ONLY THE FITTEST SURVIVE Grueling CrossFit routines increase strength, stamina, conditioning.(Healthy & Fit)

Byline: Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

It was an ugly moment in my personal fitness annals.

The CrossFit class at Sweat Gym in Clayton had just ended, and I was feeling as if I might toss my cookies.

Or pass out.

Every muscle was shaking, and I was sure my legs would buckle on the way to the car. For the next week, I was unable to walk, run, sit or stoop without deep, deep tissue pain. Rolling over in bed hurt.

I have run five marathons, countless half-marathons and once hiked 24 miles into the Grand Canyon and back out with temperatures hovering near 120 degrees. Each time, my muscles recovered more quickly than they did after a 45-minute CrossFit session.

Trainer Laurie Miller would laugh later and tell me: "I promise, it won't feel like that forever. You get used to it."

The CrossFit program, which has Mr. Pukey as its mascot and "Forging Elite Fitness" as its motto, is a strength and conditioning program …