Who does Crossfit?

[kinntj]

I signed up for foundations classes at my local Crossfit box. I'm a little intimidated because I'm 43 and over 200 lbs. There are some beautiful bodies in that place. I start on Monday for two weeks (4 days). I'm going to buy some workout clothes this weekend. I'm starting at couch potato status.

What is it like for you? Did you start you fitness from the beginning like me? Did you have some fitness under your belt already? I heard the community of a Crossfit box is different than a gym. I'm hoping for more close knit group to keep me going back.

 

[FireDancer]

I don't belong to a Crossfit gym but have friends who own one, have done some fundraising and special event WODs, and have a lot of friends who are very into it. A wedding I'm in this weekend actually has a wedding morning WOD for the bridal party and other friends.

You will see everything from super fit to overweight people at a Crossfit gym and you are very right about the community. I have made a lot of friends because of Crossfit and I am not even a member. I've just known enough people who were and have been invited to events. It is part gym, part lifestyle, part social club.

I will warn you though that every gym has it's own vibe. I know a lot of members who tried 3 or 4 different gyms (or boxes) before they found the one that fit best so if your first experience isn't great don't give up.

 

[DWGal210]

I do CrossFit and it's actually not bad! (I am someone who just does not like to exercise). How's that for a ringing endorsement? Seriously, though, what I like about it is that you're doing different things all the time; I would get bored in an exercise class where you did the same movements over and over again.

I've been doing it since late August, and I've lost about 12 lbs and I know I am getting stronger. For example, when I first started doing a lift over my head I could do 50 lbs, now I can do 70 lbs.

I don't do the Paleo diet that a lot of CrossFit people do, and I'm not one of the "crazy, Kool Aid drinking" CrossFit people (you will meet a few of those, I'm sure, who just LIVE for it) but I have found some tangible benefits and it's working for me.

 

[wiigirl]

I do! First 3-4 sessions I hated it....but by the 5th I was hooked and I love it!

 

[kinntj]

I don't belong to a Crossfit gym but have friends who own one, have done some fundraising and special event WODs, and have a lot of friends who are very into it. A wedding I'm in this weekend actually has a wedding morning WOD for the bridal party and other friends.

You will see everything from super fit to overweight people at a Crossfit gym and you are very right about the community. I have made a lot of friends because of Crossfit and I am not even a member. I've just known enough people who were and have been invited to events. It is part gym, part lifestyle, part social club.

I will warn you though that every gym has it's own vibe. I know a lot of members who tried 3 or 4 different gyms (or boxes) before they found the one that fit best so if your first experience isn't great don't give up.

Thank you! I'm trying the gym closest to me, since I hate to drive (especially in the winter months) and thought that would be best for long term commitment. It's less than 10 minutes away. I thought the foundations classes would give me a good idea what this particular gym is all about. Unfortunately, I know myself and it would have to be an excellent gym for me to drive a distance to get to one.

I can't see myself really getting into it like the hard cores, but I can see how having the right support can make you want to go back. I only signed up for 8 foundation classes and then I can decide if I want to go membership for 3 days a week to start. If I like it, my DH may start doing it in the New Year. I wanted to start before then, because then I won't be a newbie. Kind of.

 

[kinntj]

I do CrossFit and it's actually not bad! (I am someone who just does not like to exercise). How's that for a ringing endorsement? Seriously, though, what I like about it is that you're doing different things all the time; I would get bored in an exercise class where you did the same movements over and over again.

I've been doing it since late August, and I've lost about 12 lbs and I know I am getting stronger. For example, when I first started doing a lift over my head I could do 50 lbs, now I can do 70 lbs.

I don't do the Paleo diet that a lot of CrossFit people do, and I'm not one of the "crazy, Kool Aid drinking" CrossFit people (you will meet a few of those, I'm sure, who just LIVE for it) but I have found some tangible benefits and it's working for me.

That's a great ringing endorsement! I loved the sound of doing different things with your body and it wasn't just machines doing the work or going through the motions. The body is preparing for actual day to day work and lifting. That is what first got me interested in it.

I don't eat Paleo and don't intend to. I'm working on cutting out refined stuff though, so it's a start. I just finished the 21 day sugar detox and that helped. I had a slice of apple pie last night and my tummy is very angry with me. No more apple pie!

That's funny about the Kool aid drinking Crossfit people. I do see pictures of people at the local gym competing and I just can't see that for myself. I can see myself competing on a small level, like look "I bet I can do more than you" kinda stuff.

