Does crossfit fit for you

Before writing this article, Crossfit points to constantly mixed functional actions performed at great intensity. Does CrossFit fit for you

I’d never been to a CrossFit session –

a strength and conditioning program designed to help people improve their general fitness.

I’d heard some negative comments about

CrossFit – that it’s dangerous, extreme,

and has cult-like qualities – and I honestly didn’t expect to like it, either.

That said, it’s always important to keep an open mind.

So, after researching “boxes” (the CrossFit term for their gyms),

I booked myself into a class. Upon my arrival,

I was greeted by the front desk staff as well as a toddler and puppy.

I was told the child and the dog were the box’s mascots,

which immediately put a smile on my face.

After all, who doesn’t love being greeted by a cute puppy and baby?

I was then shown around the box. It was large, full of equipment (barbells,

dumbbells, kettlebells, etc.), and sparse on frills.

Fine with me. I don’t need frills – I’m there to work out.

The coach explained the WOD, which stands for “workout of the day”.

You can also try core strengthening workouts for beginners.

The workouts are always printed on a whiteboard so everyone can see what’s expected of them.

The participants guide their workouts, but the coach is available to correct the form.

To my surprise,

I enjoyed my first class and immediately started to figure out how I could fit Crossfit into my already tight schedule.

I’m not sure I would have enjoyed myself if I was less experienced.

Like everything in life, CrossFit isn’t for everybody or every personality.

It has both positives and ‘negatives. Here’s my breakdown:

The Positives

1. Everyone is friendly

I found everyone extremely friendly, welcoming, and outgoing.

I interviewed a CrossFit member who stated a similar sentiment,

saying she loves “the wonderful family atmosphere” at her box.

2. Crossfit encourages athleticism

Participants focused on giving the class their best physical effort, not on how they looked or making a fashion statement.

3. Crossfit is challenging

The CrossFit member I interviewed said, “the competition in CrossFit is intense.

It pushes you to do better than you think you can.”

depending on your fitness history and your personality.

The Negatives

1. No frills

If you’re used to performing group workout classes such as step or aerobics and celebrate that atmosphere,

or you want a gym with “frills”, CrossFit is not for you.

The lack of frills is especially noteworthy since CrossFit for everyone is fairly expensive,

except it doesn’t give you the benefit of “frills” that other expensive gyms might.

You have to be someone who prioritizes a certain type of workout to feel that the expense is justified.

2. Not for the injury-prone

If you’re prone to injury, CrossFit might not be the place for you.

And if you are injured, or prone to injury and you decide to try it, make sure you get some one-on-one instruction first.

I did fairly advanced moves (such as deadlifts) on my first day.

If I had a back injury, the deadlifts could have been problematic.

 

To be fair, I told the owner that I had weightlifting experience,

so maybe that’s why they didn’t make me go through a training program.

The CrossFit member I interviewed said that her box always

“requires new athletes to complete a six to eight-week fundamentals course.”

These protocols o box, but the main takeaway is this: be careful.

Although injuries are not unique to CrossFit –

and any form of exercise can be unsafe and result in injuries if not performed properly –

Check out – The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Sports Injuries.

extra caution should be taken when picking a CrossFit box because the

typical demands of a CrossFit workout are greater than the demands of many mainstream exercise programs.

If you decide to take a class, be cautious. Research the coaches at your box.

Make sure the ratio of coaches to students is appropriate,

and that your coach is certified and knowledgeable.

One woman I interviewed used to be a member of CrossFit.

She warned that she left because,

at her first box, the classes grew to more than 12 students.

The problem was, there was still only one coach.

Feel empowered to tell the box when you see problems or to change boxes.

She developed a shoulder injury that made regular training impossible.

Said, “and so I rehabbed my shoulder instead.

My conclusion? Crossfit fit for you certainly isn’t for everyone – but I have decided that it is “for me”.

However, I know lots of friends and colleagues to who I would never recommend CrossFit.

If you do decide to take part, know that the classes contain fairly advanced exercises.

Be smart. Research your box and your coach.

Don’t be afraid to speak up and advocate for your needs. And most importantly, have fun!

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