Why I Started CrossFit
When I started CrossFit I THOUGHT I was in
shape. I ran 5 days a week, lifted 3 days and attended a variety of group
fitness classes (spinning, Zumba, boot camp, etc) to mix it up. To be honest, I’m a pretty frugal person. Whenever I can catch a
deal, I’ll try something new. There were discounted CrossFit intro classes
offered at a nearby gym that I decided to purchase on a whim
without doing any prior research.
I will
never forget my first workout. My heart rate got higher than I’ve ever
experienced. I was out of breath, sweating more than ever and certainly
struggling. HOLY CRAP - a simple workout had me on my butt! I couldn’t believe
it, and was a little bit embarrassed. What looked easy on the whiteboard
was certainly not easy for someone who considered herself “fit.”
The push
in this particular group fitness class was not like any other. I was hooked and
had to have more! There are a few things I wish I knew early on that I’d like
to share with others considering trying it out.
Don’t Be Intimidated
After
completing the introductory classes, I decided not to join because I was
intimidated. Whenever I went into the gym everyone seemed to know what they
were doing. All of these muscular, in shape men and women walked around knowing
exactly what was going on. Because I didn’t have any friends who did CrossFit,
I was scared to step foot into a regular class by myself.
I got
over it because the coaches and other members were very welcoming and helpful, and I
wasn’t afraid to ask questions. If there was something I wasn’t sure of, I would ask. It was also helpful that the coaches went over all of the
movements prior to the work out and that there was instruction throughout the
workout, making me feel more comfortable and confident with every class I
attended.
Don’t Put a Monetary Limit on Health and Wellness
The second
reason I didn’t join CrossFit right away was because it cost so much. I told myself there was no way I was going to pay over $100 a month for a gym
membership. So, stubborn me I went back to my regular workouts of
running and weightlifting on my own. Except this time I found my routine
boring. I wasn’t pushing myself as hard, nor was I seeing and feeling the same
results. I missed the extra push. I soon decided to bite the bullet and
purchase a membership.
After
working 9-10 hour days I would feel both mentally and physically exhausted and
would find it difficult to get motivated to get in a GOOD workout. Already
a person who felt health and fitness were important, the group classes
really kept me motivated. I felt like I was truly getting my dollars worth and
the gym membership eventually became a priority in my budget.
Be Open to Being Coached
I’ve
always considered myself a fairly natural athlete. I’ve had many coaches
throughout my life in various sports and strength and conditioning programs. So
when it came to working out, I felt like I had a pretty good grasp on things. I
found that in CrossFit I had a lot of strength, but my form was lacking (A LOT).
I’ve learned throughout the years that it’s very important to listen to my
coaches. We very rarely see mirrors in CF gyms so you can’t see what you may be
doing wrong. I love that there is always something new to work on or tweaks
that can be made to improve performance.
Introduce Yourself
CrossFit
is all about community. That alone is another big reason of why I joined in the
first place. I had just moved downtown and didn’t really know anyone. I wanted to
meet like-minded people that made health and fitness a priority and people that
wanted to continuously better themselves. That is what CrossFit is to me.
However, coming into a new place like any other means meeting people and
putting yourself out there. Of course, most people at any box are going to be
friendly and welcoming to those walking in the door. What I learned though, is that it’s
also a two way street. I had to open up, reach out and make an effort to
develop friendships. Any new (and old) relationship requires work from both
parties. So say hi, make small talk, attend gym events and open yourself up to
the awesome community CrossFit is all about!
Summary
CrossFit
gyms are going to be different everywhere you go. But like anything, it will
also be what you make it! CrossFit has a lot to offer anyone at any fitness level,
you just have to ‘put your toe in the water’ and see for yourself!
~ Coach K
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