Are you a Clock Whore? Most people who are do not even know that they are. I have definitely seen these guys and will admit I have fallen prey to the lure of the clock a few times.
“Definition of a Clock Whore: Person who is so obsessed with beating the clock/others that they will prostitute themselves and sacrifice important and vital components of training such as range of motion, repetitions or other performance metrics for a “better” time.”
That is what inspired me to write this post. It is an idea written by Doug Chapman of Hyperfit USA. I first saw it posted on CrossFit Jax’s website here, a good read if you have the time. People get so obsessed with how much work they can accomplish over a certain time they are neglecting the very principles of what they set out to accomplish.
CrossFit got you addicted to the clock??
If you honestly see no point in trying one of these workouts I am afraid you are severly addicted to the clock. Is your goal a time or being physically fit and healthy?? Think about it.
The No Clock CrossFit WOD:
I would like to challenge you this week to try a CrossFit WOD without a clock. I recommend an RFT (rounds for time), but when you try it, it will more appropriately be called an RFY (rounds for you). You can also try an AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) if you would like but the end would be whenever you deem necessary.
Rules:
- Don’t glance at your watch and guestimate how long it took you
- Do it alone, if at all possible (maybe try a home workout)
- When you are done just analyze
If you feel like you didn’t push yourself very hard I would think about doing one of these WODs once a week to wean yourself off the clock. The point is to get you back to why you started all this in the first place.
The Clock
A clock can be a great motivator but never let it make you sacrifice anything. Times are great benchmarks for later comparison so don’t always do a no clock wod. If you can push through a workout just as hard and just as fast without watching a clock, I would say you are an intrinsically motivated badass.