The Good and the Bad about CrossFit?

kimberlyanne0522
kimberlyanne0522 Posts: 38 Member
edited 2:36AM in Fitness and Exercise
At the prompting (ok shoving) of a very adamant MFP friend (he lives for CrossFit) I've been "trying" CrossFit. I say trying because it might be about the hardest thing I've done. I do a lot of things, and do them well... I am no stranger to hard or strenuous exercise and workouts, and I both surf and waterski, but in the week that I've done CrossFit now, I can't seem to get even remotely more comfortable. Can women be successful and does it get easier?

Replies

  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    Sure. You think anyone comes out and finds this easy at first? That is the whole reason we do things -- that is, to get better.
    There are many women who are incredible at it at my gym. And I mean 'incredible.'
    My experience is that the improvement comes pretty fast, and, with it, the motivation to continue.
  • rejectuf
    rejectuf Posts: 487 Member
    Lots of women do crossfit and are very very good at it. Many Crossfit gyms are made up of a majority of women.

    Crossfit is a mixed bag as a training mechanism. There's better ways to lose weight. There's better ways to gain strength. There's better ways to improve cardio. But Crossfit represents a good middle ground.

    Something else Crossfit has issues with is quality of coaching. There are amazing Crossfit coaches, but there are also terrible ones. The licensing and qualifications it takes to become one are a joke. You need to thoroughly evaluate who's teaching you the very complex movements that are involved. Ideally they'll have USAW training, an outside weightlifting certification.

    They should also not rush people into some of the gymnastic movements. You should not be attempting kipping if you are overweight and lacking in shoulder strength. It's a recipe for shredding rotator cuffs.

    All that being said, I've done Crossfit for over a year and love it. I lucked out with having an amazing gym almost right across the street from me. I'm moving soon and am dreading having to find another gym.
  • Southern_hobo
    Southern_hobo Posts: 4 Member
    CrossFit is an addiction! It challenges you physically and mentally to a point of no return and makes you realize that you can do more than you think but have a lot to work on. The biggest thing about CrossFit is the no man left behind mentality which is great for those that need that extra push which we all fall short sometimes. Women do get excellent at CrossFit. The box I go to is owned a woman and most of the members are women. Their ages range from 10 to over 55 and youd never know. Its amazing how life changing it is. Just stick with it! I got faith in ya!
  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    kimberlyanne0522 wrote: »
    At the prompting (ok shoving) of a very adamant MFP friend (he lives for CrossFit) I've been "trying" CrossFit. I say trying because it might be about the hardest thing I've done. I do a lot of things, and do them well... I am no stranger to hard or strenuous exercise and workouts, and I both surf and waterski, but in the week that I've done CrossFit now, I can't seem to get even remotely more comfortable. Can women be successful and does it get easier?

    I totally get what you are saying. But, that's what it's all about, right?--not getting comfortable.
  • Warbux
    Warbux Posts: 1 Member
    If not getting comfortable is equal to not having fun /enjoying then I wouldnt do it. First I'm not a woman but I am a firm believer you have to enjoy the workout even if its tough. While crossfit is great for many I didnt really care for it.
  • Klhernandez81
    Klhernandez81 Posts: 62 Member
    The motto is get comfortable with being uncomfortable...in the sense that every workout should be intense enough to push your limits and build endurance and strength...but it should not hurt. It will, however, start to "click." As you learn the correct form for movements you will learn to move the weight more easily, or move your body around the weight, etc. the fun is when you see improvement each week!! I love, love crossfit and have amazing coaches, but like those mentioned above it is really important to pay attention to your limits and give yourself time to get to know the movements. It doesn't happen overnight, but kind of like running, you don't go from no running to running a 5k right away ;)
  • kimberlyanne0522
    kimberlyanne0522 Posts: 38 Member
    Thanks to everyone for your responses, I really appreciate all the motivation. It sounds like, as much as I love to immediately be good at something, CrossFit takes some time to get both used to and good at. I will keep going... I got this!! Thanks again!
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