From the outside looking in it seems no one who does CrossFit, just “DOES” CrossFit… They either love it and are obsessed like a “cult” or they think it is out to kill their family and friends who go there…

Sure CrossFit can be tough, it can also be be a powerful and great addition to an exercise program depending on your fitness goals. The fact it creates so much polarity might keep you from actually realising the amazing benefits...

To put some myths to rest here is what you can expect during your first taste of CrossFit…

It’s Not Going To Be Too Intense From The Start

All reputable CrossFit gyms will have an on-boarding process. You will be taught how to perform all of the movements expected of you in a class.

This can be taught in a group setting or one on one. One on one is our preferred method after much trial and testing.

By taking the time to teach the correct movement patterns, explain the reason we follow a program and answer any and all questions you have in a one on one setting is the reason we get the results we do...

You Will Work Hard

When starting out you won’t be expected to lift the most weight or perform the most technical movements. You will be expected to work hard with lighter weights and simpler movements to build your confidence. Don’t think this is a cop out... you will still be working your ass off.

Think of it like you’re starting out at a new job. In the first couple of weeks everything you do will be challenging. It is new… You don’t know where the bathroom, you forget where the lunchroom is and have no what the new terminology is. However after a couple of weeks those things become second nature.  

You'll Want A Good Coach

And a good gym. That's where the good coaches will be. So what makes a good coach?

Someone who cares about your goals and who will put your training above their own. They will act professionally, understand the reason you are training and practice what they preach!  

The Gym Is Called A Box

Training spaces are not your typical machine filled gym -- there are no fancy bathrooms or showers, TV screens or treadmills, just four walls, with all the equipment you need to test you both physically and mentally and prepare you for any challenge life can throw at you.

There's This Thing Called A WOD

CrossFit workouts vary by day, and as such they are called the WOD, or workout of the day.

Some gyms put little thought into this and just copy others. We invest our time, effort and energy into tracking where you are, where you need to improve and what it will take to get you there.

Strength is important to us because stronger people find cardio easier.

1. Classes are 1 hour long

2. Structured around a warm up, some type of movement for strength and then conditioning or cardio.

Be Prepared To Get At Least A Little Competitive (With Yourself) 

Most boxes keep score of repetitions completed or weight lifted during class. There are two benefits to this friendly competition.

First, it allows you to track your personal progress with a measurable result. Saying "I'm less tired than the last time … I think!" just won’t cut it!! 

What you measure you can manage and when looking back at regular intervals it is great to see the progress you have made.

Keeping score also helps you push yourself just a little bit more. If a friend has done the workout previously and scored 25 reps when you come in to train that evening you might try for 26. By no means is this what you have to do but you will find by having the target their it will drive you just that little bit further. 

It's On The Pricy Side -- Compared To What?

Some comment on the CrossFit price tag. Yes it’s on the pricey side, but compared to what?

Compared to no accountability, no community, being just another number and having to research try and test your own programming…

If you're looking for a premium product, expect to pay a premium price. The fancy car, new shoes or suit you were looking at buying might be around for a couple of years but you need to walk around in your body for your WHOLE life.

Why is it you spend the least on things that will make your life easier.  

Also understand…

With CrossFit there is an extra, hidden benefit: Community.

The coaching and community aspect are unlike what you'd get with a membership to a normal gym, even with a few personal training sessions added in each month.

Strong community is the reason people call CrossFit a cult…

The strong friendships and bonds formed are partly because of the shared highs and lows, the frustrations and successes experienced.  

Anyone Can Do It

One thing people don't truly grasp is that CrossFit really is scaleable for any person who steps through the door. The uninformed might think of it as too intense or only for the super-fit.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Every single thing we do can be scaled or modified to suit different fitness and strength levels in our clients, including you!  

The intensity and difficulty are part of what makes our clients come back. If we made workouts only suitable for beginners, fit and strong people would just say “It’s too easy for me” at least if we go the other way and make things out of reach there is always a goal or something to strive for.

Everyone can do CrossFit but it’s not FOR everyone. If you are someone who loves a challenge, you want to be held accountable to showing up and outsourcing the thought process behind what you should be doing to get fit then it is for you!

If you want to learn more click below and let me know how to best get in touch and I "Shaun Diachkoff" will personally get in touch to answers any questions you might have...