Sexy is often a term that gets used to describe crossfitters (when we're not being called crazy). But being sexy is more than just ripped abs, well defined obliques, and bulging biceps. For each of us sexiness can derive from different things that go beyond what lies on the surface. William Imbo of BoxLife Magazine digs a little deeper with his 5 reasons why crossfitters are sexy.
“Sexiness is a state of mind—a comfortable state of being. It’s about loving yourself in your most unlovable moments.”
-Catherine Lucas
Before I launch into an article that is a complete change of pace for me, I want to make it clear that I do not assume to know what every person finds “sexy”. Everyone has their own preference of what turns them on. However, after spending an intimate amount of time in the CrossFit world, meeting a ton of athletes from different boxes both here in the U.S. and in Europe, I feel confident enough in stating that we, as crossfitters, exhibit some incredibly sexy attributes. This piece isn’t going to make you a better athlete, or smarter in any way. But it’s nice to read something different once in a while isn’t it? If anything, I hope it brightens up your day and gives you (yes, YOU) this reminder: Hey crossFitter—you’re sexy.
1. We’re confident
Confidence is an incredibly attractive trait to have. It shows that you are sure of yourself and your qualities as an individual. What better way to develop confidence than by consistently putting yourself in uncomfortable situations to achieve new goals—and then actually achieving them again and again? Remember that pull-up you never thought you’d get? Or that bodyweight clean that seemed so scary? I think we can all agree that our confidence skyrockets every time we hit a new PR or achieve a movement we once thought we’d never get. All of a sudden, those difficult situations outside of the box that once made you tense start to retreat in the face of your ever-growing conviction. Hey, if you can make it through Murph, Fran, or any other monstrous concoction of a WOD, you know you have the cojones to tackle anything that life throws at you. And that confidence is infectious. There’s a whole lot of mojo in the air at a CrossFit box.
2. We have great social skills
Unless you joined an affiliate where you already know some of the members, chances are that you started your CrossFit career without knowing a single athlete at the box. But that’s ok, because you’ll get to know them real fast. You can’t hide in a CrossFit box. You will be thrust into the spotlight by your coach on day 1, who will welcome you to the community as a new member (or even a drop-in!). On top of that, you will invariably be paired up with others for various WODs and strength work, which forces you to interact with new people who will quickly become your friends. Soon enough, you’ll be the one taking the initiative to welcome a newcomer to the affiliate, and you’ll have no problem striking up a conversation with strangers outside of the gym too. In an age where technology and social networks are making us increasingly anti-social, it’s incredibly valuable (and attractive) to be able to communicate with others in person with confidence.
3. We’re brave
Determination, bravery, courage—all interchangeable terms that essentially mean the same thing: Crossfitters refuse to give up. Like a Hollywood hero that fights on to the very end, saves the day and gets the girl, “quitting” isn’t a term in a crossfitter’s vocabulary—even when facing insurmountable odds. Honestly, what could be hotter? Staring down your mighty foe (the WOD) with only your skills and body to tackle it, you summon every ounce of your willpower to take on this great adversary. It may frighten to you, but that’s the point. If it were easy, you wouldn’t get much of a challenge out of it, would you? And it certainly wouldn’t be all that sexy. No, we welcome the challenge, we embrace the fear. Everybody wants to be swept off their feet, and with the courage of a crossfitter (and some excellent lifting mechanics), we are the right people for the job.
4. We’re just the right amount of crazy
The sexiest people all have a bit of crazy in them, but there is a fine line between attractive, spicy sexy and pack up your shit and run for the hills crazy (Miley Cyrus). Now, some people may question the sanity of people that are willing to pay to put themselves through extreme mental and physical hardship in the pursuit of better health and excellent fitness, but we already know that there’s a method to the madness, because it works. I’d argue that this kind of crazy is the good kind. The kind that says, “Hey, I’m a spontaneous person that has a bucket-load of confidence, let’s jump off this airplane.” Our top-level athletes exhibit this mentality regularly, and often get hurt in the process (Matt Chan). But it’s all good, because he/she who dares, wins. And they’ll likely look damn sexy doing it (cue cool movie explosion in the background).
5. We’re fit
Finally, we come to the main essence of what a crossfitter is. I truly believe that every crossfitter is fit—or they are in the process of becoming fit. Obviously, the streamlined abs and powerful muscles that are commonplace among our kind help to promote the image of aesthetic beauty among crossfitters, but beauty is subjective—and so is sexiness. A perfectly executed air squat can be beautiful, and anyone who has seen a muscle-up or snatch performed in slow motion understands that there truly is beauty in fitness. But if you’re looking for down right sexiness, you need look no further than your own CrossFit box. Music blares from the speakers, men and women “pumping iron”, muscles flared as sweat caresses down their bodies. Yep, that sounds downright sexy to me.
About the Author:
William Imbo is an Associate Editor at BoxLife magazine and holds an MPS in Sports Industry Management from Georgetown University. He is an avid crossfitter and loves film, music and travel, thanks to having grown up across Europe. A fan of the New Orleans Saints and Newcastle United, Will's favorite CrossFit girl is Helen-least favorite being Isabel.
