I get it.  It's January.  If your last few weeks of December were anything like mine - filled with food and drink and very little exercise - you want to hit the gym hard. After all, there's no time like the present to #getyourchanningback.

But how hard we should push ourselves in the gym?  Is it possible to do too much? Should we hit a new personal record each visit? What's a realistic expectation to avoid burning out before February?

It's complicated.  But first, an anecdote. 

I'm proof that having mobile shoulders is a gift and a curse.  It's allowed me pitch at a high level, press my body weight overhead (for reps), and apply sunscreen to any part of my back without asking for help.

But if you ask my college roommate, he'll beg to differ at how effectively I can do that last part under the intense Aruban sun.

Besides the benefits of having Orangutan-like arms, there are plenty of downsides.  Chiefly, the neck and elbow pain I've experienced along the way.

I usually don’t sing John Cougar Mellencamp.  Strike that.  I never sing John Cougar Mellencamp.

Except for when I’m foam rolling. 

That’s when the words and melody to “Hurts So Good” start blaring in my head (and occasionally out of my mouth). If you’ve ever done any soft tissue work, you know what I’m talking about.

I'm obsessed with grip strength.

While I won't be walking into Grip Strength Anonymous anytime soon, know that my obsession comes from a good - but embarrassing - place. As late as last year, whenever I shook someone's hand my wrist and hand would pop.  I know it doesn't sound like a big deal - until you're on the receiving end of that handshake.

I spent yesterday afternoon giggling and nodding in agreement as I reread my Myers-Briggs personality result.  What's the Myers-Briggs personality test?  It's a self-report questionnaire designed to indicate how people perceive the world and make decisions.  Or as I like to call it, the "get out of my head!" test.

While I've known my result for a while - an INTJ - I like to read the description every few years as it's a humbling and affirming tool.  For example, INTJ's tend to challenge traditional ways of thinking and have very high self-confidence (would it be too ironic to say that I agree?).  On the flip side, INTJ's can also be seen as arrogant and judgmental.

Why is that important?  Because you may believe I'm all four qualities after reading my thoughts below on Crossfit.