CrossFit

Crossfit is awesome. Not only it combines strength and conditioning but its also fun. One of the hardest workout is called, "Linda".

Yeah, i saw them on television too and it was making me think I should do it. There's Crossfit gyms opening around by me too.

There are two types of Crossfit out there. One you do on your own by following their website WOD's (workout of the day). The other is to go to a Crossfit gym or meet up with a Crossfit group. I have done both and I strongly suggest the later. It is amazing how much more you can do with people cheering you on and how much more fun it is doing it.

Just make sure that your crossfit gym emphasizes form over speed. Too many times have I read, seen, or heard about people getting hurt because of their trainers pushing them too hard in crossfit. Not to say that you shouldn't push yourself, but make sure that your gym recognizes this importance. Do your research on the trainers working there.

That's the beauty of Crossfit; and an affiliate that has well trained coaching staff.
Universal scalability. Every movement can be modified. Onramp classes teach you the movements and allow the staff to get to know your strengths, weaknesses, and adjustments. Combination of weight lifting, gymnastics, endurance/cardio helped me to build muscle, strengthen my core, burn fat while sleeping, and visible tummy muscles for the first time in my life (and NOT from doing situps). Still carry plenty of subcutaneous fat stores in my legs. Where I started to lose my weight was topside (lost my boobs). It's all genetics where you gain & where you lose.

I'm a stickler on my form. At my age (almost 50) I have to be careful. Have a couple of previous injuries and spinal stenosis (blame my dad's genes). Been doing CF for 3 years. Love the challenges, love our gym (we call them boxes) community, and I thrive on teh competition (you don't have to compete to do CF). We offer a yoga/gymnastics class, crossfit kids twice a week, olympic lifting (snatch & clean/jerk), and women only workout twice a week. It can be considered expensive, but going 4 x week for me = $10/class for personal training.

I did the CF Games Open this year. Watched the 2012 CF Games online (they were just last weekend). Will be doing the Masters' Chipper workout tomorrow at open gym. Then I'll compare my time to those ladies who were in the games. That's what motivates me to keep working. www.games.crossfit.com for archived footage from this year's competitions.

Some folks are pushy about it being the "best" fitness. But CF is not for everyone. My husband doesn't like it. Some folks are intimidated by barbells and pullups. Not everyone has a competative nature, they don't care how heavy of weight they can lift or how fast they can row 500m. However, if you like it, go for it.

kona
Registered Dietitian, Crossfit Masters

There's a CrossFit group on here and also several CrossFit threads already started. Glad to see the gym you are joining has an on ramp class, that's usually a sign of a well run and knowledgeable coaching staff.

Good luck!

There's a CrossFit gym that just opened up near me, within walking distance. I checked out their website, and it looks hard! I am obese and have been mostly sedentary, so I'm way out of shape. Would they really be able to modify the exercises so even I could do it?

I just joined a gym that is also a Crossfit affiliate. They have Crossfit wod every day of the week. We were doing our workout in the area and the guy who teaches the crossfit class came up to us. He commented on my form (deadlift) and helped hubby fix his (hahahaha). He also invited us to his class. He said he would help us learn proper technique and also adjust whatever I may need to keep up. I'm still 300 lbs but he said I should come! I took this as he thinks I could do it!

We're considering the class but it's 7am in the morning (ugh I hate mornings) and school is starting soon so it could be out of the question.

Any age, any size can do a crossfit WOD. Everything is universally scalable. Wounded warriors do it. kids do it. folks >60 yr old do it. A good trainer can modify any movement & any workout so everyone finishes at the same level of effort.

Can't do a pullup? How about a ring row instead, or jumping pullups, or using a heavy rubber band.
Can't do a box jump? Bet you can step up on a 12" box.
Can't lift a bar bell? Bet you can do the movement with PVC pipe first. Or can only use 1 arm? Can do the lift with a dumbbell.
Can't run? Bet you can walk or row.
Can't do 7 rounds of these movements? Bet you can do 4 rounds.


No such thing as "can't", just "let's adjust/modify so you CAN".

kona
Registered Dietitian, Crossfit Master's

Are they similar to boot camp classes?

Check out the crossfit.com website it'll give you an idea of what it's like.

I do Crossfit and I am in LOVE with it.
I do it 4-5x a week.

I really feel a difference. I feel stronger and more satisfied with my body. I feel tough, and I absolutely love that feeling! From being grossly over weight to tough, I couldn't be happier!!

Crossfit is half muscle power, half brain power. You need to play the mental game with yourself in order to finish the WOD. I like that because it reminds me that willpower is SO important in day to day life - not just in food choices.

I highly recommend it. No matter WHAT state your body is in. Modifications can be made to every work out!