Why You Should Try Crossfit (or somthing like it)

Crossfit could be deemed as one of those "new" workouts that people think is a fad. I'm here to tell you that it's not (and not just because the Crossfit Games are now televised). I tried Crossfit a couple years ago after a friend- thanks Kayleen!- suggested it. I will admit, I was very hesitant when I walked in. For one, it really didn't look like a gym. I sorry, but no weight machines? No ellipticals?  A crossfit gym needs some racks with weights, pull up bars, rings, kettlebells, tires and mats, and that is it. The trainer assured me that he could work with any level, so I came back the next day and did a fitness test (squats, pushups, pullups) and he calculated my time. I felt like I was back in PE...not the fondest of memories. But I said screw it and decided to give it a month. Sure enough, I fell in love and went back regularly (until my gym closed...sad day).

Crossfit is based off of functional moves. The theory behind it, is that you can do the workouts anywhere with anything (bags of groceries, etc). Can you hurt yourself? Absolutely. But that's with any gym, any workout, any trainer. You know your body better than anyone else, so listen to it. So why is Crossfit so stinkin' popular? Here's what I think...

1) The moves change daily and you will rarely repeat a workout in a month. There is NO room for boredom. Some days you're running, other days you're pushing tires, and others you're swinging a kettlebell over your head. People like variety as do our muscles. Changing up your workouts so often keeps you engaged and prevents your body from hitting a plateau...hence, quicker results.

2) Crossfit really is for everyone. I started out as a beginner lifting the lightest weights possible, and running like a snail. After a couple of months I was holding my own and my weights and time had gotten better. Whether you're an athlete, a fitness pro, or a beginner, Crossfit is customizable to your level.

3) It's a contest. Now who doesn't like a little challenge? Each workout your weight and time is posted for the gym to see. I don't know about you all, but that was motivation to me. I NEVER wanted to see myself lifting the lightest weight or being the slowest in the group. Doing the workouts with other people kept me accountable and pushing myself a little harder each time.

4) You can do it anywhere. There are a ton of apps available, or you can just write down your workout each time you do it, and have that little list handy. If your gym is closed one day, or you're traveling, you can choose from your handy list and do it anywhere. Don't have weights? That's fine, make it a push-up and air squat day, or do Death by Burpees (it really is death). No matter where you are, you can find a workout to do.

5) The workouts are short. And I mean SHORT. I hate long workouts. I've never understood people who ran on a treadmill for 45-60min a day. I would fall asleep running. I want to get in and get out as quickly as possible, BUT I want to feel like I actually worked. Sometimes Crossfit workouts are as short as 10min or as long as 30. No matter what, I promise that you WILL feel like you got a fantastic workout in.

Still not convinced? Most gyms will let you try one session (or even a week) for free. I am currently not at a Crossfit gym since mine shut down. However, there are alternatives. I do my workouts from home these days and still have an app on my phone for days I feel all Crossfitty. I also do T25 which reminds me of Crossfit due to all the functional moves and the constant change-up (plus, I don't have to leave my house to do it). I'll be honest, Crossfit gyms are p.r.i.c.e.y. Like $100+ per month. So if you can't afford it, understandable. But take the theory and run with it- constant change up, and functional moves. Check out the crossfit.com website. Try T25 or P90x (both similar concepts) and do it from home. Just don't be that person that runs on a treadmill every day ;)