How was @boxliv started?
The idea was born in the spring of 2016, one early morning. The close-knit 5:30 a.m. gang at CrossFit Ibex in Borås had just completed a powerful workout, followed by a mandatory stretch in the northwest corner of the facility.
During the stretching sessions, they talk about everything and nothing. They often discuss the day's WOD, but also more serious topics that affect life in general.
This particular morning, there was one person in the group who had completed the workout in an exemplary manner, whereupon he blurted out in a cheerful mood:
– Wow, what a wonderful life we live here in the box!
The next member filled in:
– A real “boxing life”!
After talking about it for a while, where we felt the word "boxliv", we understood that this was something that everyone should be able to take part in: our wonderful Boxliv! Said and done, right after the session the Instagram account was started: @boxliv and the ball was rolling. The start of our success story was a fact.
Who are you who are participating?
Many people wonder who is in @boxliv. The answer to the question is simple: everyone who lives in the box. Especially the athletes who find their way there at 5:30 and 6:30, every weekday.
However, who or what publishes the posts on Instagram is a well-kept secret.
What is the idea of @boxliv?
That everyone who wants to is welcome in a group of athletes, where all WODs are performed with impressive discipline every morning, every week, every month and year - regardless of gender and qualities.
The goal is to make a few posts per week. However, sometimes #sexlife, #businesslife and #privatelife get in the way – which are, after all, ingredients for a rich #boxinglife.
What do you get to see if you follow @boxliv?
There are often very personal and colorful texts, where the published image/film sequence of the athletes is described. The texts are always written with a twinkle in the eye and irony is often present.
It's great fun to scroll back in the feed and read our posts over and over again, it usually ends with a big smile on our faces. We are not elite super athletes, but more the upper class of exercisers - who have taken CrossFit to their hearts.
What does a typical @boxliv-WOD look like?
We all have our personal favorites, but if we had to choose, it would of course be a dirty chipper – preferably with a time cap of at least 40 minutes.
This is what it might look like:
30 HSPU
30 Powerclean (60/42.5)
30 Pistols
800m Row
30 Power Snatch (60/42.5)
30 OHS (60/42.5)
30 CTB
800m Row
30 Burpees
30 STOH (60/42.5)
30 Wall climbers
800m Row
You feel proud and happy after completing a powerful workout like this: the endorphin level is extremely high and you can easily take a weekend off with a clear conscience.
Were you in the Open last year?
Many in @boxliv have been in the Open for several years now, we consider it the highlight of the year when it comes to training. We train extra sessions, special train on our weaknesses and discuss different WOD's left and right. The competition between the athletes in @boxliv is also important, it may not be stated but everyone takes it very seriously. This is what it can sound like in the locker room:
- Hope it comes HSPU - then you're screwed!
- Heavy thrusters, I'm just saying! Heavy thrusters!
- You look a little out of sorts, I'm going to crush you at the Open this year!
The atmosphere is raw but heartfelt and deep down we love each other.
Expectations for the 2017 Open?
Everyone has very high expectations for the Open 2017! We also have a good self-awareness and recognize our personal limitations. Injuries put a damper on some athletes, which is inevitable when we train as much as we do. Despite that, everyone will be there and do their best in every WOD.
Ask any of us and the answer will of course be:
– I will win!
What is the goal of your training?
Getting up at 5:00 AM every morning to go to the gym and train is not something you just do. It's a lifestyle and a way of life. It's not always the training itself that drives you out of bed, but the fact that it's so extremely fun to meet all the like-minded athletes and yell shit in the locker room.
We live a powerful boxing life (as we have chosen to call it) and it is a bit like practicing a team sport – with all that that entails. The fact that we then become extremely fit is just a welcome bonus.
