5 Tips For Surviving CrossFit
CrossFit is unlike any other sport out there. It can be intense, but if you're prepared, you'll go far. Here are Sundried ambassadors Tom and Tara's top tips for surviving CrossFit.
1. Don't be intimidated.
Most people's first exposure to CrossFit involves seeing herculean men and women on TV throwing enormous amounts of weight over their head then performing high skill gymnastics. But it's important to remember that these are professionals in the sport of CrossFit. The everyday athletes are your neighbours, friends, and family members just trying to make their lives better through functional training. The largest demographic in CrossFit is mothers aged 30-40.
2. Find yourself a good coach.
The moves taught and practised in CrossFit are very potent and have a high rate of return on your overall fitness. The coach is there to work with all levels of athletes as they learn and practice the movements. They should be supportive, patient, and a good communicator with your safety and success as their number one priority. If you don't feel that your coach meets these standards, leave them and try the next CrossFit box around the corner. There are a lot of options and personalities to choose from.
3. Be patient.
Technique-> Consistency-> Intensity. This is the pattern for safety and success in CrossFit. The movements, the strength, the speed, and the results will all come with time. Just because you could deadlift a few hundred pounds back in the day, does not mean you are ready to do so right now. Gentlemen, check your ego at the door. Ladies, don't be afraid to lift weights.
4. Be ready to make new friends
When you walk into CrossFit gym, you'll probably notice that there is minimal equipment. The walls aren't lined with mirrors and the crowd of people waiting for the next class to begin aren't wearing headphones. For the most part they'll be regular folks chatting with each other about regular things. They'll most likely ask for your name and introduce themselves. They'll encourage and cheer you on during workouts and when you come back they'll remember your name. Soon you'll have new friends with whom you associate outside of the gym.
5. Have Fun
This is probably the most important point. Fitness is about making yourself better in all aspects of life. Have fun with it. “The goal is to get fit, make it the best hour of your day, stay safe, turn up the music, high five some people, and blow off some steam. So remember that. Relax. Have fun. Work out.” –Pat Sherwood.
Make sure you're comfortable in your CrossFit gear. Take a look at Sundried's women's and men's collections to find your next exercise outfit and look the real deal at the box.
