Why CrossFit? How did you hear about it? What made you join? What keeps you coming back?
Yes, technically that's 4 questions. Feel free to answer any or all. Just click on the word "comment" at the bottom of this post.
I came across this article online, who can relate?
As of this week, I am now into my third week of CrossFit. This is my first full week of regular classes after graduating the introductory On-Ramp classes. In my short time at CrossFit, I have noticed a definite trend in my emotions. I call it the Five Emotional Stages of CrossFit:
1. Fear and Dread:
This is how I feel when I read about the upcoming WOD on my box's facebook page I oftenworry think about the WOD for up to eight hours before actually doing it. This is kind of absurd considering the WOD itself only lasts between 7-20 minutes. This is where I have to learn to fight my brain and push past the negative thoughts that tell me I'd rather go home and watch prime time television (or sleep in). Of course it is going to be hard. It is supposed to be hard. That is kind of the point.
2. Acceptance:
Once I arrive at The Box I instantly feel better. Everyone is very friendly and supportive. It is probably the least intimidating gym environment I have ever been in, as far as the other athletes personalities are concerned. There are more than enough people around willing to help build you up, to give you pointers and the confidence you need to get through it. I even start to get this false hope that it won't be that bad.
3. Pain & Suffering:
This is how I frequently feel during the WOD. I sometimes actually worry that I might die (or puke). At times I have seriously contemplated throwing down the barbell and running out the back door in tears to never return again (I would never actually do that). I feel pain. I am suffering. I am making faces that would scare small children (no one take my picture please). I am paying someone money to feel this kind of pain? What is wrong with me? I remind myself this is all making me stronger. I am doing this on purpose.
4. Total Elation:
Immediately following the 7-20 minutes of pure hell, I feel a top-of-the-world elation that is hard to describe. It is kind of like a runners high, but better. I may be laid out on the floor while I am feeling this, but even if I finished in very last place, I pretty much feel like a total bad-ass. These are probably some of the happiest minutes of my day.
5. Excitement:
This is the part when I go home and all I can talk about (to my poor hubby and anyone else who will pretend to listen) is CrossFit. I rehash every miserable minute with such enthusiasm, one might think I was crazy. Wait, I'm confused, it sucked? So why are you so happy? I am very excited at this point to face the next challenge. I imagine my future-self doing unassisted pull-ups, handstand push-ups, and back squatting my own body weight! I can't wait for the next class...until the next day's WOD is posted on their facebook page.
Then I repeat the cycle...d
1. Fear and Dread:
This is how I feel when I read about the upcoming WOD on my box's facebook page I often
2. Acceptance:
Once I arrive at The Box I instantly feel better. Everyone is very friendly and supportive. It is probably the least intimidating gym environment I have ever been in, as far as the other athletes personalities are concerned. There are more than enough people around willing to help build you up, to give you pointers and the confidence you need to get through it. I even start to get this false hope that it won't be that bad.
3. Pain & Suffering:
This is how I frequently feel during the WOD. I sometimes actually worry that I might die (or puke). At times I have seriously contemplated throwing down the barbell and running out the back door in tears to never return again (I would never actually do that). I feel pain. I am suffering. I am making faces that would scare small children (no one take my picture please). I am paying someone money to feel this kind of pain? What is wrong with me? I remind myself this is all making me stronger. I am doing this on purpose.
4. Total Elation:
Immediately following the 7-20 minutes of pure hell, I feel a top-of-the-world elation that is hard to describe. It is kind of like a runners high, but better. I may be laid out on the floor while I am feeling this, but even if I finished in very last place, I pretty much feel like a total bad-ass. These are probably some of the happiest minutes of my day.
5. Excitement:
This is the part when I go home and all I can talk about (to my poor hubby and anyone else who will pretend to listen) is CrossFit. I rehash every miserable minute with such enthusiasm, one might think I was crazy. Wait, I'm confused, it sucked? So why are you so happy? I am very excited at this point to face the next challenge. I imagine my future-self doing unassisted pull-ups, handstand push-ups, and back squatting my own body weight! I can't wait for the next class...until the next day's WOD is posted on their facebook page.
