CrossFit For “Loners”
Lately, I’m amazed at the number of questions I’ve been getting in regards to “CrossFit”. Two years ago, I knew very few people who understood “constantly varied, functional movements, executed at high intensity”. In fact, I spent most of my time defending my unorthodox workouts to baffled onlookers in my local globo-gym. But these days, it’s quite different. CrossFit (CF) is everywhere and growing: two local affiliates, numerous new CF certified trainers in town, weekly stories shared at local events of individuals doing these “crazy workouts” and getting great results. I guess it’s for these reasons I’m now frequently asked “How do I get started?”
Guess you could say there are 3 typical ways one becomes a “CrossFitter”; the individual who prefers to workout one-on-one with a certified CF trainer: the individual who would rather exercise with others, meeting at a local CF affiliate to do the WOD (workout-of-the-day) together as a class; and last, there are folks much like me, who really want to do CF on their own in a local or home gym. As George Thorogood says “I prefer to be by myself”. This blog post is mainly for the CF “loners” who want to get started in CF but have no idea where to begin.
My first disclaimer before this conversation goes any further involves the responsibility inherent in choosing to “do CrossFit on your own”. You are responsible for studying copious amounts of information in order to clearly understand the CF philosophy, concepts, and exercises. You are equally responsible for actively searching for guidance and hands-on instruction by either training with a certified CF trainer or by participating in CF certificate courses and/or speciality seminars. You must have a clear understanding of how to execute the CF method and exercises correctly. Why? Because you can get hurt. Dr. Ray of CrossFit Flagstaff, spoke at the CF Science of Exercise Certification in Texas and described the similarities between CF and prescription drugs. You need to know what you’re ‘prescribing’: the right dose can be very beneficial; the incorrect dose can be dangerous, if not deadly (see The Truth about Rabdo). That said…
CrossFit in 5 Easy Steps
Step One
The Crossfit Journal publishes articles and videos daily on all matters pertaining to CrossFit. Of the thousands of articles included in this journal, I usually recommend the following two articles to newcomers interested in CF:
I met Cheryl at a level 1 CrossFit cert I was coaching several years ago. Then I saw her at another Level 1. Then a CrossFit Nutrition cert...on the other side of the country! Then another! Cheryl has a a seemingly insatiable desire to learn. This curiosity, as powerful as it is takes a back seat to perhaps one thing however and that is Cheryl's desire and capacity to HELP. I think one of the most profound things any of us can do is leave a legacy of helping. I was very excited to hear about her forthcoming blog and will be reading it every day.
Cheryl,
It says here that Cheryl has a new blog. I say, it's about damn time. Cheryl has been accumulating knowledge and experience about the serious side of exercise for a while now, and I can't think of a better ambassador for barbell training to women who typically refuse to consider its benefits. One look at Cheryl dispells any apprehensions they may have regarding the aesthetic effects, and she is quite capable of explaining the health and fitness advantages to this group of folks in desparate need of a better way to approach their exercise prescription.