WEEK ONE: Very tiny patterns in plastic; this is what I see on the mat at Crossfit Tacoma. Sweat runs into my eye and off my nose. "Come on, Jennifer. You can do it," encourages Morgan Hepfer, one of two On Ramp trainers and owner of Crossfit Tacoma. I roll my eyes and mutter dejectedly, "I live here now." I'm referring to the very place I lay on the mat. I smash my face into it hard as self punishment, suck in full lungs and focus on drawing strength into my body for a final push-up. Grimacing, I peel myself off the mat and wobble over for pull-ups. 

During my first On Ramp class, I went through a myriad of emotions in a quick five minutes - surprise, disbelief, frustration, dismay, anger, disappointment, more anger.   
Having been active in sports and fitness most of my life, I thought I was decently educated along those lines and in fairly good shape - certainly better than the average person. Walking into the sparsely outfitted Crossfit Tacoma gym, I felt confident that after a mild learning curve I'd be able to tackle this new physical fitness experience with nothing more than a little sweat and slight effort. 

I couldn't have been more wrong. Crossfit is hard. And I mean brutally hard in a confusing mental-physical-psychological way for a newcomer. I question why I am not able to do this. "This" being squats, push-ups, pull-ups, rowing, jump rope, weightlifting and, unbelievably, running. First, I had to learn to do these standards correctly, hence On Ramp, an intense three-week program that incorporates nutrition, body movement and proper technique for all standards mentioned and more. On Ramp class starts at the whiteboard with nutrition talks, food report and check-in. For accountability you report what you ate and where you're struggling; feedback is given. Then you move on to warm-up, workout of the day (aka WOD) and end with a guided cooldown and recovery period. WOD is timed; you compete against yourself.

WEEK TWO: Every time I finish a WOD, I want to yell "last" instead of "time" to announce I'm finally done. The rest of the class waits for me frequently. Having learned the value of pacing myself while pushing myself, I'm beyond hurt pride. I feel like I have unlearned and then relearned most of what I thought I knew regarding proper form and fitness function. Focus is now on Olympic style weightlifting. I am mildly intimidated yet eager to learn. I write things like "I want to be here" and "Still pissed I suck at this" in my gym journal.

So what is Crossfit? A strength training method, weight loss program, way of life, full body conditioning, fitness model? It's all of these.  Understanding food and how it relates to strength in the body was explained thoroughly by Hepfer and trainer Leon Aldrich throughout On Ramp. The days I ate as directed - good days - I was noticeably stronger, had greater endurance and obviously increased speed. On bad days I wished for death during the WOD - sometimes even during the warm-up. Functional movements, intensity and variety are key elements.

WEEK THREE: With a general working knowledge of the equipment, how to use it and what my form should look like, I bound into class and am anxious to get sweaty. New moves are introduced; additional parts added to existing ones. I note progress in my overall speed and flexibility; my energy levels are stabilizing. My nutrition regime has become an easy eating routine, my sleep steady. Through Crossfit I realize I've become better at life in general.

Those who complete On Ramp are permitted to participate in scheduled workouts offered at the downtown Tacoma location. Trainers monitor the individual while leading the class, encouraging and correcting form to help increase effectiveness and safety in the workout itself. Parkour, martial arts, kettlebell club, and standard personal training are offered in addition to straightforward Crossfit workouts. Having celebrated a one-year anniversary in October 2009, Hepfer hopes to incorporate a Crossfit Kids program in 2010 and has his eyes set on being the first Olympic weightlifting club in Tacoma.

[Crossfit Tacoma, 411 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, 253.310.1940, www.crossfittacoma.com]