So there are not a lot of fitness activities I’m scared to try, but for some reason CrossFit has been a fascination for me (it sounds badass!) but also something I was a little afraid of. See, I was scared of one of the two things happening: 1, being in a line of people and asked to do 100 pull ups consecutively and only being able to do two, then being sentenced to sit in the corner with a “weak ass” dunce cap on; or, 2, being surrounded by judgmental people who hate anyone who doesn’t do CrossFit or eat Paleo.
Today I got over my fear and headed to a CrossFit class at United Barbell in SOMA.
I had polled some fellow FitFluential friends about this and encountered a really helpful post from Nancy about it which assuaged some of my fears. My coworker who brought me also did a great job explaining everything there was to know and making it seem really simple.
CrossFit gyms are super simple: none of the fancy cardio machines seen at Crunch Fitness, but rather, lots of weights, barbells, medicine balls, pull-up bars, ropes to climb, and so on. Totally different than what I’m used to but I was really excited to change up my workout.
We started with a warm-up that included a short run, some stretches, squats, and then a bunch of weight lifting. I wish I could tell you the names of the moves we were doing but in the excitement of all of it, I forgot. It involved a large amount of weight being lifted up and thrusted above your head, something I have not done in a long time. Everyone went with as much weight as they could.
Then we moved on to the Workout of the Day (WOD). The WOD only takes up a small percentage of the one-hour class, but is by far the hardest part. Today we needed to do 2,000m on the rowing machine, 100 lateral jumps over a huge weight, and 50 burpees (pushup at the bottom, jump at the top). When I read that on the board I thought it sounded so easy. Then we started doing it for time and about halfway through I was FEELING it… it took me 20 minutes to finish! Then we stretched and all of a sudden it was over.
I LOVED my first CrossFit experience! It was just like I expected in some ways (no-frills, lifting big weights, sweat) but very different in others. I wasn’t sure what to expect attitude-wise, and the two people I met who worked there were EXTREMELY nice and the girl who led the workouts was incredibly helpful. My technique sucked across the board, but instead of making me fell bad about it she was nothing but supportive and helpful. The others there at the class were really nice too. And best of all, I felt like I got a great workout in only an hour without pushing it that whole time, either. This was a much more supportive place than a recent class I took (just wait for the next installment of I Tried It: Pole Dancing).
I would really like to join a CrossFit gym (particularly this one, it’s literally around the corner from my workplace and the people were so nice, plus my coworker goes there) but it’s pricey. Wherever you go, you’re paying $200+ to go a couple of times a week unless you’ve got a sweet corporate discount. I definitely do not have the money for that, but I want to try to save up to do this for three months. I think it would really revolutionize my body and strength.
I recommend anyone thinking of trying it out to go, at many places your first class is free!
Courtney
PS. still time to enter my coffee giveaway!
Ever tried CrossFit? Any interest?
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I have NOT done a Cross Fit workout. However, I occasionally go to a smallish gym up in Sacremento that is similar to a good CF box. There, though, they work less for quantity for time, concentrating on perfect form every time. We flip tires, fling leverage clubs, swing kettlebells and lift barbells… I love it all.
If you’re ever interested and would love to join me, let me know. A 2 hour Saturday workshop only costs $20 – and the weekend long seasonal Strength Camps are a great escape for a weekend.
deb roby recently posted..Ritual
hey deb! that sounds AWESOME! what’s the name of the gym?
Courtney recently posted..I tried it: CrossFit!
If I could afford it & had time, I would totally join SF CrossFit (behind the Presidio Sports Basement). Kelly Starrett runs it, who I think is awesome. It’s supposed to have a less cult-ish atmosphere than most & be really fun & supportive too.
Angela @ SF Road Warrior recently posted..Long Race Etiquette: A Spectator’s Guide
I’ve heard awesome things about CrossFit but I have yet to try it. Since I recently started training for my first ever marathon (!!) I’m going to focus more on running for the next few months, but I definitely want to still check out CrossFit!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic recently posted..The Best Things I’ve Eaten on Vacation (So Far)
Awesome post! I’ve been secretly wanting to try crossfit recently. One of my friends from work is like hardcore obsessed with it and it shows! But she’s been doing it for so long it’s a little intimidating, it’s nice to hear that they’re really supportive/helpful!
Caroline recently posted..My green office
I felt that way about yoga until I went. I’m not graceful and the idea of “being on with myself” sounded like crap. And then I went and fell in love. I’m still not great at meditating, but after a few months my balance and strength are definitely improving. I guess it’s all about biting the bullet and taking that first jump/class.
Christine @ BookishlyB recently posted..My Best (and Worst) Of 2011
SIMPLY AMAZING. I bow down in awe.
Alyssa recently posted..Jingle Bell Hell Virtual Run
This post is awesome! Your entire first paragraph basically explains my exact feelings towards Crossfit – I feel like everyone in the class would be glaring at me for not being able to do the correct moves that everyone else is doing.
I also have never tried Crossfit before. One of my friends actually runs a Crossfit gym in San Jose, called Crossfit Moxie.
http://www.crossfitmoxie.com/
He has invited me to come to some of the classes before, but he messaged me right about when I got injured for the first time back in March 2011. So I’ve been hesitant to do it, because I haven’t been fully healthy yet.
I’ve also been considering getting a running coach, my mind has just been spinning recently with trying to know what I should be doing to rehab from my stress fracture. So I think I’m at the point that a coach would be really helpful. I guess the cost might be a factor, I have no idea how much they cost.
So if I do crossfit in the future, this post was really useful! Sorry for the long winded comment!
Nelly recently posted..Shoutouts of the year
I have always wanted to try CrossFit, but it is just too expensive for me! Sounds like major fun though!
Maureen recently posted..Can You Hear Me Now?
I’ve never tried cross fit but you made my ears perk up about it now…I’m freaked right out at the thought of it…Because I would be the one doing GIRL pushups, 2 of them, and then collapsing on the ground.
Katie@Real Food Katie’s Way recently posted..Stuffed
Oh my gosh, how did I not see this til now? Great post – glad you enjoyed CF!!