Is Crossfit For Everybody?
Is Crossfit For Everybody?
With so much hype around Crossfit, more and more people are wondering if this is something anybody can do. First off, it is important to get a doctor’s clearance before starting any exercise program, especially if you have any type of medical conditions.
Sometimes Crossfit, like anything else is something you have to try for yourself and see. If you have any interest in Crossfit at all, I encourage you to go by your local Crossfit gym, referred to as a Box, and have a look around. If at all possible, participate or at least observe one of the classes.
Now I will be completely honest with you. Crossfit workouts are very challenging. However, they are also very scalable. By that I mean you can either scale it up, or down, based on your personal fitness level.
Most people walk by a Crossfit gym and immediately become intimidated. What they fail to realize is everyone had to start somewhere. Yes, you may see people lifting heavy and jumping over boxes right now. But trust me, they didn’t start out that way.
For Beginners
If you are a beginner, start by doing beginner level workouts. As you become stronger you can start doing more difficult workouts. That’s really the beauty of Crossfit. The workouts can be adjusted to fit your level of fitness. You can either add weight to the bars or you can take some weight off.
The idea is to get to a place where you can make it through the WOD or workout of the day. While you may not be able to do that just now, you can still show up and give it your best.
It is also important to note that when you start a Crossfit program, the trainers at the box take you through foundational classes that serve as necessary groundwork with exercises that provide you with the proper foundation to move onto the more intensive WOD, or Workout of the Day.
Functional Fitness
By definition, Crossfit is all about functional fitness. This is one of the things that makes it such a great workout for individuals of all different age groups. The movements you will be doing are movements you do in your everyday life.
• For example, a squat mimics the motion of standing up and sitting down.
• A deadlift mimics the motion of picking something up off the ground.
Keep in mind very few people start off using weights. So don’t let that intimidate you. The key is to just get started. If 5 pounds is all you can lift right now, lift it with everything you’ve got.
So let’s revisit the question again. Is Crossfit for everybody?
I will say this, Crossfit is the type of workout that will challenge you like no other workout you have ever done before. It’s tough and exciting all at the same time. It is the type of workout that anyone can do regardless of their fitness level.
So the better question is, are you up for the challenge?
Truth be told, most people aren’t. They would rather make excuses than get their behind in the gym for a tough, body changing workout. Don’t let that be you. Don’t let excuses keep you from reaching your goals.
If you want to change your life, Crossfit can help you do that. But, only if you are willing to put in the work.
As the saying goes, you get out what you put in. If you dedicate yourself to Crossfit, not only will your body change, but also so will your attitude and self-confidence.
Mix It Up
Another option is that you do not have to only do Crossfit, you can do Crossfit once a week, while doing lower intensity workouts the other 4 or 5 days to build up your strength and stamina and then go for more Crossfit classes.
There is no rule that says you have to only do one type of training, in fact, the more diverse your training the more you keep the body guessing and challenged, which results in higher fitness levels. In addition, by the way, that is yet another benefit of Crossfit, because the WOD changes daily, so the movement is constantly varied and is the best way to train.
