Fit in the City: CrossFit
It seems as if everyone’s heard of CrossFit, the latest
fitness rage that has taken the country by storm! I must have been living under
a rock because I certainly was new to the name when I first saw a Groupon
deal for it. Well, curiosity got the better of me and I ended up buying that deal for
unlimited CrossFit classes for a month. Did I like it? Was it life-changing?
Here is my experience with the fitness program, from the time I stepped into
the CrossFit Hell’s Kitchen location to when I ended it a month later with sore,
callused hands (dramatic, much?).
What it is:
CrossFit is a fitness company with locations across the US that offers a
strength and conditioning program. It combines movements such as weight-lifting,
sprinting, rowing, and jumping rope to achieve a high intensity workout. These
elements are incorporated into a WOD, or workout of the day. While that may
sound like a lot of other group exercise classes you may have taken, CrossFit
is structured differently (you can read about their philosophy here). Performance on each WOD is often scored or
ranked to track individual progress and encourage competition (no pressure,
now).
What I love:
The thing about the CrossFit workout routine is that it’s not routine.
As mentioned, there is a new WOD every day. Much of the workout is centered
around using weights and performing different forms of weight-lifting (including
Olympic-style lifting). The class involves bodyweight exercises and use of
barbells, dumbbells, gymnastics rings, pull-up bars, and kettlebells. Because
CrossFit demands an intense and total body workout, the classes are short (45
minutes long). By week 2 in the class, I definitely noticed a difference - my arms and legs felt and looked more
toned!
Anthony Preischel is the very buff owner and head coach of
the CrossFit Hell’s Kitchen location. I found him to be very approachable and
knowledgeable, knowing how to help you achieve the correct posture and
technique while performing some serious
weight-lifting.
What I don’t love:
Snatch, clean jerk, overheat squat, push jerk, push press – I had NO idea what
these words meant before I started this program (I still don’t). If you sign up
for this, t’s really advisable that you take the Essentials class first to
acquaint yourself with this terminology otherwise it’s really confusing. This
might explain why I felt really lost in class the first few times. In addition,
there are some seriously buff people in this class who take CrossFit very
seriously. The amount of Rambos and Rambettes I saw added up to making the few classes
a little intimidating!
Obviously, the issues mentioned above were those that were
specific to me, and I got over them quickly. There are, however, a few
things I would suggest changing about CrossFit. For one thing, the place needs
a serious do-over. A warehouse converted into a gym with a makeshift locker
room and grungy bathroom is not very appealing. Secondly, the classes don’t
start on time, which is irksome for a punctualist like me. Also, while Anthony
is a great head coach, I’m concerned as to how he can possibly keep an eye on
everyone in such a big class. With an unbalanced ratio of students to
instructor, I worry that someone might hurt themselves if he’s not there to consistently
check on their form and technique, especially
when they are doing crazy heavy lifting of weights (I’m talking over 150 lbs
here!).
Verdict: No
doubt that CrossFit provides you with a great workout and fast results, if
that’s what you seek. I might offend a lot of CrossFit lovers by saying this but, while the Groupon deal was great, I don’t think I’ll be
going back because of the reasons listed above. My callused hands can breathe a
sigh of relief.
About the Author
6 comments
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ReplyDeleteamazing post, dear~!
ReplyDeleteI saw your blog link at IFB forum for bloggers and found a lot of inspiring outfits and posts here in your blog~!,
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❤
Olga / blogging from South Korea
http://www.myblondegal.com/
Giveway / Розыгрыш
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DeleteThanks soo much for your kind words and for following! Will visit your blog asap!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about doing this and had heard about it, but I am glad I got to hear an honest review of it before I do. I think I will stick with something a little more tame for lil' ol' me :)
ReplyDeleteMany of the people lifting heavy probably would have been happy to answer your questions if you had asked. Did you ever try speaking to any of the members you dismissed for taking their training seriously?
ReplyDeleteI always love to hear your comments. If you enjoy reading Urban Mantra, please follow me on Instagram and Facebook as well. Thanks!