Coaches corner with Hroch: CrossFit - for anyone and everyone
If you’re reading this, chances are you either A) are currently a member of a CrossFit gym or B) want to be a member of a CrossFit gym or C) know someone who is a member of a CrossFit gym and they shared this post and you got kind of curious so now you’re here and you’re in too deep so let’s keep going.
Regardless of whether you identify with A, B or C — you’ve likely heard of CrossFit before. And you’ve likely already developed an opinion about it. Social media is always swirling with conflicting articles covering CrossFit — on the one hand, it’s the greatest thing since sliced organic farm-to-mouth bread. On the other, it’s a scary cult and it’s totally unsafe and no one in their right mind should partake. You see posts from your friends who’ve never worked out a day in their life join the gym and rave about it. And on the contrary, you see posts from those same friends sharing stories of athletes in peak physical condition doing an ungodly amount of burpees for time.
There’s definitely a sentiment tug-of-war when it comes to CrossFit, but one thing remains: it’s for anyone and everyone.
When you start at a CrossFit gym, your fitness level is irrelevant. In any case, you will be challenged — both physically and mentally. Coaches and classmates alike are right there with you, pushing you to your limits and encouraging you to bear it until the bitter end. And for some reason, you do. And you do it again and again, day after day. We looked into that “some reason” and came up with three. Check it:
1) It’s “constantly varied”. Meaning, there’s something new every day.
Arguably, the most important aspect to CrossFit is the programming. Their methodology is “constantly varied functional fitness performed at a high intensity”. Meaning, simple movements you perform in your everyday life, put together in fun new ways for you to do to your best ability. The perpetually changing workouts of the day (WODs) are meant to help you stay motivated, continue honing new skills, and see immediate results.
2) Smaller classes mean more personal training.
Unlike your group classes at globo-gyms, all CrossFit affiliates have well-trained coaches responsible for leading small group classes (15 athletes or less). This bite-sized bunching allows you, the athlete, to have one-on-one interaction with and access to the coach for the entire duration of the class — getting immediate feedback on form, support and encouragement when you need it most, and answering your burning fitness questions until your heart’s content.
3) In CrossFit, there’s a modification for that.
CrossFit prides itself on its ability to scale and modify any workout to meet the needs and goals of any individual, regardless of fitness or skill level. The intensity, volume, complexity, and weights used in a workout can all be adjusted to suit the capabilities of the individual so that they can achieve their goals — regardless of whether you’re a professional athlete or a newly minted grandparent getting back in the fitness game.
So now we’re here, at the bottom of the article. If you got here by Googling “how to lose body fat and gain muscle” — great! We can help you with that. Or if you got here because of that friend’s pesky post still showing up in your newsfeed day after day — we’re glad you found us and even gladder (yes, gladder) you stayed.
If you’re on the fence about the whole CrossFit gig, but have been battling with getting back into the swing of gym things, book a No Sweat Intro with one of our coaches. We want to help you get you where you want to be.
Come on in, the coconut water’s fine.