I'll chat more later, I have some Economics homework due today. LOL!

 

[aaarcher86]

I haven't met anyone that did it and didn't love it. I think the hardest part is the first couple of sessions - you'll be slower and frankly, it's hard! But seriously, just keep going! You'll feel yourself getting stronger and faster!

Congrats and good luck to you on your fitness journey!

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I haven't met anyone that did it and didn't love it. I think the hardest part is the first couple of sessions - you'll be slower and frankly, it's hard! But seriously, just keep going! You'll feel yourself getting stronger and faster! Congrats and good luck to you on your fitness journey!

I don't love it!!! I have pretty bad knees and awful bursitis in my shoulder though

Everyone I know does love it though.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I did it for six months before my wedding. I enjoyed it, for the most part, and got in the best shape of my life (which is not saying a lot...I was just thinner with more muscle and less fat). I quit because I didn't like continuously being pushed to do things I was not comfortable with....they kept doing these WODs (workout of the day) that involved running up and down stairs with sometimes skipping stairs in between. For whatever reason, I get dizzy going up and down stairs, so that made me uncomfortable. I also have zero interest in trying/doing handstands in any way shape or form....it seemed like every week they were making me try it.

I know most people like to be pushed beyond their comfort limits...but it was too much of that for me.

I now go to a Golds Gym doing their classes (Body Pump, Body Step, etc.) and love it.

 

[aaarcher86]

I don't love it!!! I have pretty bad knees and awful bursitis in my shoulder though

Everyone I know does love it though.

You HAD to prove me wrong didn't you?!

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I did it for six months before my wedding. I enjoyed it, for the most part, and got in the best shape of my life (which is not saying a lot...I was just thinner with more muscle and less fat). I quit because I didn't like continuously being pushed to do things I was not comfortable with....they kept doing these WODs (workout of the day) that involved running up and down stairs with sometimes skipping stairs in between. For whatever reason, I get dizzy going up and down stairs, so that made me uncomfortable. I also have zero interest in trying/doing handstands in any way shape or form....it seemed like every week they were making me try it. I know most people like to be pushed beyond their comfort limits...but it was too much of that for me. I now go to a Golds Gym doing their classes (Body Pump, Body Step, etc.) and love it.

Loooooooooove Body Pump!

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

You HAD to prove me wrong didn't you?!

Yes. Lol!!! I like to be different.

 

[Pugsly]

I've been doing CrossFit since April and are one of those who love it!

I haven't done anything truly athletic (organized sports or working out in a gym) since junior high, but had been walking and doing some weights before I started CF.

To me, a box that pushes you enough (and inspires you to push yourself), but let's you scale (modify your movements) when you need to, is the way to go. I hate running - they let me row instead (though some days I do run - because I'm pushing myself!). I can't do a handstand to save my life, but my friends cheered me on as two of them lifted my feet over my head. But I love weightlifting and found I'm pretty good at it. Who knew? I still can't do all the movements without scaling, and it frustrates me; but my coaches and friends keep reminding me that it's about improving me and that IS happening. I can do more reps or lift heavier weights or I'm a little faster than before.

My box (if not all boxes) are big into helping wounded warriors in adjusting to their new normal. It's incredibly inspiring to work next to these guys and girls!

You WILL be sore. After every workout. But it's a good thing! I tend to think, if I'm not sore after a WOD, then I must have done something wrong. Lol.

Best of luck on your journey!

 

[Chikabowa]

I started CrossFit 3 years ago.
It has changed ever single aspect of my life from physical fitness to mental toughness; I've become a better wife, mother, woman, person and my faith has become stronger.

I was 150lbs overweight when I started and I had no athletic background. I had no idea what CrossFit was when I walked in the door.

Now I've lost 125lbs (working on the last 25!) and I enter local competitions! I can do things I never in a million years thought possible!! I surprise myself daily. And at this point my entire family is involved in some way.

I do eat strict paleo, which I didn't incorporate until about 6 months into working out. Now it's just a way of life.

The foundations class will teach you proper form,technique, skill, and ease you into the gym. It's a fantastic starting point. Don't worry about everyone else... Simply focus on yourself. Everyone in that gym has a story and a background that they've over come to get them to a specific point in their journey. Everyone is good at something and everyone has something they are working on. Learn from your teammates because they will absolutely believe in you... You may doubt it now, but they will be your biggest cheerleaders in your journey. That is the CrossFit spirit.

