Has anyone answered this for you yet?
Well, if not, here goes:
The WOD is the Workout Of the Day. It is the routine you do that day. It changes every day. Everyone (who wants to) does this routine that day, and they do it together to push each other, though they are not really competing.
The routines are usually a group of three or four different exercises that you do a couple of times, and you record your time, or how many you can do, so that next time you can tell if you have improved.
The routines usually consist of an exercise like deadlifts, then you run around the block, then you do box jumps . . . and then you repeat that three or four times.
Many of the WODs have names, usually women's names. One of the best known WODs is Fran. In Fran, you alternate doing barbell thrusters (google it if you don't know what these are) and pull-ups. You do 21 reps of each the first time through. Then 15 of each. And, finally, nine of each.
Many boxes will also have you do an 'activation' exercise before you do the WOD. It is often designed to help you work on a complicated lift, like power cleans, or to work on increasing your strength, by doing something like heavy back squats.
Few WODs last longer than 20 minutes. But you are usually in the 'box' for about an hour or so, because it is social and you are working on other things, and/or you are doing the 'activation' exercise.
Somebody correct me if anything i have written is wrong.
Hope that helps.

At my box we do about 15 min warm up, followed by a 15-30 min strength part and we end with the WOD.

The WOD is posted online or written on the whiteboard and is explained at the beginning of the class, usually (or at least at my box) they'll explain/show the different exercises so that everyone knows what to do. The coaches should be walking around to make sure you're using correct form during the exercises, especially while lifting. I'm usually there for about 1 hour.

Apart from some cycling and swimming I was sedentary before I started Crossfit. It's the first workout ever that I enjoy and am actually looking forward to. Also, don't be scared about not being fit or strong enough, they will scale the WOD for you (you can do knee-push-ups instead of regular push-ups, rowing instead of running, etc.) If you think it's something you might like, just give it a try .

All classes are instructor-led.

The coach will cover each movement of the WOD so you know what to do.

CrossFit uses a combination of Olympic weight lifting movements combined with some gymnastic movements mixed in with cardio/plyometric exercises. The WOD changes daily. The WOD is the workout that everyone does for that day. Classes usually last an hour, but that includes warm-up, skill-training, strength-training, mobility and the WOD. CrossFit is about FITNESS, not being skinny and not being a balloon animal body-builder. It's about being a lean, powerful, mobile beast.

WODs can last anywhere from 10 minutes up to a full hour depending on how it is programmed. Don't worry though, most last between 15-25 minutes. The 45-60 minute WODs are usually 'hero' WODs and you won't want to try those until months down the road. LOL There are benchmark WODs called 'girls'. They all have a girl's name. These are WODs that never change and are used to track your fitness progress. Usually your box should run through them on a 90-day cycle.

The mental factor: 80% of CrossFit is mental. You have to get passed your 'quitting point' and push through it. This is where most people fail with CrossFit or any exercise for that matter. You have to commit to being a better version of yourself daily. If you can do that you will get the most out of a WOD. If you can't commit then you are wasting your money.

The clock: Don't let this thing make you cower in fear. It's simply a tool to measure your progress. Say you do 'Fran' the first time and you do it in 25 minutes. Then 90 days later you do it again only this time you complete it in 20 minutes. There's your proof that you are progressing. That's all the clock is for... time.

When you visit, watch the coaches. Are they offering scaled options? Are they stressing form more than a fast time? Are they actually walking around coaching? These are things you need to look for. Don't pick a box simply because it's closer to you or cheaper. You get what you pay for.

Lastly, to be honest, your first 2-3 weeks are going to SUCK! You will be so sore and you will quickly realize just how out of shape you really are. Don't worry about it... just keep going. If you feel you can;t move that;s the time to get up and go do a WOD. Sitting still and being sore after a heavy workout is the fastest way to quitting. If you stay moving your muscles will loosen up and the soreness will leave faster. Everyone started the same way. You will see beasts at your box doing superhuman things. Just remember that at some point they too were sucking wind and puking when they started. The results will come. If you truly dedicate yourself and push yourself, you should see visible results in the mirror around the 8-10 week mark. Weigh yourself when you start so you have a reference point. Then DO NOT GET ON THE SCALE AGAIN OR 3 MONTHS! You are going to gain a few pounds (water weight usually) the first few months as your body adjusts itself. Stay off the scale. Let your clothes and the mirror be your measure.

