I wanted to take a minute and speak to those who are on the fence about starting CrossFit but have some hesitancy. First, this is completely understandable. Before beginning any type of fitness regimen you should ask questions and know what you’re getting into. That’s just wise practice.
These posts over the next few weeks will be geared towards developing a roadmap for success for those new to CrossFit or who are interested in knowing what they can expect. Obviously, I can’t speak for every CrossFit gym - just CrossFit Laminin. However, I do think the objections answered in the next few posts will serve anyone well, regardless of what CrossFit gym they are looking at joining.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be addressing the three most common objections I’ve found and heard over the past 10 years as a coach: First, “I need to be in shape to start.” Second, “CrossFit is dangerous.” Third, “It’s too expensive.”
The most common objection I hear from people on the fence about CrossFit or who would truly like to start, is the fallacy that you need to be in shape before you start CrossFit. I’ve heard so many people over the years say they were going to start running or go to somewhere like a 24/7 fitness to get in shape before jumping into CrossFit. If this actually happened, it wouldn’t be a bad idea. The problem is that those same people never go through with ‘getting in shape’ first. They simply end up staying where they are and never move forward.
The reason for this is fairly obvious. If they could ‘get in shape’ on their own, they already would have. More than likely, the reason they haven’t been able to do this on their own is because they don’t have a coach and don’t have someone to hold them accountable to reaching their goals and sticking to a game plan. This is why coaches still have jobs - because they help people do what they couldn’t on their own.
However, the real chink in the armor of this argument is it’s inconsistency when applied to similar scenarios. It’s the same thing as saying someone needs to get healthy before they go see a doctor. No, we go to the doctor because we’re sick. We don’t try to diagnose and treat the problem ourselves before scheduling an appointment. That defeats the purpose of the appointment.
Arguably, those who are the sickest need to see the doctor the soonest! Similarly, those who are the most out of shape are the ones who need to be breaking down the doors to a CrossFit gym. The person struggling to fight back the onset of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity is the one who benefits most from the CrossFit gym down the road, not the CrossFit Games hopeful.
The next time you think you’re too out of shape to start CrossFit, remember THAT is what makes you the perfect fit for CrossFit! If you were in shape for it, you wouldn’t have any need for it.
CrossFit isn’t for everyone. But the one person it is for is the person who can benefit the most from it. The further towards sickness you are, the more of a lifeboat our gym can be for you. Don’t let where you’re at prevent you from where you want to be. Start today.
