Thinking of Doing CrossFit? Three Things You Should Know
Hard-earned lessons from the box
Introduction
I have been doing CrossFit on and off for about 5 years now. It is without doubt one of the greatest fitness activities I have taken part in, for both my physical and mental health. However, I have also taken multiple extended periods away from CrossFit; to focus on other fitness goals, for financial reasons, or just to change things up. I would recommend CrossFit to anyone. I’ve trained alongside teenagers, pensioners, people who are extremely fit, people who are overweight and out of shape, and they have all gained something from it. However, it is not for everyone at every time in their personal fitness journey. There are a few key considerations to take into account before you begin.
1. If you have specific fitness goals, it is probably not the best choice for you (right now)
I started CrossFit as preparation for an army promotion course which would involve weeks of various physical challenges. It was great for this purpose (though nothing really prepares you for crawling hundreds of meters with a 10kg machine gun and 20kg on your back). If you want prioritize your physique and put on 10kg (~20lbs) of muscle in a few months, or increase your strength and move 30% more weight on your bench, or run longer and faster than you’ve ever run before, then CrossFit is probably not the optimal way to do that. By definition it encompasses a broad set of movements to increase your cardio fitness, strength and agility simultaneously. But in doing so it is not as efficient as focusing on one of these at a time. You will put on some muscle, and you will have some increases in strength and cardio. But not as much as if you were focusing on just one of these. However, for everyday life, if you want a physical and mental challenge that is more stimulating and fun than just going to the gym on your own, it is a great option.
2. The value of CrossFit is at least 50% social, so make the most of it
Being a member of a CrossFit box is usually expensive, at least 50% more expensive than a regular gym, and there is no swimming pool or sauna. What you are nominally paying for is small group training — groups are usually no bigger than 12. However, the real value in membership, aside from the physical training, is the social environment. Nobody wears headphones or checks their mobile device, you will see the same people most days, and you will engage in the most effective bonding tool know to humanity: shared suffering.
This is especially great if you are moving to a new city or country and I have made many great connections and friends through training. However, it also takes some effort on your part. Be your authentic weird self. There will be at least one or two people with something in common with you. Stick around for a coffee after instead of hobbling home as quickly as possible . If you are really shy, do some cool down stretches and take in the vibes, over time you will get more comfortable in the envoronment. During the pandemic, outdoor training was a social and mental lifeline for me and many others that I met. Make the most of this uniquely motivating, encouraging, and communal space.
3. You are responsible for yourself
Fear of injury in Crossfit is common, and puts people off trying it out before even starting. Yes people get injured occasionally, as does anyone who is pushing their body beyond their current comfort state. However, it is also possible to stay injury-free from CrossFit if you are sensible and take some responsibility for yourself. Scale workouts to your ability, starting off with no weight when you join and work your way up from there. Do not try to compete with other members all the time (but sometimes it’s a motivator good to push yourself). Get enough rest and nutrition, probably you do not to be there everyday, even though you will miss it sometimes on your off day.
Keep in mind that although most coaches are great (and I have met many wonderful ones that I am grateful for), they are neither all-knowing nor all-seeing. To become an L1 coach is a one-day course. They are not physiotherapists, and they definitely do not know your body as well as you do. Know your limits and listen to your body. Be sensible and focus on your own goals: maybe it’s a handstand pushup, a 60kg snatch, or your first pull-up. Use the coaches for guidance on your movements, but know that your are the boss when it comes to your own health and safety.
Conclusion
In general, if you are thinking of trying CrossFit or some form of group fitness (and you can afford it) I would wholeheartedly recommend it. You can usually get a fee trial lesson and try it out for yourself. My monthly membership is some of the best money I have spent, and most mornings I look forward to heading to the box, pushing myself, and catching up with a great bunch of people.
Best of luck and have fun!
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