5 TIPS TO GET STARTED ON CROSSFIT

You've heard your friends talk about it and it sounds pretty cool. You've decided to go for the Fundamental Class but you have no idea how to mentally prepare yourself for this journey called CrossFit! Well, fret not, because here are some tips on how to change your mindset as you start out on CrossFit and achieve awesome results along the way!

1) Don’t be scared. Seriously, don’t be scared. CrossFit is not a scary thing. Ok, let me tell you a story that many of you might be able to relate to. Many who start CrossFit think that they’ll walk into a dark room, scary and aggressive people full of testosterone, which surprisingly, was what they experience. Instead, people will walk into a welcoming space with members of all shapes and sizes and a warm, friendly coach who is excited to teach everyone all about CrossFit. In general, CrossFit is a very welcoming and friendly place. No need to be scared.

2) Know you can do it. The most common comment I get from readers about CrossFit is “I don’t think I’m fit enough to do it,” which is one of the biggest misconceptions. Just about everyone can do CrossFit. For real. Our oldest member doing CrossFit is at the age of 68. Even Kids can do CrossFit. Every CrossFit workout has modifications and can be scaled based on your current fitness level, so even if you’re just starting out with exercise, you can do CrossFit. We have various programmes that cater to everyones needs. From the CrossFit Kids to The Silvers CrossFit Program. There is something for everyone at the box.

If you’re worried about not knowing how to do the movements, you will learn. That's where the Fundamental Class comes in, you will learn the movements and get a feel for what CrossFit is all about before you even take a class. Also, keep in mind, everyone was once a beginner at CrossFit. They, too, didn’t know the movements, but they put in the time and effort to learn and master them. 

3) Compete against yourself. One of my favorite quotes when it comes to CrossFit is “stronger than yesterday,” which basically means you are competing against yourself to improve every day.

If you’re a newbie CrossFitter, you’re probably not going to Rx (do the workout as prescribed) your very first WOD (workout of the day) and that’s okay. You will get there. Don’t worry about the person next you banging out heavy weights when you’re still working on your form with the empty bar. Start light, work at your own pace, and get your form down, so you can progress to more complex workouts. Of course, having a competitive attitude at CrossFit is not a bad thing, but constantly comparing yourself to others is. Comparison is the thief of joy, so instead of getting discouraged by what other people can do, use them as motivation. Even though there’s some friendly competition at CrossFit, the goal is always to put forth your best effort to improve upon your own performance. Once you start worrying about what everyone else is doing, it stops being fun and you risk hindering your own progress. Focus on yourself and you WILL get better.

4) Listen to your body. I guess this is the nice way of saying take it slow and don’t go all balls to the wall on your first WOD. You really need to perfect your form and technique before you ramp up the intensity/weight of your workout. Be honest with yourself, be patient, and listen to your body.

5) Know that it will get easier… sort of. Ok, CrossFit never gets easier, but it will suck less when you are able to better perform the movements at a higher intensity. Be sure to keep records (in a journal or online) to track your progress because, before you know it, you’ll be smashing your PRs (personal records) and doing things you never thought were possible. It’s incredible to see that transformation. My best advice: embrace the “suck” and know that your body is getting stronger.

Well with these tips you're ready for the challenge ahead! So jump on board and get in on CrossFit today!