Before we get going - a word of warning. Please do not read this title and think you are going to get the 'official definition'. This is my view - I'm just trying to give a newbie's impression for the unindoctrinated.
I think when I tell most people that I have started going to a gym, they probably just imagine me pounding away on a treadmill or cross-trainer and doing the odd bit of activity on a weights machine. But when I try to tell them about it, I struggle to really put my finger on just one thing that sums up CrossFit. It's hard to know where to start. So, after a long, late-night debate with my husband, we concluded that this is a two-part post. For this first part, I've come up with a list that loosely fit under the definition of 'culture'. That is to say, stuff that (in my opinion) sets CrossFit apart from other gyms:
1. CrossFit is not just for gym-bunnies, sports nuts, athletes and other really fit people. Each exercise can be modified or scaled to allow for fitness level, injury, etc. I am proof of this. And if you need further evidence, look for "killing the fat man" on youtube. Just watching the first few episodes is enough to dispel any fears for the regular person setting foot in a CrossFit gym.
2. You will be welcomed into the CrossFit community. Everyone is friendly, welcoming and supportive. We cheer each other on, count reps for each other, and generally keep each other motivated. If you enjoy social exercise then CrossFit is for you. I may have mentioned before, but Saturday morning workouts are usually followed-up with a morning tea that members take turns in supplying. Now that's my sort of gym!
3. The instruction is really thorough. Here's an example: when I was taught to do a deadlift in a regular gym, the instruction went something like this: "bend down, grab the bar, stand up" (they didn't find out how much I could lift - just gave me a 10kg bar - and never adjusted the weight until I asked for a review after 3 months). This week, with much more thorough and detailed instruction, I dead-lifted more than my own bodyweight (eventually getting up to 72.5kg). I couldn't even believe it myself! Just goes to show that you're far stronger than some gyms would have you believe.
4. You never workout alone. The super-ripped people workout with the likes of me. Everyone is doing same workout, adjusted to their own capability.
5. There is no opportunity to become bored or stale as you rarely do the same workout twice. Even if a workout comes around again, you'll probably end up doing a more advanced version than last time, because you're that much fitter and stronger. I promised myself a couple of weeks ago that next time I see the "Murph", I'm not doing the scaled version, I'm doing the whole punishing workout. You heard it here first.
6. You will feel safe. As well as proper instruction in technique, the trainer constantly watches to make sure people are carrying out each exercise properly and safely. Even during the warm-up, you will be getting the best out of your workout because you will receive instruction and support every step of the way.
2. You will be welcomed into the CrossFit community. Everyone is friendly, welcoming and supportive. We cheer each other on, count reps for each other, and generally keep each other motivated. If you enjoy social exercise then CrossFit is for you. I may have mentioned before, but Saturday morning workouts are usually followed-up with a morning tea that members take turns in supplying. Now that's my sort of gym!
3. The instruction is really thorough. Here's an example: when I was taught to do a deadlift in a regular gym, the instruction went something like this: "bend down, grab the bar, stand up" (they didn't find out how much I could lift - just gave me a 10kg bar - and never adjusted the weight until I asked for a review after 3 months). This week, with much more thorough and detailed instruction, I dead-lifted more than my own bodyweight (eventually getting up to 72.5kg). I couldn't even believe it myself! Just goes to show that you're far stronger than some gyms would have you believe.
4. You never workout alone. The super-ripped people workout with the likes of me. Everyone is doing same workout, adjusted to their own capability.
5. There is no opportunity to become bored or stale as you rarely do the same workout twice. Even if a workout comes around again, you'll probably end up doing a more advanced version than last time, because you're that much fitter and stronger. I promised myself a couple of weeks ago that next time I see the "Murph", I'm not doing the scaled version, I'm doing the whole punishing workout. You heard it here first.
6. You will feel safe. As well as proper instruction in technique, the trainer constantly watches to make sure people are carrying out each exercise properly and safely. Even during the warm-up, you will be getting the best out of your workout because you will receive instruction and support every step of the way.
Now try telling me you get all that in your ordinary gym!
As always, I'm loving your comments, so please keep them coming, and if you have anything else to add, then feel free to share it in the comments. In the second of this two-parter, I'll be telling you all about what we actually do in a training session.
P.S. the diet changes are going well, except for this weekend. Lets just say hosting a charity morning tea and a broken stove (it actually burst into flames!) threw a spanner in the works. Tomorrow is a new day.
Natalie, this was one of the best definitions of CrossFiit I have ever read. It is not easy to sum up what CrossFit actually is but you absolutely nailed it - you captured the spirit of our sport and community perfectly :-)
ReplyDeleteYip. It's not always about beating your time or others in the class (although it does give you a little bit of a competitive push as you get fitter) but it's more about bettering your time, technique, etc.. little by little.
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