 

[kinntj]

I haven't met anyone that did it and didn't love it. I think the hardest part is the first couple of sessions - you'll be slower and frankly, it's hard! But seriously, just keep going! You'll feel yourself getting stronger and faster!

Congrats and good luck to you on your fitness journey!

Thank you! I'm committed for eight sessions so I'll make it past that. There's not any exercises that I like, so I hope the community of the gym gives me a boost to keep me going back. Slow and steady for me. That's the part I'm excited about, getting stronger.

 

[kinntj]

Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I don't work with weights much, so this will be a new area for me. I'm the opposite of you, I like to run, but hate rowing.

Do you keep a journal to keep track of your progress?

Sounds like you're progressing nicely. Keep up the great work!

I've been doing CrossFit since April and are one of those who love it!

I haven't done anything truly athletic (organized sports or working out in a gym) since junior high, but had been walking and doing some weights before I started CF.

To me, a box that pushes you enough (and inspires you to push yourself), but let's you scale (modify your movements) when you need to, is the way to go. I hate running - they let me row instead (though some days I do run - because I'm pushing myself!). I can't do a handstand to save my life, but my friends cheered me on as two of them lifted my feet over my head. But I love weightlifting and found I'm pretty good at it. Who knew? I still can't do all the movements without scaling, and it frustrates me; but my coaches and friends keep reminding me that it's about improving me and that IS happening. I can do more reps or lift heavier weights or I'm a little faster than before.

My box (if not all boxes) are big into helping wounded warriors in adjusting to their new normal. It's incredibly inspiring to work next to these guys and girls!

You WILL be sore. After every workout. But it's a good thing! I tend to think, if I'm not sore after a WOD, then I must have done something wrong. Lol.

Best of luck on your journey!

 

[kinntj]

Wow! Congratulations on your hard work and dedication to CrossFit! those are some inspiring numbers.

Paleo is an interesting diet and I don't think I could be that restrictive. I like my whole wheat and oatmeal.
I'll take those tips you gave me next week and use them. thank you.

I started CrossFit 3 years ago.
It has changed ever single aspect of my life from physical fitness to mental toughness; I've become a better wife, mother, woman, person and my faith has become stronger.

I was 150lbs overweight when I started and I had no athletic background. I had no idea what CrossFit was when I walked in the door.

Now I've lost 125lbs (working on the last 25!) and I enter local competitions! I can do things I never in a million years thought possible!! I surprise myself daily. And at this point my entire family is involved in some way.

I do eat strict paleo, which I didn't incorporate until about 6 months into working out. Now it's just a way of life.

The foundations class will teach you proper form,technique, skill, and ease you into the gym. It's a fantastic starting point. Don't worry about everyone else... Simply focus on yourself. Everyone in that gym has a story and a background that they've over come to get them to a specific point in their journey. Everyone is good at something and everyone has something they are working on. Learn from your teammates because they will absolutely believe in you... You may doubt it now, but they will be your biggest cheerleaders in your journey. That is the CrossFit spirit.

 

[Pugsly]

Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I don't work with weights much, so this will be a new area for me. I'm the opposite of you, I like to run, but hate rowing. Do you keep a journal to keep track of your progress? Sounds like you're progressing nicely. Keep up the great work!

My one tip about weights is to really pay attention to your technique.

I'm not keeping a journal per se, but my box has a web app that we use to log our results (from the WOD or whichever skill or weight movements we work on each day). It really helps to see your progress. We can use the app to keep a food/diet journal, but I don't use it. I don't do Paleo, have never been real successful with dieting, so I just watch what eat. I've only lost 6 pounds and I know that's not a ringing endorsement, but I have muscles (and yes, they do weigh more than fat!), and the shape of my body has totally changed (I've lost inches).

I second another poster who said it's changed her life in every way possible. I think it was the same poster who said its about you - and making a better you! Your coaches and your tribe will have your back every step of the way!

For what it's worth, I started it not really knowing anything about it - because I had gained 10 menopausal pounds that I could not drop.

You're going to do great!

 

[Chikabowa]

My one tip about weights is to really pay attention to your technique.

Yes! I absolutely agree!
Foundations/on ramp/elements... Whatever the box calls it... Is essential to building good technique. I haven't had a single injury in 3 years simply from listening to coaches guiding my form and not ramping up too quickly (due to ego, competition, or desire).

Don't worry about diet (paleo) right away. I use nutrition as a performance enhancer. Just focus on moving first! And change in nutrition will feel more natural as you progress.

 

[Chikabowa]

I my mywod on my phone to track wods.