Then I repeat the cycle...d
I approach my box time like I did when I was in basic training in the Army (wow, that was a long time ago). I just go in and do it. The pain will only last for a small period of time (3 months worth in Basic Training) but it does come to an end and you learn so much and are a better person because of it.
ReplyDeleteKeep your head up and remember that the pain you experience is only temporary and, if you stick it out, it will only get better and easier.
I chose Crossfit because it was the next level of activity I needed. Working a body part a day, alone, got boring and lonely. I totally talked my way thru each workout just to get it done. When I first saw the banner up at CFSV I so wanted to walk in right then but I didn't. I think it took me a few weeks to actuall Ball up and try a Saturday WOD. Oh and let me tell you seeing a post on Jenni's wall AKA Ninja got me excited. She even offered to come workout with me :9). So I did a free Saturday WOD and it kicked my ass. But I completed and Jenni cheer me on the whole way. And can I say doing a Team WOD, with Ninja and it being a total full body workout it was good to hear Mike say "you're doing great!" I'm just so happy it wasn't my first ever Bootcamp so I kind of knew what to expect :9). After that I was hooked and now have been a member a year and 3 months. I am grateful for the on ramps to prepare us on form, agility and hell. I am grateful for the trainers Ellie, Dallin, Sara, Mike that I started out with who helped in my progression, PR's and RX's and modifications throughout the year. I never imagined I would do so much and have Fun while getting my ass kicked. I Love all the classmates I have met and worked out with and glad to say I can call them my family and friends. I'm excited to start the new adventure with our new trainers LaDee, Sadee, Taylor and Lindsey :9). They are doing a great job! Whether I'm nervous or not. If I sign up for the week, plan on me being there. Fast or slow, RX or modified I will complete my WOD! Hard work and Dedication Baby :9)!
ReplyDeleteHm. Why Crossfit? Good question. Well it all started with my mom... Isn't that where it all starts? After having quit cheer, my mom encouraged me to start Crossfit, so I decided I would. "Just for the summer". Famous last words right? This was back in June. I have now completed over 100 WODs and am officially hooked to say the least. It didn't start out that way, my mom had to drag me in there. Now she can't keep me away! I keep coming back because the hard work, the accomplishment, the encouragement. I love the people there, so down to earth and compassionate. There is nothing like Crossfit, and I know it will be a big part of my life forever.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and kids were involved along with many of my friends. I wanted to try something different this year to train for the cycling season. Since I bolted past 29.5 years old, winter weight keeps taking longer to shed even with 200+ miles a week on the bike. I think my doughy core will benefit the most (and time with family and new friendships).
ReplyDeleteI"m happy to say my love of Crossfit started with my love for the Lord. Our small church began a garage box and it grew from there. I love the intensity, but more importantly to see the accomplishment of everyone in the box. To see REAL people working REAL hard gives me joy! My love for exercise and intensity has grown 10 fold since starting Crossfit. I'm so thankful that I get to be around so many awesome and inspiring people and especially something I can share with my own family. Who better to inspire you than them?
ReplyDeletemy mom is my inspiration. I keep going because it makes me stronger. I love it!! it makes me feel stronger mentally and physically. I have unhealthy genes to start out with, and I would like to stick along for as long as I can. I love crossfit so much and my life wouldn't be the same without it. I wouldn't have met my bestfriends, or any of the other amazing people there. that is why I love crossfit.
ReplyDeleteI saw the signs, heard the noise and figured I needed to see what it was all about (benefit of living behind the box). I'm a life'r for sure. For me, it's the only workout that I've really ever stuck with, been excited about and wanted to keep going back. I love that it's something different everyday and that I still get nervous when I'm walking up to the whiteboard to see the WOD. The friendships I've made at the box are amazing and love that I have people to push me everyday. I'm an crossfit junkie for sure.
ReplyDeleteMy first CrossFit experience is when Mike and Sara graciously held a clinic for my triathlon club in October of 2011. As an avid runner and triathlete, I immediately knew that this type of workout would be an incredible cross-training workout.
ReplyDeleteThe CrossFit workouts have done many things for me. They have greatly improved my aerobic capacity, which of course improves my racing ability. And, more importantly, the workouts have trained my body and mind to be able to go past the anaerobic threshold and withstand that threshold for longer periods of time. Each WOD, I just have to tell myself, "this will help you in the long run...suck it up!!!"
