On a recent trip through the grocery store, perusing only the perimeter of course, I ran into friend I hadn't seen in quite a while. I was sporting the REPOWARRIOR shirt, so you know how the conversation got started. It wasn't more than 2 minutes long, but I learned everything I needed to about his concept of what we do at CrossFit. While I know a few folks out there understand our passion and zeal for all things CrossFit, the majority haven't got a clue. So, here are my top ten signs your friends don't know a thing about CrossFit.
10. "I'd rather workout on my own."
No you wouldn't. The reason you workout on your own is you don't want anyone to know that you never train legs and you always do bis/tris/chest. It's easier to show up at the gym and look like your working than it is to swallow your pride and train with a group of badasses. Plus, it's easier to pick up women when you're by yourself.
9. "I know, it's like circuit training, just harder."
No, it's not. That's like saying the NFL is like my kids flag football, just harder. While circuit training and CrossFit require movement of the limbs and pumping of the heart, that's where the similarities end.
8. "OMG! That is such a cult...you guys are all crazy!"
Ummmmm..... Okay, maybe this lady gets it a little bit.
7. "I need to get in shape before I come do CrossFit."
One of my all time favorites. A clear misconception of reality here. That's like saying I need to lose 15 pounds then I'll start exercising. CrossFit is a fitness regiment that is infinitely scaleable to meet any athlete at their current fitness level. Personally, I love seeing the overweight guy that can't touch his toes, do a squat or sit up on day one progress to a beast in 180 days. Start here.
6. "Well, I've been doing Zumba for over a year. I don't know that I could be in any better shape."
Okay.... Riiiight. While I am secretly a fan of Zumba because I like to dance, I don't think I'd care to have a Zumba-er be forced to carry me out of a burning building if I were injured. General Physical Preparedness saves lives and changes lives.
5. "It's way too intense for me."
Well, okay then, Sally. Spoken like a true "I want to workout but don't want to sweat" fitness buff. There are places you can "workout" without ever breaking a sweat where walking, lying on the floor and doing a few squats...for weeks...is considered a workout. So ya, to that person, CrossFit is intense. But WE all know that it's the intensity that fuels the results. And, we get results.
4. "People get hurt all the time."
This one really irks me because generally they've been told that by someone trying to discredit what we do, usually a competitor. It is true that since CrossFit it is a sport, not just a workout, that injuries do happen. However, the incidence of injury in our box is no more than that of any other training facility. When you move weight, especially big weight, sometimes the body doesn't respond and there is nothing you can do about it except take the right steps to recover quickly and get back at it.
3. "I don't want to look like those CrossFit ladies on TV."
Sure you don't. Have you seen Christmas Abbot? Julie Foucher? Stacie Tovar? What you really mean is you could never work hard enough or be disciplined enough to look one of these ladies. Truth is...you can.
2. "I've done P90x."
Of course you did. Who hasn't? But who still does P90x?
1. "I like to lift weights."
Hahahahahahahaha! Oh, that's right...we don't lift weights in CrossFit.
See you at the box!
