their friends, who are all really cool. Erin and Jake started dating a couple of months after the three of us became friends, but our group chat still pops off. Their friendship has meant a lot to me, especially since moving to NYC in 2023, and I really appreciate having them in my life.
Come hang with some PI.FYI folks at Franklin Park in Crown Heights in Brooklyn on 7/19 @ 6:30. riotgrrrl and slowdazzle will be there too! Link is the Partiful invited!