Of course, the workouts, supplemented with my general running, swimming and biking, just improve my overall health, physically and mentally.
I've been running for about 7 years now, and I'm happy and proud to say, that after starting CrossFit, I PR'ed in 2012 in 3 different race distances: 5K, 10K and the marathon. It's pretty cool to get older AND faster!!! This year, with the help of CrossFit, I plan on breaking the 20 minute 5K barrier.
And of course, last but not least, it's also the people that keep me coming back for more torture, er, I mean WOD's. Everyone I have met there are so genuinely kind and supportive. There are so many strong CSV'ers that I look up to in awe!!! And the trainers are Awesome!! always watching form so we don't get hurt and cheering us on.
Thank you CSV and my fellow CrossFitters!!!
ps--I wish there was a 'Like' feature for all of these replies, as they are all so great!!!
DeleteI felt the same way as everyone started posting :0).
DeleteI heard about Crossfit from a friend of mine who was going to another Crossfit in the area. I tried a boot camp class with her at another gym and wasn't sure about it. I spoke to another friend of mine who wanted to join Crossfit and I needed a change because going the gym on my own wasn't working. When we spoke to Mike about joining he was excited and made it sound awesome. The people keep me coming back. I love my 6am friends and can't imagine not seeing them several times a week. Also, it works! Especially if I'm consistent.
ReplyDeleteI definitely relate to those emotional stages! How is that girl reading my mind?? I freak, talk myself down, almost die/puke, walk on clouds, blab, and repeat...
I have owned several gym memberships in my time. I think I have actually used those gym memberships 10 times. I never really felt that I fit in with the meatheads and the chicks that looked like dudes. Besides, how do you use all those machines anyways? So, I happened to run into Miss Buf Wood and she told me I just had to give crossfit a try. I dropped my kiddos off at school one day and was going to "drive by" the gym. I happened to meet Sara at the door. She answered a few of my questions, told me to go home, register on-line for the on-ramp class and be back to the gym at 11:00. Well, there you have it. The rest is history. I have been crossfitting now for almost a year and I love it. I am so thankful to have been able to introduce this to my kids. I love seeing their hard work and there is nothing like a "Go Mom" in the middle of a WOD.
ReplyDeleteI love CrossFit because of many reasons. I love it because of the camaraderie. I have met some pretty amazing people here, and I feel like CF is my home away from home. I tried global gyms for years, and I have never been consistent with exercise since CF. And I am proud to say I have been working out on a consistent basis for 1 1/2 years! Thats pretty amazing for me. I found something worth doing. In the box, people in there care about your performance— and I love and appreciate that. And I have learned SO much about nutrition from Miki which is helping me reach my goals!
ReplyDeleteI love CF because there is no other place where the person finishing last also gets the loudest cheers! I was introduced to CF by an amazing friend who was already in love with it, and I soon caught that crazy bug. CF has challenged me physically, emotionally, and mentally. Nothing makes me go through every human emotion in 10 seconds and make me anxious to come back for more. The people I have met a number of people through CF who are genuinely great people.
ReplyDeleteWarner and I were running by because I had complained for days about getting back into some kind of exercise. We had basically stopped doing anything after running a half marathon a few months earlier. We ran by the box and Warner said we should go in. I just wanted to write the phone number down and call later but he kept walking to the open door. Sara was between classes so he asked her about Crossfit and said I was looking for something. In her true Iron Maiden way she asked him what he was afraid of and we started the next day. We love everything about it but mostly the acceptance, love and support we feel every time we walk in. CFSV trainers and people make it our best hour of the day.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are the best Laura! I didn't kinda pull the Iron Maiden out straight away w/ Warner. LOL =]
DeleteThis is for Mike and Sara! Mike started CF first back in '09' and said I must do it. I was scared and said that stuff sounds CRAZY! I don't think so. Well he signed me up and I did my first On Ramp and thought I would die. 3 years later I am still CF'ing and now own two, so I guess I love it! =]
ReplyDeleteI heard about CF from my cousin and running friends. They all talked about how hard it was but how rewarding and fun it was too. After running a handful of half marathons and getting bored with just running, I decided to try it out. After only a few WODs, I am hooked!!!
