My husband loves Crossfit and is always trying to get me to join him. There's a boot camp challenge coming up and he's encouraging me to join. I'm more of a yoga and brisk walking type of gal, so that place reallllly intimidates me! But I've been complaining about feeling like I'm in a rut, and could use a challenge.
Tell me about why you love Crossfit! Did you already start out in good shape? What tips do you have for a newbie?
nectarine / 2750 posts
I have been going for about a year and I love it because it is the only time I have actually felt stronger and been able to lift heavier weights and learned new movements in my adult life. I could go to Body Pump for months, but I was always lifting the same weights and just maintaining. Now I am getting stronger and mastering new skills like real pushups and hopefully a pull up someday.
I was in pretty good cardio shape, but you can modify everything so it is really easy to get into no matter where you are starting from. And you will see improvement so quickly.
I would just jump in and give it a try. They usually have some on-ramp or intro. classes to introduce you to the movements. And know that the people at your gym aren't all going to look like they could be at the CrossFit games - most of the people at my gym just look like regular people. 
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
The beauty of Crossfit is that it is VERY encouraging! I love it because its competitive and pushes me to my limits. I love that its a whole body approach to fitness (and eating right) and the emphasis is not on how skinny you are or how jacked your arms are. It's about "did you improve" which is great. I've also made friends, which I love since my job isn't very social and is all much older men...it's also not boring and something always new is going on
pomelo / 5000 posts
@blackbird: is the socializing a standard, or encouraged, part of Crossfit? They have BBQs and other social events here.
I'm glad to hear that it's been a good experience for you both!
We're TTC, and I didn't know if starting something that strenuous would be a good idea, but I don't want to keep putting things in life on hold.
pomelo / 5258 posts
I've been doing CrossFit for three years. I was a couch potato when I started. My only exercise was jogging whenever I decided I was fat. I love that I feel strong and capable even when (or especially when)the workouts kick my butt. I also appreciate that it's pretty time efficient.
GOLD / pomegranate / 3938 posts
I my husband went for a few months to prepare for the sheriffs academy. I went once with him the morning of thanksgiving. Every one was so nice and friendly. I didn't feel horribly judged because I refused to do burpees. It can be a bit intimidating because it does seem like some people make crossfit their life and social circle. My DH just treats it like a workout and nothing more.
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
Happygal, it's part of Crossfit! My box hosts BBQ's and competitions and wine nights and such. It's fun!
As far as ttc goes, i had only been doing it 4 months when I got pregnant. The coaches scaled everything appropriately for me and gave me guidance on what to do so I could work out safely
pomegranate / 3383 posts
I've been crossfitting since January 2009 but first tried it in August 2008 with my running group. I ran half marathons and did hot yoga regularly so I thought I was in decent shape. After my first workout I couldn't extend my arms all the way for a week and it took me 4 months to go back!! But, I have to say that I couldn't imagine doing any other type of workout and not having crossfit in my life.
I love it because any person of any level of fitness can do it and benefit from it. The community aspect does play a large part but that doesn't mean you HAVE to participate and attend events. If you fall hard for crossfit (I.e. "drink the kool-aid") then you're likely going to want to hang out with like-minded people who have similar goals and interests.
I encourage everyone to try it once and to leave your ego at the door. Don't go in with thoughts of what you can and can't do. You'll surprise yourself (in a good way) either way!
pear / 1563 posts
I've been going to CrossFit for more than two years, including all through my pregnancy and now post partum ( my LO is 8 weeks). It got me in the best shape of my life, and hopefully will help me bounce back from pregnancy. I was fit when I started but had more body fat than I did a year later. I also had no real strength beforehand
I couldn't do a real pull up or pushup, both of which I accomplished within my first year.
A good box won't make you feel intimidated for being a beginner. There is usually a lot of social activity, but it's not mandatory I didnt participate in a lot of outside events before, and it's even tougher with a baby, but I don't feel any less included there.
I can't really speak to your TTC status
I was training intensely when I became pregnant, but I had been training at that level for more than a year. I know sometimes there are different schools of thought about starting up a program when TTC. It is totally scalable though, so you will be able to make it work for your goals.
I would absolutely go for it. Finding CrossFit was one of the best things to happen to me!
pomelo / 5000 posts
Thanks for all the encouragement! I love hearing that it's been such a positive experience for you guys. I'm in the same boat--not overweight, but pretty weak. When I think about handling pregnancy and a newborn, I fear I'd be wiped out from it all.
I think I'll go for the Boot Camp. If I'm brave enough, I'll share before and after pictures with you all (with my head and any identifying info cropped out, of course...I'm not that brave!)
pomelo / 5258 posts
I think you'll love it. DH and I don't participate in the social activities much after we got wasted on paleo margaritas at a pool party and made huge arses of ourselves prepregnancy.
I don't think CF would pose a TTC issue but I'm not an expert by any means. I wouldn't let that prevent you from starting but you might not want to sign up for a long term contract.
When you get pregnant its great because everyone loves a pregnant crossfitter. I made lots of new mommy friends at the gym. My gym even coordinates meal delivery for new moms.
pomelo / 5000 posts
@Corduroy: ok, that's funny.....paleo margaritas! I can see those getting me into trouble. I've seen on our Crossfit FB page that people bring their babies to their workouts. They created a little play pen area for the kiddos with the gym equipment! I think some dogs have even come to hang out before.
bananas / 9229 posts
@Happygal: I'm suppose to start the on-ramp classes in a couple weeks with a co-worker!
pomelo / 5000 posts
@lindsayinny: fun! This bootcamp is 24 classes total and starts near the end of August. We can discuss all our discussing muscles together!
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
hehe, our gym has daycare AND crossfit for kids to keep everyone entertained while mom and dad get their sweat on I love it because it makes staying in shape and being healthy a family affair.
pomelo / 5000 posts
@blackbird: what does crossfit for kids look like? Are they doing burpees and lunges? I would love to see that in action!
My current gym has a daycare, which is one of the reasons I was keeping my membership active for our hopefully one day baby. That's a great bonus.
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