CrossFit Virtuosity

I just read an article by Malcolm Gladwell called Late Bloomers.

Gladwell makes an interesting point that society often sees the young prodigy as the gifted genius. However, as Gladwell points out, there are many cases of late bloomers that shine far brighter as they get older. As I approach thirty-eight I am especially interested in late bloomers. I myself am in the best shape of my life and still improving. I have witnessed many clients that have come to me and have little to no athletic background. People that were picked last to play on a team, people that were chubby as kids, people that were shy and awkward come to Crossfit and achieve extraordinary levels of fitness especially considering they are what many would consider past their prime.

Picasso was considered a prodigy.

This shows that society's idea of youth and vigor might be wrong. Instead of the notion that after age thirty or forty we start to decline, Crossfit has shown that many of us are just getting started. I have witnessed women start Crossfit after having three kids and achieve better fitness and better bodies than they had before their first child was even conceived. I have witnessed men that looked their age transform into younger, more handsome and more virile versions of themselves.

Cezanne was considered a late bloomer.

Gladwell also points out that these late bloomers are different from prodigies in that late bloomers often have support. While a young prodigy is immediately recognized and showered with fortune, a late bloomer has to undergo many years of "fermentation." These late bloomers must have a strong support team to get them through those formative years. That is another the great thing about Crossfit: Crossfit is a support center for the late bloomer. Yes Crossfit immediately recognizes and rewards the prodigies. However, Crossfit takes equal pride in the blossoming of an older athlete. Joining the Crossfit community is joining a support group that will help you achieve more than you ever thought possible. Just read some of the testimonials if you don't believe me. Nothing is impossible.

Are you a late bloomer or a prodigy?
Please post your thoughts to the comments.

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Late Bloomer
written by Gregory Casimir, October 16, 2008

A very timely and inspiring article Keith. I have two degrees and just applied for a non-paying internship to subsidize free acting classes! And it's been the support from my adult friends who have helped nurture my new career in acting. I was the kid that was awkward but through finding my own path I became stronger and faster now that I was at 21! I'm performing Olympic Lifts and running faster than ever. I think late bloomers have the advantage of longevity because they have so many other experiences to tap into and understand better the need to pay attention to fundamentals. Late bloomers also appreciate coaching more because they understand the key to sustained success is having the right instruction.

Late Bloomers
written by Jen, October 27, 2008

Yes, that's me. I feel like I'm getting wiser, stronger, fitter, faster and much deeper as I get older.
That I've only just started to learn how to coach and train people. My heart and my head are working well together instead of as seperates. Watch our world I've got a lot to show you!
Jen

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