Cross-Fit Question

graceire
graceire Posts: 323 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello all,

A new Cross-Fit gym has opened up in my town. I'm intrigued... I want to give this a try, but am wondering if I'm not in-shape enough. I only started exercising again a little less than 2 months ago, after years of being a sloth. My strength and endurance are not there yet. I realize that I won't be expected to keep up with the fit folks, and that this is what Cross-Fit training is for, but am nervous about being odd woman out.:ohwell:

Has anyone who is new to working out tried Cross-Fit? If so, how did it go?

To those in shape who go to Cross-Fit gyms, are you annoyed when those of us who can't keep up show up to your gyms?

{I'm such a nervous ninny...:blushing: }

Replies

  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member
    It can be scaled to fit your level of fitness.

    Expect to pay quite a bit for a membership.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,992 Member
    Also unless you have a decent understanding and experience with actual lifting (with correct form and execution), then Crossfit probably isn't the best way to restart.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • graceire
    graceire Posts: 323 Member
    Thanks, guys, I appreciate the feedback!
  • fattyfoodie
    fattyfoodie Posts: 232 Member
    I just started last week.

    The box I go to requires every new member regardless of fitness level to do three fundamentals courses, where they go over the proper form and technique for a lot of the basic CrossFit stuff like lifting, box jumps, pull ups, and so on. I have to do a "test" where the head trainer will make sure my form is good before I can do any of the WODs. I am also not allowed to lift anything heavier than 50 pounds for the first week of WODs, and after that they will help me start to scale up the weight. The 50 pounds is so that the trainers can make sure my form is good before I start to scale up. They want us to start light and perfect form before adding weight.

    My current stats: female, age 34. Weight 224, BF% 42. I am by no means fit, at all. But I am doing it.
  • parvati
    parvati Posts: 432 Member
    At our crossfit gym all new members are required to take a month of "skills" classes at least twice a week. Then you would be released into normal classes and you would scale your workout. I've found that there are still many experienced crossfitters who scale their workouts. I've also found the crossfit to be a More supportive environment than any other gym. And often the person who is left finishing their workout last is the one encouraged the most!!
  • Supern0va81
    Supern0va81 Posts: 168 Member
    I am new too - today begins my week 3. I would also like to point out that the price is on par with the peak gym membership at our old 'globo' gym and now I'm getting personal training as standard. IMO you can't get better than that...

    Look at http://www.board.crossfit.com/ for guidance.

    In crossfit, you are your own gauge of success so keep a note of each effort to see your progress. If you want to compete then join in the competitions. Don't expect to do the same workout twice. And make sure that you rest well, pay attention to your nutrition, and workout when you feel good to go again. Expect to ache - it's why it's called a workout ;) Learn from the rest of the athletes at the box, even if its just to watch them in how they perform. Good luck!
  • graceire
    graceire Posts: 323 Member
    The website for the gym describes each upcoming class and each one is different. Which is great because working out can get boring! It also allows to pay annually, by class, or get a 10 class punch card.

    I like too that its a smaller gym. I don't like the huge open-all-night type of gyms.

    Thanks all!
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    I'm not sure about where you are, but when I was in boston they were charging close to 200 a month, and now here in Spokane they're right at about 175 a month.

    Commodity level pricing for a place to lift. At your current condition, you might better use that amount of funds to get one on one personal training with a qualified and trained instructor (not just "certified") that will teach you the nuances of form, and allow you to build a base before you start spending Mercedes prices for what should be a proletarian's "sport".
  • Supern0va81
    Supern0va81 Posts: 168 Member
    ...or move to the UK and pay £55 per month :laugh:
  • bowhuntr09
    bowhuntr09 Posts: 39 Member
    This should help answer your question:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOsvIl7VLYo

    Oh, and you don't have to get fit to go get fit.
  • holothuroidea
    holothuroidea Posts: 772 Member
    My level of fitness is not that great and I still go. When I started I could only run a mile and couldn't do push ups or pull ups or anything.

    You go through a training program to learn proper form and everything. The environment is awesome. Always encouraging and supportive, especially for the people who are new and out of shape. It's all about the effort you put in, not how much weight you can lift or how fast you sprint.

    Also my box has a "crossfit lite" for people who are older, have serious injuries/disabilities or are extremely overweight. It's a slower pace and not as much pressure, but the workouts are still pretty intense.

    That having been said, it is very expensive. I joined with a groupon that was 20 classes for 35$. There's no way that I'll be able to afford it when my 20 classes are up, and I only have a few left. :(
  • nashai01
    nashai01 Posts: 536 Member
    I just started last week.

    The box I go to requires every new member regardless of fitness level to do three fundamentals courses, where they go over the proper form and technique for a lot of the basic CrossFit stuff like lifting, box jumps, pull ups, and so on. I have to do a "test" where the head trainer will make sure my form is good before I can do any of the WODs. I am also not allowed to lift anything heavier than 50 pounds for the first week of WODs, and after that they will help me start to scale up the weight. The 50 pounds is so that the trainers can make sure my form is good before I start to scale up. They want us to start light and perfect form before adding weight.

    My current stats: female, age 34. Weight 224, BF% 42. I am by no means fit, at all. But I am doing it.

    Yes the box I joined requires the same foundations classes. I say give it a shot! They have all different types of fitness levels at the box I joined
  • newbeg1ning
    newbeg1ning Posts: 77 Member
    At our crossfit gym all new members are required to take a month of "skills" classes at least twice a week. Then you would be released into normal classes and you would scale your workout. I've found that there are still many experienced crossfitters who scale their workouts. I've also found the crossfit to be a More supportive environment than any other gym. And often the person who is left finishing their workout last is the one encouraged the most!!

    This

    I'm also new to CrossFit (3rd month in) and completely out of shape when I started at 210 lbs. One of the reasons why I keep going back 3 to 5x per week is that my gym is VERY supportive and encouraging. I have never felt left behind, they are always willing to scale the workouts for me if need be. My endurance has improved tremendously - I no longer feel like I'm going to die after each WOD -, and just began to lift heavy within the last week. The results are amazing, I am now 195 lbs and have gone from a size 18 to a size 10 (lots of inches lost in between), and the sense of accomplishment can't be beat! It is expensive, but I find that I'm saving my monthly membership and more by cutting all fast food and in less doctor visits as my health improves.

    I encourage you to try it, go at your own pace, don't let anyone push you to do what you're not willing or capable to do.

    Good luck!

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