ReplyDeleteWhy Crossfit fit because there is nothing I hate more in life than routine and thats what the gym started to feel like. After the baby I told my self i need to do something different, I saw what it did for tony even though he would come home super sore he would always be excited and really nervous about the next work out and thats exactly what I needed, and after a couple months im seeing changes so im sticking with it!!!
ReplyDeleteGood question Miki!
ReplyDeleteI first heard about Crossfit at a family dinner at grandma's. My uncle had been Crossfitting in Ogden for awhile, and he pulled out his phone to show me a youtube clip of the games. I was intrigued, to say the least! "Sadee, you've GOT to try this..you would LOVE it." Uncle Mike knows me too well ;). A couple months later I walked into my first box, CFSV! CF was everything I never knew I always wanted :D. Achievement-oriented, social, challenging, and not boring! I can't wait to continue to progress and watch others around me do things they never thought possible....there's nothing quite like it :)
My 18 year old daughter started doing it ..one of her HS friends dad owned a box in Clearfield. She kept trying to get me to come, but she went at 5am so I never could get up. On New Years day I went with her to a free one, and loved it. Loved the variety and that it wasn't the same workout every time. After just a few visits, my body felt stronger and able to do more than I had every done...so that got me hooked.
ReplyDeleteWhy CrossFit? Gooooood question! I ask myself that every morning when my alarm goes off at 5:30am. I have NEVER been a morning person, but since drinking the "koolaid" I look forward to my 6am peeps! My son Keagan was the first to start. His determination, dedication and discipline had an overwhelming influence on my husband, Patrick. Between the results and the non-stop CrossFit chatter in my home, I had to come try it out. I was hooked! Sore and tired, sore and tired...I still keep walking myself in early in the morning to have my butt handed to me! Why do I keep coming back...it's my 6 am trainers & friends, the anticipation to see what I will do next, and the way I feel when I DID IT!
ReplyDeleteThis is Patrick-
ReplyDeleteI Crossfit because it is without question the best form of fitness training!! Intense and efficient! I first heard of Crossfit from my friend Matt in Idaho. He has been Crossfitting for about 3 years and is in phenomenal shape and kept encouraging me to try it. That along with the results my son, Keagan was getting, it was time for me to try this Crossfit thing.... Crossfit has become not only a big part of my life, but also a big part of my families life. I keep coming back because of the "community" that is ever present in our box. These people have become my family, my cheerleaders, my friends!
thanks for my sharing my article! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Well-written and I laughed out loud when I read it because it is SO TRUE!
DeleteMy dad wanted me to start CrossFit and use it as training to get me more fit for Rugby. Me and my dad started to take the on ramp classes together then he had to stop because we couldn't pay for both of us. Luckily we worked something out and he could start back up. after a while of me and my dad doing CrossFit my older brother joined down in Orem at Put It Up CrossFit. For a while it was just us three CrossFitting then my mom joined and after her my sister got involved. CrossFit has become my primary sport and the environment there is amazing. I have made new friends and met so many great people because of CrossFit. I can't wait to see what the years to come can bring us all.
ReplyDeleteThe Challenge!! I heard about it from a friend that had Crossfitted for 3 months and loved it. I decided to join after seeing a groupon and thinking I need a change from the same old workout. I come back because of the people and the Challenge. The people that I have met have become friends, I look forward ever morning to come to the box and get my butt kicked by them.
ReplyDeleteI started Crossfit after a dear friend of mine saw how unhappy I was. She started and LOVED it!! So she signed me up. My first Wod was 100 Meter and 10 push ups and 10 ring rows 3 rounds. I was crying in pain!! And the trainer there was so encouraging. He made me accountable to come back. If I didnt show he would call me or text me. After a few months I started loving it!! Watching my body change and how strong I was becoming. I LOVE the Family feel. 3 years later I still have a love for it!!!:)
ReplyDeleteCrossFit was placed in front of me - readily available when my parents opened CFSV. I managed to complete on-ramps and decided, meh... It's too hard, it takes up too much time and I'm in good shape already. Thanks anyways mom and dad. Yet, I go nearly every single day now.
