Box Life Magazine shared a great article a few months back – 11 Misconceptions About CrossFit. It’s a pretty good read & definitely the perfect article to share with that friend that just won’t come try CrossFit with you! Or with your parents who think CrossFit’s dangerous & something they could never do. Or maybe you’re the one that needs to read this article since you’ve been wanting to try CrossFit, but you think you’re not in shape enough, athletic enough or you heard bad things about that CrossFit.
Take time to read the article here, but below are the highlights:
11 Misconceptions About CrossFit
1 – CrossFit is dangerous. Honestly, you’re probably more at risk working out alone at a nameless globo gym doing weights or machines by yourself. There’s no one watching you, watching your form & technique or giving you feedback on how you’re moving. CrossFit coaches are there every step of the class to make sure athletes are moving properly & to spur them on when needed!
2 – You need to have an athletic background. False! Coach Michelle typing here, I was in choir & my hand eye coordination is still questionable. So trust me, you don’t have to be athletic to learn to lift a barbell 😉
3 – You need to be “in shape” to do CrossFit. False again! CrossFit is to help you get in shape & stay that way. Sure it’s going to be challenging, maybe moreso if you’re deconditioned, overweight, etc. But CrossFit is universally scalable! You will always scale weight, reps, movements, to your level.
4 – CrossFit’s only for the young folk. Not true! If you want to be able to get up and down off the floor with ease with your grandkids, squat to the toilet when you’re 80, lift reasonably heavy things without injuring yourself as you age, CrossFit it totally for you. “The needs of Olympic athletes differ by degree, not kind.”
5 – CrossFitters are only into CrossFit. Our community is full of people from all walks of life brought together by the common thread of interest in health & fitness. But we don’t leave our other interests at the door! You’ll meet some amazing people at your box!
6 – If you start doing CrossFit, it will control you. Well, it can be addictive! But we’re not a cult, just an awesome community. Don’t be afraid, we don’t bite & are quite welcoming!
7 – All CrossFit gyms are the same. This is so far from the truth! All CrossFits are not created equal…each gym is individually owned & operated. So the coaching, programming, attention to detail, community, etc will vary from gym to gym. Make sure you try out several in your area to find a good fit for you!
8 – CrossFit methodology and CrossFit sport are the same. Also, completely untrue! The CrossFit games athletes are like the Olympians of CrossFit. They are the elite of the elite, train multiple times a day, follow a strict diet, basically are super human 😉 Most folks inside a CrossFit box are regular people with regular lives and jobs, just trying to be more fit and live a long, healthy life!
9 – As a woman, I’ll get bulky if I do CrossFit. This is very hard to do! Again, CrossFit Games athletes may look “bulky”, but they are eating & training in a certain way to put on muscle mass. The average woman wants to be toned, toned meaning more muscle & less body fat. Don’t be afraid of some muscle ladies!
10 – CrossFitters don’t do “real” pull-ups. I promise you CrossFitters do lots of “real” pull-ups, meaning strict pull-ups. Strict pull-ups are great to build strength & we recommend being able to do several before performing high rep kipping pull-ups. But kipping pull-ups have their place too, it’s all about being efficient!
11 – CrossFit is a fad. I assure you CrossFit is not a fad! CrossFit works. People get stronger, healthier, more fit…they get results. Results speak for themselves! CrossFit isn’t going anywhere.
Any other misconceptions we need to debunk!? Haters gonna hate I suppose. Don’t knock it til ya try it, though! Come workout with us & give CrossFit a shot!
