When I tell people I own a CrossFit gym, I usually see one of two reactions: either they
are curious, asking questions and displaying genuine interest; or they get this nervous
look on their face and say, “Oh, I couldn’t do that!”
The truth is, anyone can be a part of our group fitness classes. Our community is
welcoming, our expert coaches are qualified to teach you safe and effective
movements, and the workouts can be modified so people of any fitness level can
participate, including first-timers.
Let’s Talk About the Biggest Myths (And What’s Actually True)
So why are people intimidated by fitness classes? Because there are many pervasive
myths about what goes on inside the walls of a CrossFit gym, and these misconceptions
can be difficult to dispel, especially for the people who are too nervous to try it out in the
first place. If this includes you, that’s okay, but I want to discuss a few of the most
common myths about fitness classes.
Myth #1: I Need to Be in Shape Before I Join a Fitness Class
This is one of the most common concerns I hear from people who are interested in
CrossFit. They think the exercises are too difficult, and that their lack of strength or
conditioning will prevent them from reaping the benefits of this type of training. I wish
this myth would disappear altogether, because it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Imagine if your friend told you, “I’m too sick to go to the doctor” or “I need to get well
before I take my medicine.” What would you say in return? Hopefully, you would tell
them they NEED the doctor and medicine to get better! The same is true of fitness
classes – they are exactly what you need to get in shape. Plus, all of our workouts are
infinitely scalable, so no matter how “out of shape” you think you are, you can get
results.
Myth #2: Everyone Will Be Watching Me
If you’ve never attended a fitness class, you might have the impression that you will be
judged for your physical appearance or maybe your performance. This concern is
understandable, but inaccurate for at least two reasons.
First and foremost, everyone in our community is overwhelmingly supportive. We all
share the common goal of getting fitter, so we naturally want to see each other succeed,
especially people new to the gym. Your classmates are eager to encourage you, and
our coaches are passionate about helping you.
Second, the other class members are often preoccupied with their own workout. They’re
working hard to improve their fitness and become the best version of themselves – the
same reason that you’re here! This isn’t to say they don’t care about you, but during
class they are too focused on their own movements to notice anything else, so you can
set aside this fear.
Myth #3: Fitness Classes Are Only for Young, Athletic People
Hey, I get it. You come across an advertisement or visit a website for a local gym or
trainer, and almost all the images you see are of shirtless guys with bulging biceps lifting
heavy weights. That’s not exactly enticing or inviting, is it? What these pictures
completely miss is the middle-aged mom working out in the late morning after dropping
her kids off at school, or the retired salesman who wants to live longer and be able to
play with his grandkids.
In our classes, we have 60-year-olds sweating alongside 30-year-olds, and former
collegiate athletes training next to people who just started working out! Each of them is
doing a personally customized version of the daily workout which allows them to make
consistent progress, and at the end of the hour, they share both the celebrations and
struggles that come with the effort they’ve put forth. We’re big fans of high fives around
here!
Myth #4: If It’s Not Crazy Intense, It Doesn’t Count
Yes, I operate a CrossFit gym, and yes, the definition includes the term “high intensity”
because that produces results, but we also tell people from day one of your training that
intensity is relative to the tolerance of the individual. What does this mean?
First, it means that what is intense for Sally, the grandma who just started last month,
will look vastly different than what is intense for John, the 26-year-old who was taking
gymnastics lessons when he was old enough to walk and has been playing sports ever
since.
Second, it also means that intensity is relative from day to day. Sure, when you feel
great, you can turn the amp to 11 and see what you’re capable of… but what if you’re
stressed about work, got 6 hours of sleep last night, and ate a plethora of junk food over
the weekend? You should probably take it easy in class.
Lastly, one of the biggest misconceptions is that “high intensity” means max intensity,
when in reality, it’s a range of effort that is relative to both low and moderate. Therefore,
we teach our members that high intensity usually equates to 70% or higher, and even
then we encourage what we call “moving days” where people simply come to move their
body.
Movement is medicine for the human body, and all functional movements have value.
So if you think it’s too intense for you, I would encourage you to try just one class at our
gym, and you might be surprised how achievable and sustainable it is.
Myth #5: I’ll Never Keep Up, I’m Too Far Behind
Whether it’s because they’re new to the movements or they think they aren’t
conditioned enough (revisit myth #1), almost everyone feels this way their first time in a
fitness class.
As we already mentioned, one of the great things about CrossFit is that all the workouts
are scalable to your fitness level. This means that, while you might not be able to run a
mile like someone else, you can sit on a stationary bike, or run a shorter distance, or
even walk briskly for 10 minutes. This allows beginners to keep up with the most
advanced athletes if they scale appropriately.
How will you know the best scaling option for you? That’s why we have world-class
trainers leading the classes! Our coaches are ready and able to guide you to the best
version of the workout so you can get fitter, be safe, have fun, and do all of that
alongside the most advanced athletes in the gym.
You’re never too far behind to begin your fitness journey. According to a famous saying,
“The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is NOW.”
What Fitness Classes Are Like at Our Gym
(Spoiler: You’ll Be Welcomed, Not Judged)
You may have gathered from the article so far, but classes at our gym are very different
from the scenario that these myths create. Unlike more conventional gyms, we want
you to take classes regularly, so we strive to make our members feel comfortable and
excited to attend.
From the moment you walk in the door, our coaches will greet you by name and show
you the space, helping familiarize you with the location of the equipment, the bathroom,
and the area where members place their personal items during class. Throughout the
class, we’ll check in with you to make sure you understand the instructions and are
performing the exercises correctly, and after the session is finished, we’ll congratulate
you and invite you to come back tomorrow. Don’t be surprised if some of our friendlier
members introduce themselves and want to get to know you also!
If You’ve Been Waiting for a Sign to Start, This Might Be It
If you’ve read this far, thank you, and I think it’s safe to say you hold more than a
passing interest in trying out one of our fitness classes. So what’s stopping you? Is that
reason worth potentially missing something that could change your life for the better?
If you’re nervous or intimidated, the hardest step is usually walking in the door for the
first time. But once you do, you’ll realize that we’re just a bunch of “normal” people who
want to be healthier and happier in our daily lives… and you can be too. If you want that
for yourself, or even think you might, I would love for you to Claim Your Free
Consultation with me so we can talk about your first step.
Spencer Smith
Owner & Head Coach