ReplyDeleteThe most important question is why do I keep coming back? I love CrossFit. I love to feel strong and push myself to try new things. I love to compete against people that I love. I like to wake up in the morning and it hurts to get out of bed from being sore. I love to know I'm doing something extraordinary with my time. CrossFit doesn't just make you physically strong. It makes me feel better about myself. It helps me understand strengths and weaknesses. If I could let everyone do CF for free, I would because imagine a world of strong, happy, fit people that all kick A together. That is why I choose CrossFit. That is why I keep coming back.
Why CrossFit? It is the hardest thing I've ever done and I've always loved a good challenge. How did you hear about it? My tiny hero, Becky Headrick kept going on and on about it and I felt like I was missing out on something super great. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. What made you join? From my first modified workout on free Saturday I was hooked. I loved the family atmosphere, the challenge of the workouts, and the variety of exercises. What keeps you coming back? The people are my new extended family.
ReplyDeleteTyler's uncle and his employee told me about Crossfit about 3-4 years ago. I was pretty skeptical, I didn't believe that I could get a full body work out and totally burn myself out in such a short amount of time, and get results. But I wanted to try it for myself and see what I was capable of. At the time there were not any options for me that were realistic...until CFSV opened. I went with Miki on a Saturday and pushed myself as had as I could and I haven't stopped since.
ReplyDeleteI have loved Crossfit not only because of the results, but everything else it offers. I think the number one thing that Crossfit has given me is the ability to accomplish hard things. Not just physically but in every aspect of my life. I have learned that if I just break down large tasks into smaller I can do things I thought impossible. Thank you Crossfit especially CFSV nearly 2 years going strong, and many more to come.
The two biggest reasons that I love Crossfit are the sense of family/community and the fact that it pushes me harder than I would EVER push myself on my own. The people I have met at this box are some of the hardest working, kindest, and supportive people. Sometimes I feel like I am in over my head, and the next thing I know, a fellow cross-fitter who finished the WOD before me is right there running by my side and cheering me on. You don't find that anywhere else!
ReplyDeleteFive years ago my nephew introduced our family to Crossfit. He took five of us to a WOD and all of us are at it still. Crossfit is often the topic at dinners with extended family. Unless someone tells me what to do I wander around the gym for a while and eventually end up on an elliptical. I like the variety and I love the people.
ReplyDeleteThis is for Tyler he is telling me what to type while he is driving:
ReplyDeleteI Crossfit to try to keep up with my wife who is amazing and hot. And kicks my butt at Crossfit. Go team!
Whatever Jenni. You just wrote that. It's true, so that's okay. :-) Travel safe.
DeleteLOL! Tania :0)
DeleteCrossfit is fun for old people. I love it even though it kicks my butt.
ReplyDeleteGood thing you're not old!!
DeleteIn 2008 I was looking at colleges and where I wanted to play soccer. My cousin had told us about CF and how great it was. My dad thought it would be good for me to learn how to ‘lift’ before I went to school. After my first WOD (Cindy, with modified push ups and jumping pull ups) I couldn’t rise my arm to wash my hair. From there I was hooked.
ReplyDeleteFor eight years I was having problems with my legs whenever I would run. In college they would swell after 30 mins of playing. A few years and nine doctors later I found out it was because I had chronic muscle strain in my calves and bone marrow edema in my tibias, my shines were swelling because I had stress fractures. CrossFit has been a way to survive my colligate career, help rehab my legs, and push my self mental and physical pass things I thought I couldn’t do.
I heard about Crossfit from a co-worker. She would tell me about her workouts and I was just amazed by the movements, the weight, the intensity....everything. So, when CFSV had their grand opening I decided to check it out. I started my on-ramps the following Monday and have been hooked since. I love the sense of accomplishment, the inspiration and encouragement from everyone.
ReplyDeleteCrossFit South Valley Member #1
DeleteI heard about CrossFit from my brother-in-law who made it sound so fun and challenging. I started to just give it a try and I keep coming back because it is such a fun new challenge everyday and never gets boring. I feel like I always have something new to work toward.
ReplyDelete