Why I Love Crossfit

Crossfit intimidates a lot of people. It intimidated me before I started. I never thought a pull-up would be something I’d do. I certainly never thought I’d do competitions. Here I am all these years later, now a Crossfit coach. So why would I recommend Crossfit?

Crossfit meets you where you are at and allows you to grow as much as you want. Every movement and workout is scalable to any ability level. I originally started just to learn how to use a barbell. I remember going to LA Fitness and not really have a clue how to use free weights. The machines weren’t doing much for me and were boring. The cardio machines- can you hear my eyes roll? It was boring and I wasn’t getting much out of it.

I hear the same experience I had at a big commercial gym from a lot of people that walk into Crossfit gyms. One of the biggest obstacles I faced and hear from so many new people to the gym? I don’t want to look stupid. Been there and feel that!!! I also think it’s easy to look at us coaches or high level Crossfitters and immediately say or think, “I want to be like them.” Or “I’ll never be like them.” I will always remind people that I started somewhere and so did all the people they are looking up to. We all started somewhere. I’ve spent years working on every barbell lift and I am still learning! When I first started, I had a couple coaches say I lift like a robot. I would, no joke, go through each single piece of a movement, pause go onto the next part, pause and so on and so forth.

So, I promise you don’t look stupid. Part of my job as a coach and trainer is to help you get better-always. You don’t look stupid. You just need confidence and the more you show up and let coaches help you, the better you will get. The confidence will come with time and practice. I personally think you’ll find people encouraging you more than anyone is thinking you look stupid. You’ll also have those moments at any level that misses a lift or a movement. I can’t tell you how many times I laugh and say, “Well, that didn’t work did it?”. That’s just how it goes sometimes.

I use this picture a lot. On the left I just finished my intro classes & the right was a year or two later doing the same workout. Just look at the body language differences in both. You can tell my confidence grew!

I think the big draw for me has always been that Crossfit is always different. The workouts are different every day and with so many movements it’s hard to be bored. Whatever goal you have in the fitness world, Crossfit will help. Whether you are looking to lose weight, get stronger, be faster, or just be able to move for longevity- Crossfit is here.

I think it’s also important to mention the community of Crossfit. I’m blessed to have been part of gyms that are welcoming and celebrate with each other. One of the best parts of being a coach at my gym is seeing everyone push each other during workouts but also ask about each other’s families and interests. That doesn’t happen everywhere or at every gym.

I’m also not strictly a Crossfitter. I love all types of fitness, and you can find awesome communities everywhere, but Crossfit is what I personally know and understand. If you take anything away from this it is to not be afraid to try something new. If you’ve been wanting to learn or try something new, take the step and do it. I promise you don’t look stupid. Show up and keep at it. Whether it’s a Crossfit gym or body building gym, I’ve always found that most people are supportive and want to help or just be a friendly face. You got this!

As my own personal promo here- part of why I got my NASM personal training certification was to help anyone that wants to bridge the gap or start a fitness routine. I understand that jumping into a class is scary so one-on-one is always an option to get started. If you are interested in more info please reach out! Myself and my gym, Crossfit 50/50 out of Legacy Martial Arts or online, would love to have you!

Proof that you start somewhere and even though I'm a coach- I wasn't ever perfect with form and am still working on it. Please enjoy these pictures of my bad form from the early days!

Picture 1 I'm pulling the bar way before I straighten my legs and open my hips. When I say you're pulling early- this is what it looks like.

Picture 2 I am not high pulling the bar with elbows up. I'm also arching my back, pushing my hips forward.