CrossFit is an increasingly popular workout regiment with a cult-like following. If you’ve ever seen videos of CrossFit, you might have wondered, “How can I get started? It looks like fun.” Or, more likely, “How can I get started? It looks incredibly difficult and intense.” But guess what? You don’t need to be in top shape or the strongest person in the gym to get started. All you need is an open mind and the will to learn. Here are some basic tips for getting yourself up and running with this program that’s become a favorite for many people:
What is CrossFit?
CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program that involves high-intensity workouts. CrossFit workouts are constantly varied, functional movements. This means the exercises you do are based on real life activities like lifting heavy things or running long distances, instead of just doing a bunch of isolated body parts in a workout session.
To get an idea of how intense CrossFit is at this gym, here’s what one member told us: “I was going to the gym every day before I came to CrossFit and I liked it but once I started doing CrossFit three times a week I realized that my body was getting stronger and more toned.” With such an awesome community vibe, it’s no wonder they call it “The Sport of Fitness.”
Don’t be shy to ask for help
While CrossFit gyms are generally welcoming places, it can still be intimidating to walk into an unfamiliar gym and ask a coach where you should start. Instead of feeling awkward about asking questions, remember that you’re paying them money in exchange for their coaching services—and that includes the right to ask as many questions as you want!
Don’t be afraid to fail
The CrossFit methodology is designed to push your limits physically and mentally, so don’t worry if your first attempts at some exercises seem less than perfect—you’ll get better with practice!
As with any physical activity, it is inevitable that you will experience some level of injury or discomfort. Don’t freak out! This is not the end of your CrossFit journey. As long as you are consistently participating in WODs and working to improve your technique and movements, you will be fine. If something hurts, give it time to heal before trying again.
Joining a CrossFit Box – Basic Etiquette, Expectations, and Tips
The most important thing is to remember that you’re not alone. You will find yourself surrounded by people who are there for the same reasons as you, and it’s likely that everyone else is going through some of the same struggles as you.
One of the best parts about CrossFit is its community. The community aspect can be a great place for support when it comes to your workout goals, but it also means that members should respect each other in order for everyone to feel welcomed and comfortable at their box.
When asking questions or seeking help from others in class, try not to get discouraged if someone gives an answer that isn’t exactly what you were looking for—that person may have just needed more time or experience with a certain movement before they could give advice based on personal experience rather than textbook knowledge (which isn’t always perfect). Instead of getting frustrated with the response given by another member, see if there’s another way or question around which might yield better insight into what’s going on in your own body during workouts or why a particular movement feels difficult when performed incorrectly—and then try again!
Do not compare yourself to others
Of the many things I learned during my time in the gym, one of the most important was to not compare myself to others. While at first glance this might seem like an obvious lesson—don’t worry about what other people are doing!—it comes with a number of caveats:
- Don’t compare yourself to others. Of course you can do that, but why would you want to? It’s a race against someone else’s clock, which means it will always end sooner or later (unless they stop). Comparing yourself with others is completely pointless because there will always be someone faster, stronger and better than you. Why bother? Just work on being your best self instead of worrying about what others are doing around you.
- Don’t worry about what others are wearing. Do your own thing! In CrossFit clothes are just another layer between us and our goals—you don’t need special gear in order to reach yours! And yes, there may be some people out there who look amazing in their workout attire (or lack thereof), but all that matters is how well we perform as individuals rather than how much attention we get from onlookers for our stylishness quotient.
Seek Guidance from a CrossFit Coach or Trainer
You’ve been to the gym, but you aren’t sure if CrossFit is right for you. Maybe you’re worried that it might be too intense. Or maybe it’s just not your thing. That’s okay! You don’t have to do something just because other people do it or because someone else tells you that it’s good for you. The best way to decide if CrossFit is right for you is by asking yourself some questions:
- Is my coach knowledgeable? Is he or she willing to help me reach my goals?
- Does the coach listen when I talk about what works well for me and what doesn’t? Does he or she understand why I’m doing something?
- Is this coach willing to teach me new skills in an easy way so that I can build up slowly without getting overwhelmed by all of the information at once?
All you need is an open mind and the will to learn
CrossFit is a fitness regimen that combines elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, and sprinting. It’s touted as an all-encompassing exercise program for everyone. And whether you’re looking to lose weight or build muscle, CrossFit can help.
You don’t need any special equipment or years of experience to start doing CrossFit: just an open mind and the will to learn will do. There are no set costs either; some gyms charge by session while others charge per month or year. Each gym has its own fee structure so be sure to ask how much your local box charges before signing up for classes at one location in particular!
Conclusion
In conclusion, CrossFit is an amazing workout that can help you lose weight and be healthier in your everyday life. And if you follow these tips from a former CrossFitter, then you should be well on your way to becoming the best version of yourself!