Anyone tried crossfit?

[FlyingDumbo]

I had a baby 6 weeks ago and I am smushy and out of shape. I'd like to try crossfit, but not sure a total beginner can handle it. I'm really out of shape. Anyone try it? It's spendy but I like the strength training aspect. Would love to hear from someone who has tried it. I'd like something different than the standard gym routine.

 

[Poohforyou]

Yes, I do crossfit every now and then to mix up my workout. A friend owns a studio. It is whatever you want to make of it. If you give it your all you will see results quickly. You might want to check some studios around you for a beginner class or maybe even a postpartum one. Just go at your own pace and you'll be fine. It is fun but tough.

 

[FireDancer]

I'm not a Crossfit member myself but I've done some of their charity WODs and quite a few of my friends are members. Two even opened their own box (a Crossfit gym is called a box) late last year. Around here most of the boxes have a preview day where non-members can go in and try a beginner workout. They also don't all run the same programs, so just because one doesn't fit your needs doesn't mean another one won't. I believe there are about 15 boxes in the greater Cleveland area and some focus more on Olympic lifts, some on programming for competitions, and so on. Some might even offer a Groupon or Living Social deal so you can join at a reduced rate for 3 months to check them out.

The really nice thing about Crossfit is the social aspect. I'm not even a member and I've met a lot of people at parties and events I went to with friends who are members. It is a great way to get in better shape and make a lot of new friends. I hope you like it but it isn't for everyone so don't force it if you don't think it is right for you.

 

[kwelch10377]

I tried it and I didn't hate it but I didn't love it. It was a little too much for me. There is a lot of variety in the workouts and some of them were pretty tough. I think what I really wasn't crazy about was the other people who did it, they were way too intense about it.

I ended up joining a gym called Koko FitClub. It has structured strength workouts that you have on a "key" and you just plug it into the strength trainer and it tells you exactly what you need to do and how you did. I also take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, which I do like and is a great workout. It is a little rough on your body (I am pretty sure my co-workers think I have an abusive boyfriend because I am always covered in brusies), but I like the people in my classes and my instructors.

 

[wiigirl]

Yes, I do crossfit every now and then to mix up my workout. A friend owns a studio. It is whatever you want to make of it. If you give it your all you will see results quickly. You might want to check some studios around you for a beginner class or maybe even a postpartum one. Just go at your own pace and you'll be fine. It is fun but tough.

Me too...agree fun but tough. I always feel great after a corssfit class.

 

[FlyingDumbo]

I think I'm ping o try their free intro session. I'm terrified! I'm so out of shape right now!

 

[Mac4life30]

I have done several cross fits. My thoughts are as follows

No two cross fits are the same. So before you commit to one I would "shop around". The only way to truly do that is by purchasing Groupons for local cross fits. I went to a cross fit once with a groupon I purchased and loved it. They truly worked you hard and the coaches were very passionate about their jobs and your safety.

I then tried a different Cross fit and it was the complete opposite. The whole routine seemed rushed and not that much of a challenge. The coaches seemed to be more pre occupied with “cross fit games”. What I mean is from time to time certain Cross fit facilities compete in competitions. I don’t know the exact details about them but I do know they take place because I saw them advertised all over. The coaches at this facility would spend more time with the athletes taking part in this event then with the paying costumer.

I also feel that CrossFit is very very expensive. A lot of the things you do at a cross fit you can do at home if you have the discipline and equipment.

My opinion try it but only with a Groupon and after you read reviews on yelp.

 

[Chikabowa]

I CrossFit 5 days a week (about 5-8 WODs - workout of the day - each week).
My involvement has changed my life... I'm a better mom, a better wife, a better friend, I have a better relationship with my faith... and I really attribute all this positive change in my life to starting CrossFit.

I've lost 115lbs over the last two years.
It is absolutely scalable to YOUR fitness level. When you go into the box, a coach will send you through an assessment workout to determine where you are in your abilities. From there, unless you have previous olympic lifting experience, they will send you though a multi-week on-ramp program with other new people with a skilled coach. They will teach form, lifts, jargon, and just about anything else you need to know to get out onto the main floor. You'll feel comfortable at that point.

So don't worry about not being able to do everything that others are doing... it's not about them. It's about you. And you'll never find a more supportive team environment. No one sits there and looks down on anyone! It's all about uplifting one another and taking pride in the accomplishments we all reach on our own time.

CrossFit has absolutely changed my body and my mind. I love it!

 

[Chikabowa]

I then tried a different Cross fit and it was the complete opposite. The whole routine seemed rushed and not that much of a challenge. The coaches seemed to be more pre occupied with “cross fit games”. What I mean is from time to time certain Cross fit facilities compete in competitions. I don’t know the exact details about them but I do know they take place because I saw them advertised all over. The coaches at this facility would spend more time with the athletes taking part in this event then with the paying costumer.

If I might make a comment on this...
You probably walked into that box during the Open or Regional prep. If that box had a team or individuals competing in regionals... it's a big deal... and they probably were pretty focused on making sure those athletes had strong training prior to competition.

It could have just been a "bad timing" kind of moment. If you want to give it a try again, I highly suggest going after the last week in July. Regionals are all over now, the Games are next week in California.

 

[Bounce_Tigger]

A joke among my friends: "How do you know if someone does cross fit?" "Just wait..they'll tell you"


I have a few friends that SWEAR by it. One who goes daily and has been for a year - and the results are amazing. He loves the WOD atmosphere and the support of his "group"

I have other fitness-oriented people that say that the low reps/high weight isn't ideal.

Moral of the story, as PPs have said. Try it. It's not for everyone, but you may enjoy it.