Six Things I’ve Learnt From My First Six Months At CrossFit

Posted on January 1, 2020December 31, 2019by Admin

Six Things I've Learnt From My First Six Months At CrossFit

Back in July I made the decision to finally join our local CrossFit box after months of watching them on Instagram. I was very apprehensive about the entire thing because from the outside CrossFit can seem quite intimidating, but that’s not really the case. Here’s six things I’ve learnt from my first six months of CrossFit.

1. Everything is scalable

I remember watching videos of CrossFit workouts and thinking there was not a chance I was going to be able to even attempt it but they have a progression for everything. The coaches will walk you through several options for moves until you find something you’re capable of doing that will not only push you enough but will help work a similar muscle group to help you achieve the unsealed move.

2. It’s not as intimidating as you may think

I remember popping down to our box to pay my deposit for my beginners elements, watching the workout and thinking “oh my goodness what have I gotten myself into”. I felt so sick with nerves before my first class but it was all for nothing. The people are friendly and supportive and the workout is hard but doable. You’ll make it through!

3. I’m a lot stronger than I originally thought

So I coach gymnastics and I’ve done sport most of my life but I’m so weak as I’ve never really done any kind of weights. In just six months I’ve doubled the weight on my squats, upped my deadlift by 20Kg and even upped the weight (slowly but surely) on my strict press. It’s such a good feeling to add even just 1Kg to a movement or pick up a heavier kettlebell for a specific workout. You take the mini victories where you can get them!

4. CrossFit is complicated but hang in there and it becomes so worth it

There’s so much to CrossFit between EMOMs, AMRAPs, 1RM, emptying the tank, TTB/TTR/TTS/HKR/HSPU. The first time I looked at the board it honestly looked like a bunch of letters and numbers. Six months in I feel like I’ve gotten the hang of things. I’m starting to finally understand what progression I’ll be working on, what weight guide I should stick to for workouts and I have an idea of what weight I should be aiming for during our strength sessions. It’s such a good feeling to walk into the box knowing what my aim is for that day.

5. It’s not all strength, cardio is a big aspect of CrossFit too

In our box we have three cardio machines: ski, bike & row, alongside the classic burpees, box jumps and double unders. Don’t get me wrong there’s a lot of strength and conditioning within your hour long workout but there’s often a large cardio element to it as well.

6. It’s true that “the only workout you’ll regret is the one you didn’t do”

I can’t explain how good CrossFit has been for my mental health. For one it’s nice to have a routine but I also start my morning by socialising with all the other lovely people in the box. There are so many mornings I’ve woken up and the last thing I wanted to do was workout, but not once have I ever regretted actually doing a workout (and yes FRAN I’m even talking about you).

If you’ve been thinking about trying CrossFit for a while now consider this post your nudge to just get out there and do it! I promise it’ll be tough but definitely worth it!

Love Jana xox