Why choose CrossFit?
CrossFit is defined as constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity to improve work capacity across broad time and modal domains. That definition tends to bring to mind the hugely muscled, shirtless dude lifting 400 pounds or hitting sets of 5 muscle-ups on the rings. And I get it, that image in our heads feels impossible to ever match. When I tell people that I do CrossFit, reactions vary from “Oh yeah, I’ve heard of that,” to “I’m not fit enough to do that!” But the vast majority of people who CrossFit are not the top 3% athletes you see on TV - they’re everyday people who want to make their bodies move more efficiently, have a healthier cardiovascular system, and maintain mobility as they get older. It is my firm belief that CrossFit is universally scalable, for any individual at any fitness level and age, and I want to help you break that stigma of “I can’t,” and see what you can achieve.
From Greg Glassman’s article “What is Fitness?” published in October of 2002 at the beginning of the CrossFit era: “The question regularly arises as to the applicability of a regimen like CrossFit’s to older and deconditioned or untrained populations. The needs of an Olympic athlete and our grandparents differ by degree not kind. One is looking for functional dominance, the other for functional competence. Competence and dominance manifest through identical physiological mechanisms.
We have used our same routines for elderly individuals with heart disease and cage fighters one month out from televised bouts. We scale load and intensity; we do not change programs.”
So why do people keep coming back to CrossFit, to the point where the internet memes jokingly refer to it as a cult? We asked some CrossFitters for their answers, and overwhelmingly it comes back to the community. As Rebecca P., a CrossFitter for 10 years, put it: “The community is the best aspect. I have never been in an environment where all athletes are supportive of each other, whether you are the most fit and seasoned athlete, or the new person trying their first class. CrossFit forges long lasting friendships and a family-like community.” Everyone is supportive of each other, regardless of fitness level, regardless of what weight you rack up. If you’re hitting a PR (personal record) or a new skill for the first time, then everyone is right there, cheering for you. As adults in an increasingly divided and isolated society, the shared suffering and desire to improve builds a bond that lasts for years and crosses miles - even if you drop into a CrossFit box in an unfamiliar town, the sensation of community is the same.
Tonya V., a CrossFitter for 8 years, speaks to the variety of workouts as a draw for her: “I started CrossFit after getting bored with my at home workout routine, trying running and yoga (but not sticking with them), and wanting something that would challenge me. I didn’t realize when I started CrossFit in 2015 that I wouldn’t just become physically stronger, but it also helped mentally and emotionally, too. I was someone who got bored with workouts easily, often becoming too routine, but CrossFit varied movements. I was never doing the same workout twice, so I was working different muscle groups constantly and seeing results.”
As Jay, another longtime CrossFitter, states: “This is something people need to hear. CrossFit can seem scary or extreme if you haven’t done it. But with the right CrossFit coaches and community, people of all skill levels, physical challenges, injuries, ages, and body types can find a way to do the same workouts together with modifications as needed. Proper mobility training and modification of the exercises are in my view a key to developing a personalized workout during each session. It’s not about seeing what the athlete next to you is doing, it’s about being honest with yourself about where you are and pushing to your best without letting your ego get in the way and overdoing it. Ego leads to injury. Comparing yourself to others leads to injury. Working with coaches and your own awareness to personalize your training gets crazy long term results, without injury.”
Nicole B. also mentions the atmosphere of CrossFit gyms: “Why should you join CrossFit? There are many reasons and I am sure you will fit into at least one of them! So here we go: a community that becomes family inside and outside of the gym, motivation to learn new skills leading to new disciplines. These new skills help further develop strength and coordination leading to better quality of life! Functionality that applies to everyday life in how we move our bodies. Overall a fun and positive place to better yourself and set examples for loved ones as you crush your goals!”
Both Jake and I love the community of CrossFit and watching others achieve their goals. For me, exercise is one of the best tools I have to help with my mental health. As for my physical health, I figure if my body is going to hurt anyway as I age, it might as well be for a beneficial reason! On a more personal note, both of my parents have degenerative diseases that have accelerated in the past three years - seeing them go through this decline has only strengthened my resolve to keep my body as healthy and physically active as I can, for as long as I can. I want to be able to get down on the floor and play with my grandkids when I’m 80 - and be able to get back up. And I want to help others find that same strength and functional movement so that they can do the same.
Want to see for yourself? Check out our *free* Community Class every Saturday at 9:00 AM!
