“It looks too intense”
“I need to get in shape before I try it”
“It’s too hard”
“I haven’t lifted weights before”
“I don’t want to get injured”
These are all just excuses; little things you’re telling yourself which mean you haven’t started CrossFit, even though you know you want to.
If you ask any coach I bet they’d tell you that they’ve heard it all before.
Sure, it looks hard, but CrossFit really can be done by anyone, whether you’ve never lifted a day in your life or if you’re a regular gym goer, in this article I will tell you why it’s time to cut the excuses and give CrossFit a try.
Firstly it’s worth reading what is CrossFit?, to refresh your memory on CrossFit and some of the acronyms that you’ll see in this article.
Why Do CrossFit?
The most important question may just be why you would be considering CrossFit in the first place?
Most people start exercising to lose weight, get fitter, healthier and to become better versions of themselves.
CrossFit is the same, with a few added benefits. People see the insanely ripped physiques of anyone that takes CrossFit seriously, and they want it.
It’s likely that if you’re reading this, you feel the same.
It’s no secret that CrossFit will help you to achieve all of those things above.
It IS an incredibly tough workout, one that challenges you mentally and physically and pushes you towards and past your limits, but why are you holding back?
It looks Too Intense
CrossFit is pretty simple, one workout a day that can be done by everyone.
Young, old, male or female, the workout is exactly the same.
However to cater to everyone, each workout also has the opportunity to be modified.
If you can’t squat the set weight, you will modify to a lighter weight, or perhaps a bodyweight squat.
If you can’t do pull ups you’ll have the opportunity to use bands to assist you on this exercise.
The premise is simple, everyone does the same thing but at their own level.
It doesn’t matter what that level is.
Worrying about it being too hard or too intense is therefore a non issue.
You only do as much as you can and as you improve, as you grow stronger, fitter, faster and healthier, you’ll be able to work harder and challenge yourself more.
Each WOD gives a simple set of instructions and if you can do it exactly as it was prescribed, you’ve ‘RX’d’ a workout (it means you did it exactly as it was intended), if not, no worries.
But you only work at an intensity you’re capable of.
I Need to Get in Shape Before I Try It
It doesn’t matter what level of fitness you’re currently at, CrossFit will challenge you.
I’ve heard countless stories of people that consider themselves ‘fit’ only to be left humbled by their first workout.
Like we said above, you work to the best of your ability at your own respective level and push yourself regardless.
Waiting till you’re in better shape is just an excuse to put off starting now.
You’ll never be in your ‘best shape’ until you start CrossFit, so bite the bullet and start now, you’ll thank yourself for it.
I Haven’t Lifted Weights Before
This can be a legitimate concern for some people and I get it.
You see the CrossFit athletes lifting ridiculous weights, at speed, and think to yourself “I can’t do that”.
Unfortunately, what you don’t see is the hours of coaching beforehand, to get them to that point.
Each box will have various coaches, and their job is to coach you safely through the exercises and teach you the skills you need to be able to perform the exercises safely.
Plenty of people that HAVE lifted weights before may not have done the Olympic style lifts, and they’ll receive the same introductory coaching too.
When you arrive at your box the coaches will take you through your induction where they explain everything and teach you the basics.
Once you get into that day’s WOD, remember you can modify everything down to your level.
Even If that means using extremely light weight or bodyweight, you’ll still be able to take part.
I Don’t Want to Get Injured
Nobody does, but here’s the truth.
Injuries are a part of athletic competition and fitness, whatever the sport, and injuries can happen.
But just because they can, it doesn’t mean they will.
In 15 years of lifting weights I’ve never injured myself.
But playing Basketball between the ages of 13-18 I rolled my ankles more time than I could count.
Hell just last week I sneezed pretty hard and almost threw my back out.
There’s a risk associated with everything we do, but the job of the coaches is to minimize the risk and to educate you on how to perform moves safely and with proper technique.
The reason why I’ve never been injured lifting weights?
Because I use correct technique and followed the instructions of my coaches that taught me.
I then take precautions with what I do:
CrossFit put the basics in place to keep your workouts and you safe, you just have to follow them and use common sense.
Is it REALLY Perfect for Everyone?
With all that being said, there is a very small selection of people that CrossFit probably is not for.
Conclusion
CrossFit is for everyone and your excuses are just that, excuses!
Whatever your circumstances, CrossFit could be perfect for you.
It’s a new wave of exercise that people all over the world are falling in love with.
It’s simple yet challenging, fun yet serious and also has the added bonus of helping to torch fat and build muscle whilst giving your self confidence a gigantic boost.
If you’re thinking about starting CrossFit and whether or not it’s for you, it is, now go get started.
Leave a Reply