I’m interested in it, but I need to get fit before I start. It’s too intense for me and I know I’ll get hurt. While I entirely understand and respect their concern, it’s important to know that there is no baseline that must be achieved before starting. Here are three reasons why you are ready RIGHT NOW.
Foundations Classes
A well-managed affiliate will require every newbie to complete an on-ramp course. These courses usually comprise of four to six classes over a two week period (formats differ amongst affiliates) where a CrossFit Certified Coach will introduce the athlete to most of the movements seen in a typical class as well as ways to scale them to current ability level. Intimidation is a common barrier we hear about and the foundations classes keeps these beginners amongst other people who are learning for the first time rather than having to feel like the newbie in a group of veterans. Once the athlete graduates from the on-ramp course, they will be familiar with these movements and have a firm understanding of their current ability with each one. This familiarity and understanding builds confidence in the athlete, allowing them to move forward on their fitness journey.
Mechanics —> Consistency —> Intensity
CrossFit [noun] |ˌkrôsˈfit | = Constantly varied functional movement, performed at high intensity. Yes, by definition, CrossFit is intense. Although it’s one the reasons this program works so well, it’s usually the one thing that scares a lot of people. However, intensity is not even part of the equation until the athlete learns the movement with proper mechanics, and then performs the mechanics consistently. As Coach Greg Glassman, the creator of CrossFit says, “first, learn the mechanics of fundamental movements; establish a consistent pattern of practicing these same movements, and, only then, ratchet up the intensity of workouts incorporating these movements. ‘Mechanics,’ then ‘Consistency,’ and then ‘Intensity’– this is the key to effective implementation of CrossFit programming.”