CrossFit: My New Fitness Family!
July 5, 2010 No CommentsIf you know anything about me, you know I’m a food addict and have challenges losing and maintaining weight loss. The best success I’ve had in the recent past was when I entered into a 12-week Challenge at my local gym and signed up for a personal training package to give me an edge on the competition. I ended up winning second place, but my program was interrupted by a pregnancy.
I had planned on continuing with the training after little Suzie was born, but the cost was literally doubled and we just couldn’t swing it. My therapist recently suggested CrossFit as an alternative. I knew nothing about it, so I looked up their corporate website (http://crossfit.com/).
I was very excited about what I read, and wanted to check it out for myself. I called up the closest location and scheduled a free physical assessment. I was SOOOO excited, the days just couldn’t go by fast enough!
When I finally arrived for my appointment, I was thrilled and nervous at the same time. I didn’t know what to expect. I was just told to show up well hydrated and not to have anything heavy in my stomach. (I later learned that being well hydrated reduces your chances of puking during a workout, although in the unlikely event that you do, your name will be added to the infamous “puke wall”.) But don’t let that scare you.
When I walked in, I was somewhat surprised in that there was very little resemblance to your standard gym. There were no treadmills, no ab rollers, and thankfully — no dreaded stair climbing machines. Instead, there were gymnast rings, pull-up bars, rowing machines, wooden boxes for “box jumps,” and some bench press-type bars and free weights. I may have missed a couple things, but it most certainly is not what you’d expect to find at a traditional gym. I was eager to see what a workout would consist of.
I was guided through the process and the basics of how CrossFit works. I learned that the CrossFit program is designed to be a universal solution for any body type, fitness level, age, or degree of experience. The program itself doesn’t change; just the level and intensity.
Whether you’re elderly and suffering from heart disease or an Olympic athlete, you can be assured that you will receive a great workout that will help you achieve the specific goals you are working towards. Even children can join (age restrictions apply), and there is daycare available as well. No excuses!
Each day brings an assortment of new exercises, so it never gets dull. Your muscles don’t get a chance to “settle in” to a routine, so you’ll begin to see results quickly! This is a form of muscle confusion. (You can see my article here for more details on this method.)
Another point that is super special and different about CrossFit is that the atmosphere demonstrates a strong team-work approach and sense of belonging to the fitness family. If you expect to walk in, do your workout, and leave without being noticed or spoken to, you’ll be disappointed. I was enthusiastically greeted by several members shortly after walking into the gym, and the support and encouragement from fellow CrossFitters during the workouts is endearing and motivates you to really give it your all. I could get used to this!
Trainers make it their top priority to assist you where needed and guide you through the motions of each exercise so you receive the utmost physical benefit by making every movement count. Your progress is even tracked and logged so you can see how far you’ve come!
It really is difficult to find the right words to describe the CrossFit experience. You really have to see for yourself. Along with your free physical assessment, you’re given a week to come in as often as you like and see what you think.
I have returned for several more workouts, and each time I grow more fond of the people and the workouts. I look forward to many more, as well as having a first-row seat in watching the awesome transformation my body will be undergoing.
So, if you’re ready to put your physical self and health as a top priority, I invite you to check out your local CrossFit. My free week isn’t up yet, but I already know that this is what I’ve been longing for, but didn’t know existed. I think you’ll agree. Please share your comments and experiences. It’s always a joy to hear from you!
P.S. If you’re local to Albuquerque, I invite you to checkout the location I’m going to in Rio Rancho.
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