Starting CrossFit is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It’s thrilling, frustrating, empowering, and, honestly, sometimes downright confusing. As someone who use to be new to CrossFit, I get it—it’s a love-hate relationship. Here’s an honest look at why you might both hate and love CrossFit as you dive in headfirst.
The Hate List: a newbie's honest guide To crossfit
1. The Lingo Will Make You Feel Like an Outsider
WODs, AMRAPs, EMOMs—what does it all mean? CrossFit’s unique vocabulary is a steep learning curve. In your first class, it can feel like everyone is speaking a secret language, and you’re the only one without the decoder ring.
2. Your Ego Will Take a Hit
Thought you were fit? CrossFit will humble you fast. That first time a workout leaves you gasping on the floor while someone twice your age powers through, it stings a little.
3. Your Hands Will Hate You
Welcome to callus city! Those pull-ups, barbell cleans, and kettlebell swings are no joke. It’s all part of the package, but no one warns you about how much your palms will scream at you.
4. Every Workout Feels Like a Competition
Even though everyone says, “It’s you versus you,” it’s hard not to glance to the person next you and compare yourself, trying to go faster than them. It can be motivating, but it can also feel like a pressure cooker.
5. You’ll Be Sore in Muscles You Didn’t Know You Had
That first CrossFit workout? It’ll leave you waddling like a duck for days. Stairs become your mortal enemy, and sitting down on the toilet is a tactical event.
The Love List: Doesn't get any better than this!
1. The Community Will Feel Like Family
Once you push past the lingo and awkwardness, you’ll discover that CrossFitters are some of the most supportive people out there. They cheer for you when you’re the last to finish a workout, and they genuinely want to see you succeed.
2. You’ll See Progress Faster Than You Expect
The beauty of CrossFit is its scalability. Can’t do a pull-up yet? There’s a band for that. Struggling with double-unders? Start with singles. Over time, you’ll surprise yourself by doing things you once thought were impossible.
3. You’ll Feel Like an Athlete (Even If You Don’t Look Like One Yet)
CrossFit has this magical way of making you feel strong and capable, even as a beginner. The mix of functional movements and intensity brings out your inner superhero.
4. Every Workout is Different
Say goodbye to boring gym routines! The variety in CrossFit keeps you on your toes, and you’ll never dread doing the same thing day after day.
5. It’s Addictively Fun
There’s something about crushing a tough WOD that feels like winning a small battle. Whether it’s a PR (personal record) or just finishing without scaling down, each victory fuels your drive to keep going.
How to Survive—and Thrive—As a Newbie
Ask Questions: Coaches are there to help. Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat or explain something.
Focus on Form, Not Speed or Weight: Leave your ego at the door and prioritize safe movement. Progress will come.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every improvement counts, whether it’s one more push-up or shaving 10 seconds off your time.
Take Rest Days Seriously: Your body needs time to recover, so don’t skip those rest days.
CrossFit is like that tough love friend who pushes you out of your comfort zone and makes you better for it. Yes, you might hate some parts of it at first, but the things you’ll love will keep you coming back.
So, are you ready to give it a try? Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back—because once you find your groove, CrossFit just might be the thing that changes your life.
Have you started CrossFit? What’s been your love-hate experience? Let me know in the comments! We hope you find this newbie's honest guide to CrossFit useful!
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