I started CrossFit a few months ago and these are the top things I want to share with you.
- Anxiety is normal. You are starting something new so it’s completely normal to have butterflies in your stomach. To be honest, I STILL get anxiety before each class (I call them the nervous pees because I always have to pee before each class ;-). Take a deep breath, pat yourself on the back for doing something good for yourself, and know that chances are, others are feeling similarly.
- You do not have to be fit to join. I hear this soooo often – “I’m going to get a little fitter first before trying that type of workout.” Um, would you do a little bit of your own root canal before going to the dentist? Would you open the hood of your car and start changing the oil before having the mechanic finish it? NO!! The whole point of going to the gym is to have an experienced coach guide you through the process of working out. I love that you go, you have a workout that is already programmed for you, you don’t have to come up with some random workout on Pinterest or just meander over to the treadmill because you don’t know what to do that day, plus you feel INSANELY good afterwards. Another thing that I love is that you can see that fit bodies come in all shapes and sizes. You will be impressed at the range of abilities in the classes and will soon come to find that the “fitness influencer” stereotype that social media conveys is downright WRONG.
- Try to show up consistently (whatever that looks like for YOU). Only have the time to get to class once a week? Make that decision and go CONSISTENTLY. Have the opportunity to go 3 times a week? Make that decision and go CONSISTENTLY. Showing up for yourself and keeping your promises to yourself will help you advance more confidently in the direction of your goals and you will get better at the movements more intentionally.
- Take advantage of the coach’s expertise. Some gyms have specific classes for new people. Be sure to take advantage of these classes (sometimes they are mandatory before going to general population classes). If your gym doesn’t have these types of entry level classes, I highly recommend asking the coaches if they do one on one coaching sessions. If they do and your budget permits, use the session to get form tips on some of the more technical skills (Olympic lifting, double-unders, any of the gymnastic movements).
- Don’t compare your chapter to other’s in the gym. It’s so tempting to look around and see that other people in your classes might have more weight on their bar or are much better at certain movements than you. CrossFit is extremely varied in its movements – some people may be former gymnasts and therefore kipping and wall walks and ring muscle ups may come a bit more “naturally” to them. Some people may have been weight lifters in other sports. Some people may have been doing CrossFit for YEARS! You must give yourself some grace and allow yourself to be a beginner. Who knows, someday, you may just be the one to inspire a newb that walks into your gym!
- Check your ego at the door. In line with #5, it is very easy to look around, see what weight other people are putting on the bar and feel the urge to match them even though you have not yet built up to it. Listen, I UNDERSTAND this urge. I am competitive AF! But I am in this sport for the long haul and want to be injury and pain free. To quote the original Top Gun movie, “Don’t let your ego write checks your body can’t cash!” Trust me on this – scaling is NOT a dirty word. It’s preferable to go lighter than your ego may tell you to. Build up to doing the movements slowly but surely. And when you DO Rx, celebrate the hell out if it (injury free, of course!).
- Lean into the community. CrossFit has some of the best communities, hands down. I’ll never forget the day after I outdid my previous record of double unders (in CrossFit lingo I PR’d), I walked into the gym and no less than 5 people came up to me and high fived me because they had heard about it. It’s one of the MOST supportive and encouraging places to workout but also to just do life with people who share values and goals. Craving community? Google a box close by and get started on your own journey. Your body and your mind will thank you.
Your turn! Have you done CrossFit? What is your best tip/words of advice for someone new? Drop it in the comments!!!