Oh one thing no one ever seems to talk about. When you start, you will feel a little like an outcast. Do not take it personally. CrossFit is actually a very social and friendly community, but it does take time to become 'one of them'. This is due to two factors... 1) the other athletes don't know your personality yet so they will withhold encouragement until they see if you like to be left alone or if you like people telling you to push it. 2) there is a LOT of turn over in CrossFit. New people come in, try it out for a week or two then most quit. If you dedicate yourself and go consistently, around the 6-8 week mark you will suddenly find people warming up to you and you will become part of the 'cult' LOL. I've been going for 3 months now and suddenly I have all these new friends on Facebook, even the coaches. Just remember misery loves company and once you've shown your commitment you will be rewarded with excellent 'WODmates' who will push you to be better every day.

Best advice is to just go pull open the front door and do it. You won't be sorry.

Oh one thing no one ever seems to talk about. When you start, you will feel a little like an outcast. Do not take it personally. CrossFit is actually a very social and friendly community, but it does take time to become 'one of them'. This is due to two factors... 1) the other athletes don't know your personality yet so they will withhold encouragement until they see if you like to be left alone or if you like people telling you to push it. 2) there is a LOT of turn over in CrossFit. New people come in, try it out for a week or two then most quit. If you dedicate yourself and go consistently, around the 6-8 week mark you will suddenly find people warming up to you and you will become part of the 'cult' LOL. I've been going for 3 months now and suddenly I have all these new friends on Facebook, even the coaches. Just remember misery loves company and once you've shown your commitment you will be rewarded with excellent 'WODmates' who will push you to be better every day.

Dude! I thought this was just me! People at my box have always been very friendly but sort of insular (I'm 2 months in). That totally makes sense on the reasons why, though... Duh.

This is entirely consistent with my experience as well. We just had a competition this weekend that I went to and photographed. We then went out for a few beers afterwards because we were starting a Paleo challenge today and wanted to enjoy a few while we could. I started in July and this weekend was when I think the veterans finally said "ok, this guy is here to stay"

I'm 2 months in and I'm last more often than not. I'm getting better though, and a few times you will see a WOD and say "that is in my wheelhouse" and crush it. Those days feel really good!

In the end though, it is not about where you finish, it's about where you finish compared to what you did the last time.

This is so helpful (and still a little scary). I think I'll be ok with being last and slow as long as no one is yelling at me or pointing it out (this happened in a bootcamp class and I don't think I've ever felt so down about trying something in my life).

I come in last in the WOD at least once a month (a lot more in the beginning!) and everyone who has finished ahead of me usually cheers for me until I finish. It's pretty typical for the person(s) who are still finishing up to get encouragement from those who are done. I think that's what makes the WOD so unique. Everyone does the same workout that day. The really fast people, the really strong people and the newbies are all doing the same workout (modified individually for abilities).

I'm going to the intro class Wednesday, I'm so nervous but it's time to stop putting it off and see what it's all about! Thanks for all the info

:drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

Good luck!!

I went to the intro last night. I almost had a panic attack walking in the box- it's HUGE (and they are expanding), people were sprinting outside to the inside and doing all sorts of crazy exercises, music was blasting, everyone was super fit and knew what they were doing. It was everything that's always intimidated me about working out. I literally had tears in my eyes but I stayed.

The trainer was amazing, he scaled everything to my level without embarrassing me or making a big deal about it. My brain has been wired for the past chunk of years to constantly say 'I can't' or 'you can't do that, you're too fat/out of shape/unathletic/lazy' and those thoughts were lurking close the whole time but I really listened to what the trainer was saying and started to feel like maybe I can this time, maybe I can so I actually tried really hard at everything we did. At the end the trainer sat down and talked to us about life changes, being the best we can be, how everyone starts somewhere and crossfit believes everyone is an athlete in some way, and living a better life in general. It wasn't preaching and I didn't feel like I was being lectured, it really sank in. My legs were jello and I'm sore today but not as bad as I thought I would be. I'm going back Monday to start the onramp classes. This is so outside anything I've ever done but I'm going to try it. Thank you all for being encouraging and giving me enough insight to actually take the first step.

GAH!!! I have tears in my eyes reading this!!! I don't know you but I really am so proud of you!!! Keep going...you will be AMAZED at yourself!! Friend request coming in 3...2...1...

