I hear people make negative comments about Crossfit athletes because they say we are too obsessed or its just a social club, its too dangerous, our muscles are too big or two small or too fake. I hear others complain that Crossfitters kip, the workouts are too long or short or heavy and that there is not enough policing of the trainers and their methods.
Recently a friend told me he didn't want to come to Crossfit because he didn't want to join "The Cult"... I laughed of course, because I knew he was kidding for the most part, but I think deep down he truly believes that it sort of is. He uses me as an example of someone who got swept up in the Crossfit current.
When I chose my gym (box) initially I wasn't looking to "Crossfit", I wanted results and had been having a hard time achieving them. I had no reason to Crossfit over anything else, all I wanted was the best training for the best price... again, I wanted RESULTS!
- When I finally settled on a box it was not because I needed more friends or because I needed to fill my day, however in the process I have met some awesome people who share a passion that I now have.
- It was not that I wanted to be tough and put myself through the pain of uncomfortable WOD's, however I believe that most goals worth reaching require hard work, stretching, and even pain sometimes.
- Here's what I think about the "obsessed/addicted" comments. Let me ask you, have you ever had a baby, bought a new car or gone on an amazing vacation? Who did you tell about it? how often did it come up in conversation? How much time and money did you invest in it? If you woke up tomorrow weighing 35 lbs less and upon looking in the mirror could see muscle definition in your arms, do you think you'd be excited? Do you think you'd tell your friends? I have a very full, fun exciting life outside of Crossfit. But you better believe I'm going get down and dirty, pouring 110% of myself into it and do it as often as time allows and shout it from the roof tops when I succeed.
- Here is a challenge for you. Go to a very public place and look around. Try to guess which folks are Crossfitters, Golds gym, home gym, or have personal trainers. Can you decipher? No, because each body is different. So why marter Crossfit for exaggerated muscles. Were up, were moving were happy and we want more than anything for you to do it with us! What i'm getting at is that Crossfit doesn't make your body anything you don't want it to be. The level of fitness you have is your choice.
- There are absolutely Crossfit owners and trainers out there who have no business coaching a WOD. Just like there are bad teachers, bad parents and bad cops. This falls into the consumers responsibility when choosing their place of fitness. BUYER BEWARE! Just because someone charges an arm and a leg for you to join does not mean they know a hill of beans about what they are making you do. Just because a gym has great marketing, or new equipment does not mean they have any idea of how the body should respond to a work out, the bar, or an injury should it happen. Find a place with history, experience and a great reputation for quality leadership. You want honesty? Just ask a member, they will tell you exactly what they think.
