There was an article roaming around the internet a couple weeks ago from a girl on why she wouldn’t do CrossFit. I saw it pop up on my News Feed a few times from people being like “YES! Exactly!”
To be expected, it was followed by numerous articles about why other people choose to do CrossFit and all the benefits of doing so. When I saw this article pop up on my News Feed, I had to read it and ultimately, I had to share it. Because at the end of the day, it’s about finding a fitness activity that YOU enjoy and doing THAT! Find something that gets you to MOVE your body. If that’s CrossFit – great; if that’s yoga – great; if that’s running – great; if that’s something else – great!
For me, I’ve been one of those CrossFit skeptics. I wasn’t sure I would like it and quite honestly, I didn’t want to join in on some “fad” workout. But I’ve met a lot of people who love it, swear by it, see the results and encouraged/supported me to stepping outside my comfort zone and giving it a shot. So I did and I surprised myself when I too loved it.
The thing is there are bad trainers and bad gyms everywhere – that includes CrossFit (!) so when I set out to try something new and change up my workouts, I wanted to go somewhere that I trusted, with trainers who I knew would have my back (literally), and with a community that I knew was strong and encouraging. That was why I joined CrossFit AMRAP and not a box a little closer to my house.
Now, I know I’ve been working out consistently for the last few years but I never considered myself an athlete, especially not growing up. I’ve learned to run, lift weights and of course got my CPT almost 2 years ago, but I still had (and have) plenty to learn! The WODs are not easy for me and I have a lot to learn and improve upon, but I’m only starting and that’s to be expected. So with that, I thought it’d be fun to share how I modify CrossFit to fit ME!
1 – Keep the weight low: I’m still beginning! Yes, I’ve been lifting weights consistently for the last few years but some of these lifts are new to me and since I’m still learning proper form, it’s best for me to keep the weight low, get the form right and progress as I’m able to!
2 – Use bands: It’s okay that I can’t do a million full-range push-ups on my toes. But guess what? Bands help me do that! I love that there are even a variety of bands that help you progress. I tried a green band first and felt like it was going to rocket me into the air so I switched to a purple band which was just right. I also use bands for pull-ups and ring dips.
3 – Go at my pace: Guess what? That’s what we’re all doing! Of course we’re trying to give it all we’ve got for the allotted time or for number of rounds, but each person in that box is finding their pace. For some they can go faster, for others they go slower, but ultimately we’re finding what works best for each of us and we’re not giving up (on ourselves or each other)!
4 – Talk to my trainers: They do a great job of giving me advice or modifications when necessary. Whether it’s during the strength session and we’re talking about how much weight (whether it be going up or down), mid-WOD when they’re catching my form slacking and helping me tune back into it, or addressing any other concerns. They’re there to help so why not let them?
How do you modify your workouts for you?
What’s your favorite form of exercise?
*Linking up to Amanda’s TOL*
Perfect tips! I think so many people get intimidated by Crossfit and even those that aren’t there is some pressure to go hard all of the time, but you def need to find what works best and feels best for you. No coach is going to be mad if you have to scale and ours even ask if anyone wants scaling options if a movement is too difficult or heavy.
Keep it up, girl!
Love it! We have the scaling options written on the board right next to the WOD which I love! Makes me feel like I’m not the only one who needs it. 🙂
Hey thanks so much for sharing my post! I love how you owned your skepticism and also went where you trusted the coaches. A good coach is so so important. I, like you, have worked out for years but don’t really consider myself a super athlete or anything. I’m just now getting to the point where I can do about half the WODs without scaling. Modifying and scaling is still a big part for me to get the optimum workout. Thanks for sharing some good tips for everyone!
A good post is worth sharing! I should also thank YOU for sharing mine! There’s that whole CrossFit community support that I love! 🙂
I think this is great that you found something you love while modifying it to YOUR levels and making your safety a priority. I’ve done crossfit (at an actual box) once, and I really did love it. I had to remind myself to go at my own pace though, as it can definitely be easy to push past your limits if you compare yourself to others (my competitive nature is good at doing that sometimes).
There’s times when my competitive streak wants to come out and today (how ironic is this?) I was getting down on myself for needing bands for the pull-ups while everyone else was jumping on up there. There was one other person using a band but she got in it herself whereas I had to get the coach help me get there for each round…BUT I did what suited my body best at this time to avoid injury!
I love your take on this, girl! I’m terrified of Crossfit because I have visions of being crushed by huge barbells or something, but you’re absolutely right about it being super easy to just modify what you can’t do. It’s great to hear that you’ve found something you enjoy and that works for you 🙂 Maaaaaybe one day I’ll give it a shot if someone bullies me into it 😆
No bullies, but you should try! Find a friend (or Blend! 😉 ) to go with you!
Love this! CrossFit is like any other activity–each person is different and each person will perform differently. It’s like running. Not everyone can run 5ks well, and not everyone can run marathons. The most important thing is that you enjoy what you do and you do it safely so you’re not stuck with a lifelong injury!
Exactly! 🙂
you’re awesome girl! what a GREAT post for every one to read! When I was doing GPP I definitely modified A LOT. One of the biggest things I did was going at my own pace. I know I took things a lot slower than everyone else, but I like making sure my form is proper and I am feeling that muscle contraction, which is why I like my slowwww weight lifting workouts best 😉
Yay! See? I couldn’t give EVERYTHING away but I hoped it would get a good response! 😉
I need to try crossfit!
Let’s go together! Maybe when we go blueberry picking? 🙂