There's a t-shirt in CrossFit that says "Better Than Yesterday". It's true. Just keep going and you will astound yourself! Also remember you are there for YOU, no one else. Don't worry about the rest of the class. You may feel a bit lost the first week or two until you learn where everything is and the routine of the gym. Everything comes in time.

I went to the intro last night. I almost had a panic attack walking in the box- it's HUGE (and they are expanding), people were sprinting outside to the inside and doing all sorts of crazy exercises, music was blasting, everyone was super fit and knew what they were doing. It was everything that's always intimidated me about working out. I literally had tears in my eyes but I stayed.

The trainer was amazing, he scaled everything to my level without embarrassing me or making a big deal about it. My brain has been wired for the past chunk of years to constantly say 'I can't' or 'you can't do that, you're too fat/out of shape/unathletic/lazy' and those thoughts were lurking close the whole time but I really listened to what the trainer was saying and started to feel like maybe I can this time, maybe I can so I actually tried really hard at everything we did. At the end the trainer sat down and talked to us about life changes, being the best we can be, how everyone starts somewhere and crossfit believes everyone is an athlete in some way, and living a better life in general. It wasn't preaching and I didn't feel like I was being lectured, it really sank in. My legs were jello and I'm sore today but not as bad as I thought I would be. I'm going back Monday to start the onramp classes. This is so outside anything I've ever done but I'm going to try it. Thank you all for being encouraging and giving me enough insight to actually take the first step.

I think you were lucky enough to get an excellent trainer.

I'm about 3 months in and the changes both physically and mentally are really amazing. I honestly feel like I'm better and more focused at my job because of Crossfit.

I went to the intro last night. I almost had a panic attack walking in the box- it's HUGE (and they are expanding), people were sprinting outside to the inside and doing all sorts of crazy exercises, music was blasting, everyone was super fit and knew what they were doing. It was everything that's always intimidated me about working out. I literally had tears in my eyes but I stayed.

The trainer was amazing, he scaled everything to my level without embarrassing me or making a big deal about it. My brain has been wired for the past chunk of years to constantly say 'I can't' or 'you can't do that, you're too fat/out of shape/unathletic/lazy' and those thoughts were lurking close the whole time but I really listened to what the trainer was saying and started to feel like maybe I can this time, maybe I can so I actually tried really hard at everything we did. At the end the trainer sat down and talked to us about life changes, being the best we can be, how everyone starts somewhere and crossfit believes everyone is an athlete in some way, and living a better life in general. It wasn't preaching and I didn't feel like I was being lectured, it really sank in. My legs were jello and I'm sore today but not as bad as I thought I would be. I'm going back Monday to start the onramp classes. This is so outside anything I've ever done but I'm going to try it. Thank you all for being encouraging and giving me enough insight to actually take the first step.

Hooray! Good for you!

I made it through on-ramp and last night we did a WOD and I got through it. It's harder than I thought and not as hard as I thought in so many ways. I'm terrified to take a real class, our box in a couple weeks away from expanding to triple the size and classes are maxing out at almost 30 people in a small space and I'm so worried about being in the way, not knowing where to find equipment and holding everyone back.

Things I've learned:
-so much of this is mental, as soon as I think I can't I can't and I get scared and fail
-I can do it, I am getting stronger, no one is going to shame me for where I am now
-I need to take care of myself outside working out, sleep and eating are big ones

I'm signing up for 3 times a week and plan on sticking to it. I'm already anxious about my first class with a new trainer who doesn't know where I am but I bet she'll figure it out when running the 400 and I'm slower than the people walking to their cars!

Oh, and I've gained weight I have about 50 lbs to lose and thought I'd at least drop a couple pounds, I guess it takes time and I need to tighten up the eating.

Again, thank you all for the support, when I started to entertain the idea of skipping a class I told myself I needed to report back to you all and I didn't want to say I wussed out.

You're certainly not the only one feeling anxious, I promise!!!! I think weight gain is pretty standard for the first few weeks (maybe even longer). Did you take pictures/measurements. There's a good chance that your 50lb goal will change once you get down about 25lbs on the scale, but are in a smaller size then you ever were at 50lbs lighter than you are now. It's pretty crazy the difference between just losing weight and losing fat and the more muscle you have, the more fat you'll burn! Also, class size of 30 sounds WAY too big! I hope they'll have 2 or more trainers per class??? If not, you may want to look for another box. Our max class size on weekdays is about 15.