Kat Grosshaupt

….and I’m ok with that!

As summer approaches, I scan the magazines in the checkout line, all of them promising flat abs by doing these 5 “amazing and effective” ab exercises, promising the body of your dreams and the Summer of your Life.

Sigh.

If only it was that easy. I remember being in 8th grade and my best friend, Wendy, and I would come home from school and put on her Abs of Steel VHS tape. We ate whatever we wanted, but for some reason still couldn’t get killer abs! We were always looking for that quick fix.

Magazines, movies, and the Media in general have us all fooled- no- convinced that we need to look like this:

And you know what? I’m over that.

My perception of Beauty has changed significantly in the past 3 years I’ve been involved with Crossfit. I look at the Female form in a whole new way and my appreciation for the Female body and what it’s capable of FAR outweighs the desire to look skinny.

I think big muscular legs are sexy. I look at defined arms, traps, and shoulders and can appreciate the amount of work, sweat, and effort it took to get there. 

Most of all, I am proud of the way I look. I’m not saying I’m perfect or that I don’t have work to do. I am definitely a work in progress. BUT after years and years of fad diets, hours on the elliptical, and generally hating my body, I have finally made peace with my big butt and small boobs.

I can lift more weight than I ever thought possible. I can do pullups. I can push myself mentally through brutal workouts. I’ve also carried and birthed 2 children and attended over 20 births as a Doula. 

I don’t fear getting older. I turn 37 in a month. I’m in the Prime of my life. And every single day I have more and more appreciation and awe at what our bodies are capable of. 

This is a pic I found of a Crossfitter with the caption saying “37 is the new 27” BOOM!

This is my Personal Training client, Anna Elisa. She and I go way back. See the 2 kids in the picture? I was there for both of their births as Anna Elisa’s doula! This family holds a very special place in my heart, so I was more than excited when AE decided she wanted to get back in shape after the birth of her youngest daughter, Braelyn.

Anna Elisa and I meet once a week at her home. She is a busy Mom who works from home and could easily have a million excuses as to why she doesn’t have time to work out. But AE is one of the most dedicated and hard working clients I have the pleasure to train. When she is working out, she is focused on the task at hand. When she is in Mama mode, she is focused on her kids.

I like this photo because, as we were warming up, her 2 year old daughter came over and wanted to get in on the action. Anna Elisa didn’t miss a beat and still got in her pushups, kissing Safyra each time she went down. BOOM! Problem solved!

Anna Elisa also does weighted squats while holding Braelyn. I’m so proud of AE’s dedication and she is setting such a good example for her daughters. 

So far AE has lost a total of 6 inches since we started training together 6 weeks ago. She also is using a 20 lb. Kettlebell and her Burpees are spot on!

I’m proud of you Anna Elisa! Keep up the great work!

My Red Black Crew. These guys motivate me and inspire me daily!

Today was a hard day at Red Black. Mondays are notoriously difficult for me, training-wise, no doubt because of all the bad food and drink from the weekend coupled with lack of sleep…. all ending in a Monday morning train wreck of a workout.

We did some Snatch work today, along with double unders. I sucked horrifically at both.

Part of our warmup was wide grip shoulder presses, OH Squats, and Snatch balances with the Bar only- 45lbs. Even that was difficult for me.  When I got to the double unders, I could only string 2 or 3 together. I wasn’t out of breath, I felt like my arms wouldn’t work to turn the rope!

I had to stop a few times to collect myself and hold back the tears of frustration. But I didn’t quit. I stopped a few times, but I refused to quit. That’s one of the biggest things that has changed about my mental game after Crossfitting for almost 4 years- no matter how much things suck, I don’t quit. I may walk away from the bar for a few minutes to collect myself and re-group, but I refuse to just walk away from the workout. This has helped me in more ways than I can ever explain in my life over the past year. Even when things suck beyond belief, I know I can make it through- even if just a little bit at a time.

The point of this cry-fest is to remind myself of a few key points:

1. I didn’t quit. Even when I almost started crying because I was so frustrated, I didn’t stop. I finished the task at hand, talking myself through it, one step at a time.

2. Tomorrow is another day. We all have off days. It doesn’t mean I suck. It doesn’t mean I’m weak. I just had a bad day. But it’s done. It’s over. I get a chance to start over again tomorrow- thank goodness!

3. I’ve GOT to make better choices regarding nutrition and taking care of myself. I have a habit of not eating and not being prepared. As a busy working Mom,  I tend to put everyone else’s needs above my own. It tends to backfire! Good food, solid sleep, life balance….

And to remember that this is the reason I do it all: (Yes, those are cookies. No, they are not Paleo! Gotta live a little!)

I’m so excited to announce a new Relentless Athletic Training class I’m starting! Here are the details:

Where:  Barton Hills Elementary in South Austin

Time: 6-7am

Days: Mon/Wed

Cost: $135….$100 for Students and Teachers!

Start Date: Monday May 28th

I currently coach a Tue/Thur. evening class at Barton Hills at 6pm, so if you’d like to come check out the class and location, the first time is always FREE!

To find out more, email info@relentlessatATX.com!

This week’s video blog is having a few technical issues! I gave my word that I would post every Monday so I want to keep my word about that…..

Anyway, in this week’s video I am talking about Hypnobirthing and Hypnosis for Childbirth. I’ve been teaching Hypnobirthing for nearly 4 years and over 200 couples! It really is quite amazing, but most people don’t understand what Hypnosis is. In my video blog, I explain what it is and how much the mind/body connection plays into Birth.

There are so many different options when it comes to taking a childbirth class. Ultimately you have to choose one that speaks to you and your philosophy and desires.

If you are wanting a natural, drug-free Labor, I recommend checking out these classes:

Hypnobirthing

Birthing From Within

Bradley Method

Do your research! Don’t just take a class because your friend took it. Contact the instructor, ask questions, get a feel for what will be covered. Remember, this is YOUR birth! Empower yourself with the knowledge to make the best decisions possible so you can have the experience you want :)

Video WILL be posted tomorrow!!