You may remember in Vol 4 of the Newsletter (October 2011) we talked about the Buzz about Cross Fit. We explained the basics, provided a sample workout, and discussed the elements of CrossFit. It was a pretty eye-opening piece and since then we have set up a regular CrossFit program and Ted received his Level 1 Trainer Certificate, providing him with even more knowledge and enthusiasm about CrossFit’s methodology, concepts and movements.
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We knew CrossFit would be a hit, but don’t take our word for it. See what participants had to say. We asked MFC members Tyler Cockrell, Mary Bradford, Erinn Whitmer, and Tyler Wood a few questions about their experience with incorporating CrossFit into their fitness routine. Here’s what they had to say:MFC: What brought you to CrossFit?
Tyler C.: Initially, I didn’t know what Cross Fit was until Ted invited me to WOD (terminology for Work of the Day). During my first WOD, I remember thinking “this is crazy.” But I have been hooked ever since.
Mary B.: I started doing cross fit because Dustin convinced me. After doing it for a month or so I noticed it started bringing my competitive edge back after not completing in sports for about 2 years. What I like about Cross Fit is that each day brings something new. Not to mention how supportive and encouraging Ted, Dustin and everyone who participates in the program is.
Erinn W.: As a wildland firefighter my job demands endurance and strength and can cause muscle balance issues. Cross Fit is helping me make gains in all those areas. I also like the atmosphere: very positive, encouraging, and fun. Sometimes we get some friendly competition going and it is a way to really push each other.
Tyler W.: I was looking to mix it up a bit and had heard about the CrossFit workouts thru the grapevine. Then, I saw a post on the MFC site that said CrossFit was coming. I’ve known Ted for several years now. He helped me train for the Big Bear marathon a few years back and I’ve worked out at his gym a few times in the past. So, I just reached out to him about signing me up for the new program.
MFC: What was your biggest hurdle, fear, or intimidation factor about CrossFit?
Tyler C.: The general culture of CrossFit was somewhat intimidating. I mean, there is specific lingo, moves and mentality. On my second or third WOD, Coach Dustin jokingly made me sign an agreement that if I was not going to give 110%, then I should just go home. At first, I thought that was a little intense. Then I started to think, I go to the gym to get results, not waste my time. So I committed to the program and been reaping the benefits ever since. This program is not the “pick things up and put them down” type of experience.
Mary B.: I have never really been intimidated by the Cross Fit program but have come across my fair share of hurdles. I have accumulated several bad habits throughout my athletic career and this is really the first time that they have been pointed out to me. The program has taught me how to perform exercises correctly. In the long run, learning these certain movements will help me accomplish so much at the gym, but more importantly be able to sustain a longer and healthier life.
Erinn W.: I was nervous I might get hurt by the intensity, but Ted and Dustin are very attentive to building up weight carefully and teaching proper form. I have suffered no injuries, only recovered from old ones. It’s great!
Tyler W.: I don’t normally back away from much but I guess my biggest hurdle was trying to learn all of the moves, in particular the Olympic style weight lifting moves – squat, press, clean, lifts, etc. There were a lot of things I didn’t know, and the learning continues every day. But Ted and Dustin are great at breaking things down and walking us thru it. Each day involves warming up and learning the moves. That takes a lot of the intimidation or fear out of the workouts.
It was all new to me, though I’ve learned from experience that everything new is a bit uncomfortable at the beginning, but then becomes second nature with repetition and practice.
MFC: What has most surprised you about the program?
Tyler C.: At first I thought that all the weight lifting might make me gain too much muscle too fast and make me slower. The exact opposite has happened: I weigh less, with less fat and more muscle.
Mary B.: The Cross Fit program has helped me become stronger; more balanced and aware of my body and the movements it makes. I was a huge stickler on not wanting to lift heavier weights because I didn’t want to become huge. This was my main concern with the program and to my surprise, the program has not made me huge but has helped me start to develop strength and lean muscle.
Erinn W.: In the past I did a very structured program that included long hours of slow distance and circuit-style weight workouts. I have cut my miles in half and replaced my old weight program with CrossFit. Plus I have dropped :50 seconds in my 2,000 meter rows and my mile time was :15 seconds faster this week.
Tyler W.: The biggest surprise for me was how varied the program is. Some days the workout is only 3-8 minutes while other days it can be close to 30 minutes. I was also surprised how strenuous the workouts were on your body even though they were pretty short compared to other workouts I’d done in the past. I was used to working out 1 to 1.5 hrs each workout. With CrossFit, I could do a 10 minute workout and really feel it for the rest of the day. So, just because they may be short, the output is quite a bit.
I also enjoy the competitive aspect and camaraderie all of the participants share.
Interested in finding out what CrossFit is about or viewing daily WOD’s (CrossFit lingo for workout of the day), click here.
