Crossfit: a Cult or a Community?

Crossfit is something that we’ve all heard of. It’s also something we all seem to have an opinion on. I always thought Crossfit was a cult. You know, the first rule of Crossfit is to tell everybody that you do Crossfit. Second rule, only talk about Crossfit in every conversation that you’re a part of. That kind of thing.

Although, I did soak up enough courage to try a class one time. I awkwardly stepped into the open garage-styled setting called the “box,” shuffled my worn-out nike running shoes towards a whiteboard full of words I couldn’t understand like, “WOD,” “Snatch,” and “Chippers.” There were other people standing around, somewhat stretching and every guy was wearing a shirt with the sleeves cut off. The coach was a bit much. He was very loud, unmoved by the fact that I was a newbie and he didn’t demo the moves. I failed miserably. I never took another class and have had a bitter taste in my mouth since then.

However, I might have thought differently if I had a coach like Carleigh Hall.

Former college softball player turned Crossfit fanatic, Carleigh refutes all negative comments and opinions revolving around Crossfit because it has impacted and improved her life in ways that other sports and hobbies never could have.

Reports say that Crossfit causes wear and tear on joints.

Carleigh says, “work on your form.”

Doctors say that repeated exposure to exhaustion can cause Rhabdomyyolysis, a breakdown of muscle that releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream.

Carleigh says “fix your health habits outside of the gym.”

Statistics say that there are a relatively high number of injuries.

Carleigh says “no different than football.”

People say that they are not in good enough shape to even do Crossfit.

Carleigh says “what a terrible excuse.”

Carleigh is not the only person who has taken a liking to Crossfit. Recent studies show a tremendous increase of participation in the sport. Other gyms such as Golds Gym, Lifetime Fitness, and 24-hour fitness have remained relatively flatlined in memberships while Crossfit gyms are steadily on the rise.

Brands such as Reebok and Rouge Fitness have paired with the sport to be exclusive providers of shoes, apparel, accessories and equipment. Other brands like Nike and Under Armour also make clothes and equipment specified to the necessities of cross-fitters.

There are other statistics that completely verify the growth of Crossfit and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

With people like Carleigh in the leadership roles of the business, people are becoming more in love with the lifestyle. Carleigh is not like the coach I encountered at all. She’s got a passion for the sport, so it means more to her than a paycheck.

“Being healthy is everything. Even when I was a college athlete, I wasn’t really given the tools and knowledge to be strong and exercise properly.”

Carleigh notes that although the workouts were physically rigorous in college, she felt ill-prepared to embark on things by herself like form, motions and even her diet.

“As soon as I started learning the concepts of Crossfit, I told myself that I was going to coach. I want to give people that opportunity to learn and love how to take care of themselves.”

Carleigh became a coach just three months after joining her gym and she quickly gained the trust, respect and appreciation of the members. They flock to her class three nights a week for her “WOD,” which I finally learned is the “Workout of the Day.”

The workout is usually broken down into three parts; warmup, intense workout, pow-wow.

The warmup lasts about 15 minutes and includes things like jumping jacks, a quick jog, pull-ups, lunges, jumping rope and squats. After that, the “WOD” which varies from day-to-day, usually requires that the member complete a certain number of exercises and reps as quickly as possible, OR to finish as many reps of a certain exercises as possible within a time constraint. Within the workout comes the skill/strength portion which puts an emphasis on pure body strength. Then the cool down follows, which is normally accompanied by the Crossfit class chatting about their workout and the coach giving them critiques and compliments.

“I try to make it fun. I don’t even want somebody to dread getting stronger and healthier.”

Carleigh also makes the 60-minute workout feel shorter by instructing, informing and encouraging the members along the way.

What I used to believe was a bit cult-ish before I attended one of Carleigh’s classes, didn’t quite feel that way anymore. What I believe now, is that Crossfit is a tough, physically demanding class that people push themselves through and are incredibly proud of what they are able to accomplish with their bodies and minds. The members learn to work together, encourage each other and even build friendships that extend beyond the box. Crossfit is not a cult, it’s a community.