I’m the kind of person who has a passion for physical activity and wellness. I love trying new activities and challenging myself to new adventures – variety is key! And that’s exactly what got me hooked on CrossFit: there’s always something new to learn, always something to improve upon—which is a long way of saying, it’s never boring!
I started CrossFit in January of 2014 when I found myself in a rut with my fitness routine. Previous to CrossFit I lived a very active lifestyle. I enjoyed running, biking, snowboarding and lifting weights. I did however have a hard time feeling motivated to attend my daily sweat session at a local fitness centre. Knowing nothing about CrossFit other than that it was supposed to be “really hard”, I got on Google, found Gas City CrossFit, and emailed my future coach, with a ton of questions. I was a huge skeptic and very fearful that I’d hurt myself, and rightfully so. I got a quick and lengthy reply from him, assuring me that everything would be scaled to my ability, and with that, I hesitantly decided to give it a try. Pushing my fear aside and walking through the door for the first time was hands down, the BEST thing I did for myself that year.
What exactly is CrossFit?
CrossFit is broadly defined as “constantly varied, functional movement, performed at high intensity”. Workouts are referred to as “WODS” (Workout Of the Day) and CrossFit gyms are referred to as “Boxes”. Classes consist of a warm-up/mobility, a strength/skill activity, the WOD, and a cool-down, all packaged into about an hour’s time. WODs are designed to offer modifications for all levels and abilities, so don’t think you have to be “in shape” to be able to get through your first CrossFit workout. But, you WILL work harder than you probably ever have before, and that’s what’s going to get you in shape before you know it.
What makes CrossFit so awesome?
1. Every class is different.
On any given day you might find yourself blowing off steam pushing sleds and good ol’ fashioned tractor tire flips, and then maybe working on your Olympic lifts. Another day you might find yourself doing pushups and air squats, climbing ropes, and working on your handstand walks. Another day you might run 5km with your teammates or do a partner row and learn some new mobility techniques. No two days are ever the same, and that’s and huge part of what keeps me coming back.
2. You’ll see the results fast—and you’ll feel them immediately.
Very shortly after I started CrossFit, I committed to making some changes in my diet. After my very first class, I remember feeling astonished at how sore my muscles were—much more so than I’d ever felt after taking the elliptical for a whirl or floundering my way through the gym circuit. I was working harder at Gas City CF than I ever had before, so I figured the cleaner I ate, the better my body would feel, and the quicker my muscles would recover. I started tracking my macros and counting my calories and believe it or not, I was under eating and needed to increase my daily dose of fats, carbohydrates and protein. The combination of cleaner eating and incorporating healthy doses of high intensity, varied exercise was my secret sauce. It didn’t take long for me to notice changes in my performance as well as my physique. At first the increase of muscle tone made me self- conscious, but it didn’t take long for me to be proud of every single muscle on my body.
My CrossFit journey has been just as much of a mental awakening as it’s been physically transformative. It’s helped open my eyes to incredible, mind-blowing strength that I never imagined I was capable of. It’s the best money I’ve ever invested in myself, yielding astounding physical and mental returns.
3. The community is supportive and FUN!
There is ZERO shame or embarrassment here if you’re slow or can’t do a certain movement. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. You’ll likely find that you have a team full of cheerleaders pushing you to get your chin over the bar one last time in the WOD as you finish your banded pull-ups. Fist bumps and high fives run rampant at Gas City CF. And there is nothing like celebrating people’s firsts. First pull-up, first muscle up, first box jump…the list goes on. The combination of surprise and excitement that I see in so many people’s faces with a first gives me goose bumps and a huge lump in my throat every single time. There is truly nothing like witnessing someone’s self-confidence increase right before your eyes in that manner.
Do your research
Before you go running to shell out the dough for a membership, don’t be afraid to try out a few different boxes and find the right fit. Don’t be shy. Ask about your coach’s accreditations. Ask if you can observe a class—are the newbies being attended to? It’s your right to find a place where you feel safe and supported—your well-being should always be the number one priority. CrossFit is an infinite cycle of setting goals and then CRUSHING them. It’s about conquering fears. It’s about realizing and celebrating strength you may never have known you had in you. It’s about building community. It’s about having FUN!
And as our saying goes at Gas City CrossFit it’s about being “better than yesterday”.
To get involved in Cross Fit in Kindersley check out Bodyfit Fitness Centres
Check out Gas City Crossfit in Medicien Hat here
Feature Image Source: Submitted by Sonya Brown
