8 Tips for CrossFit Beginners
Everyone who once started CrossFit had the same worries that everyone does. Will I fit in? What do all these terms mean? I can’t lift that! So, I decided to come up with some tips for CrossFit Beginners. I think they will help not only beginners but those who have just not done it in a while as well.
The great thing about CrossFit is that you will see so manydifferent people at different parts of their journey. You will have some peopleon the beginning of their fitness journey, never have worked out, some may beoverweight or even obese. Then you will have those who come a couple times aweek just to maintain their fitness. There are also those that seem to behitting new PRs all the time and can lift heavy and run and do everything! Andif you are lucky enough to go to a gym where elite crossfitters workout at, youwill literally see some of the most amazing athletes on earth.
Regardless of where you are at in your journey, every person walks into a CrossFit box with the same questions and concerns. You are not alone. And unlike most gyms CrossFitters love their community and want everyone to succeed at whatever their goal is. No one is turned away or made to feel bad for what they can or can’t do. So let’s get started!!
8 Tips for CrossFit Beginners
1. Be prepared to work.
CrossFit is designed to be highintensity work, but the coaches and even other members can’t make you workhard. You must be the one willing to push yourself and work hard. If you don’t,then you won’t see the results that you are looking for. You will be encouragedto push yourself, but no one can do the work for you. And just because you arenew doesn’t mean that you won’t be expected to get the same stimulus as some onewho has been doing it for a lot longer.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Any workout program can be confusing atfirst to people. There is nothing wrong with asking questions. A lot of thework done in CrossFit can be very technical. It is always better to be safethan sorry. I am a CrossFit trainer and am still asking questions of mycoaches. You are always learning new techniques and new skills and there willalways be someone who knows more about something than you do. The coaches wantyou to ask questions. How will you learn or get better if you don’t ask?
3. Learn the lingo
Now this part will take a little bit longer,as there is a lot of different acronyms and they are always adding more. Iwould recommend just learning the basics. The coaches will go over everyworkout before you do it so there is no confusion. Some of the lingo still getsme when I read it originally and then once the coach explains it, then it makesmore sense. The most common ones will be AMRAP (as many rounds/reps aspossible), EMOM (every minute on the minute), and then movements, FS (frontsquat), PC (power clean), DL (deadlift) just to name a few. You will learn asyou go so don’t feel bad!
4. Scaling is ok!!
I can not stress this enough!! Ihave been doing CrossFit for years and even a trainer and there are stillplenty of moves that I cannot do as prescribed. Or weight that I can’t lift.Everyone starts off scaling and then works their way up. And when you finallyRX your first workout you will be so excited and so will everyone else for you!Scaling options are there for people who can’t do the RX but still get asimilar stimulus and the same type of workout as everyone in the class. Andeveryone scales differently based on their skill level. Its not just you eitherdo pull-ups or ring rows. There are steps in between to get you to where youneed to be to improve.
5. Listen to your body and your coach
This is how you prevent injuries!! Trust meI know from experience!! Listen to your body and let your coaches know of anyaches or pains that could be serious. Muscle soreness from a good workout doesnot count. If your coach is watching you do a movement and gives you adirection to correct something, listen. I know it isn’t always easy, but theyare trying to help prevent you from hurting yourself and to help you move better.
6. Suggested clothes
This is simple. Wear what is comfortable for you. Obviously, it needs to be athletic wear. But if you prefer leggings and a baggy shirt, then wear that. If you wear shorts and a tight tank then wear that. You will get no judgement in the gym. Shirts come flying off in the summer like it’s nothing. In the winter people are fully covered. You will learn what works for you as you go along, but to start anything athletic will work. Even shoes.
7. Suggested gear
As far as gear goes, to get started you don’t need anything but yourself to start CrossFit. Even as you progress it is up to you and your preferences to purchase gear. I have CrossFit shoes, wrist wraps, a lifting belt, a jump rope and grips that are kept in my car so I am prepared for whatever comes at me in the box. But none of these are required and they have all been purchased over time. I also have stuff for an at-home gym, so I am not the norm.
8. Have fun!!
This is so important. Your fitness journeyshould not be something you dread doing everyday. You should enjoy going to thebox and seeing your coaches and fellow crossfitters. You should enjoy getting aPR or beating a time on a workout. I joke that at the end off class we arethanking our coaches for the round of torture they just put us through. I enjoyand want to come back for more even if I feel like I died during the workout.
I hope this helps you! CrossFit is something that is helping more people in their everyday fitness needs than it is a sport for the Elite. More chances than not you won’t be working out with Elite level athletes daily. You will be working with normal people just like you just trying to improve their life. Just remember to keep working and have fun!
Don't forget to check out our Workout of the Week posts to get you moving!! Or even try our 28 Day Kick-Start Program to jump start your at home fitness.
Don't forget to check out our Workout of the Week posts and our 28 Day Kick-Start program designed for at home workouts!