Flexibility comes with social occasions, diet and learning how to find balance. You can still become amazingly fit and look awesome even having a beer or wine here and there. Since 2009 CrossFit has expanded massively, with more gyms popping up and more people getting their daily dose of intense exercise – it’s safe to say CrossFit is everywhere. At one point CrossFit started as this underground training method that was likened to military training and only for the hardcore, but over time it’s evolved into something that is now accessible to anyone keen on changing their approach to fitness.
Over these years I’ve talked with many people about their fitness, and suggested that some should give CrossFit a go. For some people, it seems like a great idea and they take it up, change their fitness level, drop body fat and get into amazing shape. For others, it seems that something holds them back from starting. A fear maybe, a hesitation to start because of what they think may happen.
So what happens when you start CrossFit?
This question leads to hundreds of possible outcomes, but we’ve narrowed it down to 3 that will get you thinking.
THE DISASTER
What Happens: You show up to your intro class and the coach smashes you with a high intensity workout, you get little coaching. You figure this might just be a once off so you continue to train. You are loaded up consistently with weight you can’t handle and have still not been shown any technique work. Six weeks later you’re hurting, you’ve lost muscle and you quit.
What Happened: Your coaches showed little to no interest in you and focused on the fittest people in your class. When you tried to ask questions or have your technique checked you got blank stares of disbelief. It’s clear the coaches had passed nothing but a 2 day course before claiming they were fitness experts.
Probability: Low
The idea that CrossFit coaches don’t teach good form and only care about getting you to move fast seems to be a common thought.
In reality, each new member is viewed as a beginner regardless of exercise experience. The coaches account for the changing abilities in their classes and adjust the reps and weights accordingly for each person. We care about what we do and preserving the reputation our gym has. It’s not uncommon for us to have our members work on light loads for up to 3 months to learn technique.
THE BURN OUT
What Happens: You’ve found something that has changed your life and you spend every spare moment looking up CrossFit related stuff on the internet. You’ve changed your diet, and are following a strict program even turning down social occasions because you ‘care about your performance’. Your social media is packed with pictures of you doing fitness stuff, posing with supplements and doing handstands on the beach. You look great, feel great but you start to distance yourself from your friends. After some time you start to drag yourself to the gym and can’t seem to keep up the motivation.
What Happened: You went too hard. You saw the benefits of CrossFit, how it made you fitter, happier within yourself and healthier. However at some point the consistency stopped. Maybe you went on holiday, got sick, or just didn’t want to anymore. The thought of going back to the ‘all or nothing’ mindset sounds too hard. Instead of making CrossFit/Fitness a part of your life, you made it your whole life.
Probability: Low to Medium
We see this happen now and again when someone doesn’t learn to balance their gym time with their lifestyle.
This is where the ‘CrossFit is a Cult’ mindset comes from. Fitness needs to be part of your life, not your whole life. Your friends love that you found something you are passionate about, but for the 5th time stop trying to get them in.
Our approach to fitness is about balance and flexibility. We are in constant contact with our members making sure they are committing to their sessions each week, and sticking to their healthy habits as often as possible. The flexibility comes with social occasions, diet and learning how to find balance. You can still become amazingly fit and look awesome even having a beer or wine here and there.
THE “WOW! WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?”
What Happens: You start CrossFit and start seeing the benefits almost straight away. You addressed previous issues with your knee or lower back with your coaches, and they adjust your workouts to suit you. You train between 3-5 times a week, working on strengths and weaknesses giving every session your all. Your diet is not perfect but it’s good and results are coming along strong. Your friends start to ask what you have been doing because you are looking awesome and have way more energy. Eventually they come with you to see what it’s all about.
What Happened: You took your time to learn and enjoy what CrossFit had to give you. By communicating with your coach you developed an awareness of what you could and couldn’t do. You learned to conquer fears, and worked on being uncomfortable. Whilst away from the gym you spent time with your friends and family enjoying life, but also being conscious of what you eat and drink. You learned to love the process of getting fit and focused on hitting small milestones, and your whole energy changed.
Probability: High
This is how fitness should be, and what we promote to our members. Sometimes you go off track, but we help you right yourself and get back on it again. By understanding what the role of your coaches and peers are and what they can do for you, you can constantly turn up again and again. Learning to control what you do with your life and be able to justify your choices will keep you healthy for a long time both physically and mentally.
SO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU START CROSSFIT?
Maybe you do get obsessed with your fitness, or maybe you don’t listen to your body. Or in the best case scenario you identify and work towards your goals with help from those around you. Either way, CrossFit has been an awesome part of my life for the past 6 years and will continue to be in the future.