By Israel Lagares on December 15th, 2008
Thinking About Drinking the CrossFit Kool Aid
For the last few days I have been looking into trying some new group workouts. Working out with other people motivates me. Maybe it’s the football, military background…
I came across CrossFit, which seems to really kick peoples ass. There are a couple of CrossFit affiliates in the Tampa area that I have contacted, making arrangements to take my first class on Tuesday afternoon. Soreness and pain, here I come! I’ll let you know how I did ASAP. And by ASAP, I mean as soon as I can move my limbs without too much pain.
Have you drank the CrossFit Kool Aid or taken a sip? Let me know in the comments, please.
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You are still fat! You need to get it together and focus on the prize!
That is true and something I deal with everyday.
I haven’t tried CrossFit. Mostly because I’m scared and hate sucking at things. I will suck at that. I’m also a form Nazi and CF is more of a just get it done anyway ya can sorta thing. Or at least that how it seems to me when I watch the youtubes.
Though if challenge and competition motivate you, I’m guessing CF would be a great fit. That’s kinda why I wanna try it. I think I’ll wait to see if it kills you or not first though!
I do drink the CF kool-aid, and was a weakling. Luckily it is scalable and awesome. I have learned so much, and there is not a single person who can bash through the WOD without working at it.
I disagree with DaleK – CF is big on getting the forms perfect. If you do it fast and wrong, you will hurt yourself. If you do the form incorrectly, you start over until you get it right. When I started there was a month of prelims that you had to pass working on forms. I still can’t do one of them correctly, and I am not allowed to participate using that lift until I get it perfect in training.
Interesting, I have yet to try it.
I have been CrossFitting for three years.
Beth, you are correct that CF *does* focus on correct form.
Dale is correct though, there are a lot of people posting youtube videos with crappy form, & that gives CF a bad rep.
If you are interested in CF, go to your nearest affiliate & give it a try. First workout is free.
Check out the CF main webpage http://www.crossfit.com
& the message boards.
I saw more results with 2 days per week at CF, than I did 5-6 days a week at a globo gym.
Also, one of the best things about CF, is the CF community. People refer to it as a “cult”, but really, it is a brotherhood, similar to the fire department, no matter where you go. We are dedicated because it works. We support each other & cheer each other on, until every last person in the class is finished.
The fitness industry in general bashes CF because CF is exploding. There are now over 1000 affiliates, & it continues to grow, while globo gyms, in general, are not. I am seeing globo gyms close, & more & more CF affiliates opening.
I haven’t but my friend tried CrossFit. It worked well for him, if I’m right, he’s still taking it. Need to call him and ask.
Israel, if you like high intensity circuit training CrossFit is great.
They also are sticklers for proper form when it comes to strength exercises. I really cant say anything bad about them. It’s a great program for the general public, and you’ll get a HELL of a workout in.
-Justin
I love proper form, always have tried my best to keep it. A lot of guys I’ve worked out with care more about the weight they get up then how the get it up.
Yeah, training with others can be really motivating, but sometimes it’s better to do it on your own, as others can be a distraction during the training.
It mostly depens on my mood, when it comes to me.
I’ve heard good things about CF, and their multi-pronged fitness approach is really cool; however, no matter which program you try, your nutritional program is the most important variable for you right now Is; nevertheless, let us know how your workout goes.
@Jack – you’re a real big man aren’t you. You come on a guy’s blog who is Man enough to post pictures, videos, etc. sharing the ups and downs of his fat loss journey, and all you have to say is to call him names? Hey, let’s see pictures of you bare-chested …
Unfortunately the class was canceled today so I have to go to the Saturday one. That Jack dude was a spammer, but I left the comment there to show that I care not what people say and that I am not afraid of people like that, thanks for having my back Muata
From what I’ve heard, and as a general consensus in the fitness industry, CrossFit is more of a “cult” than anything. But what would I know, I’ve never tried it! I’m as curious as you are and I wouldn’t mind giving it a shot… it would fit with my competitive nature.
Keep at it Israel!
Yeah, I got that feeling on cultness, but its okay. I am not easily brainwashed. I am going to focus on the fitness benefits of the intense training. Thanks Josh!
Where ya been bro!?
I utilize CrossFit exercises and techniques, but I have never enrolled in a sponsored ‘official’ affiliate program.
I enjoy the challenges and the mindset that CrossFit promotes.
It’s not just about how you look and feel, but how your body can perform.
It’s a great way to measure body toughness and body strength.
I want to take a few classes and get a feel for what it has to offer, then I can add it to my routine on my own.
Ya there’s one here too, run by a buddy of mine whos also a fire fighter. The workout kick ass. I have yet to go, but it’s on my schedule for Jan and Feb.
not sure if you’ve read this article on “getting fit, even if it kills you” or not, but I bookmarked it for a later read
Good article, thanks for the link Rob.
That’s awesome. That’s my biggest problem is that whenever I start working out, I don’t get very far bc I don’t have enough motivation. This should help move things along nicely, and keep me motivated long enough to start seeing some results.
Israel,
I’ve been to CrossFit Level 1 certification and their methods have been influential in the way I train clients. They are sticklers for proper technique and have a great balance of strength and metabolic conditioning resulting from their “deliberately random” approach to program design.
And don’t worry about the supposed “cult-like” atmosphere. It was nothing but professionalism and comradeship amongst the folks at the certification I attended.
CrossFit is awesome! Looking forward to your first report about drinking the Kool Aid.
Train Hard!
- Vic
Unfortunately, I keep getting dicked around by the Crossfit dude here…
I’m going to go to a crossfit class tomorrow night. South Baltimore Crossfit apparently offers free session every Thursday in the park. I know it’ll kick my ass, but I’m still looking forward to it. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
@ Mike,
Great, let me know how it goes. I will be pushing back the start date for my crossfit.
I’m wondering if the universe wants us to try crossfit, b/c I rolled my ankle last night as jiu-jitsu and will not be going tonight. I will, however, rest up, tape up, and try for next week.
Sorry to hear that Mike. I hate being knocked out of commission because of injury. Get better and come at it stronger for it.
Tried out a Crossfit class a few months ago. I haven’t gone back to the class as I have been in the middle of moving into my new house. The other issue I have with going is due to the price of group classes. They offer a group class, a regular crossfit membership (go on your own) and a ramp up class. Which runs you through the proper techniques…Very helpful I’m sure. So as of lately I have just been hitting the running track behind my house and following the crossfit endurance site for cardio. I find that website is also very different from the WOD’s on Crossfit.com. Since I have been doing this type of cardio workouts my appetite is on fire. I’ve also been adding some weights in so I don’t start losing fat and muscle and have that fat skinny look. Hope that works? Not really sure what’s going to happen to my skin. Maybe I’ll tie it up, do something creative with it. Good luck with the crossfit workouts.