“Isn’t that dangerous?”
“I want to try it, but it’s so intimidating.”
“I need to get in shape before I can do it.”
Do these sentiments sound familiar? The #1 concern people volunteer to me when I tell them I
coach CrossFit is FEAR. And I get it. Between what you see on social media, what you read on
the internet, and what you heard from your co-worker about their cousin’s bad experience at that
one gym, it’s understandable to be apprehensive about trying this program.
But it shouldn’t be for one very important reason: great coaching. Coaching is what separates
CrossFit from many other fitness trends. Yes, there are bad trainers out there, and yes, you
CAN get hurt lifting weights or doing pull-ups… but you can also get hurt playing tennis or taking
your big dog for a walk. If you don’t think so, feel free to take my impatient pup on the leash
sometime.
Movement Is Medicine
The reason this type of training can be scary is the same reason that it can be so effective! It’s
like a potent medicine – if not taken in the proper dose prescribed by your doctor, those pills can
cause unwanted side effects. In the same way, ANY type of exercise can be harmful if done
recklessly. However, if you “leave your ego at the door” and heed the instruction of a
knowledgeable coach, functional movements such as squats, deadlifts, push-ups, and pull-ups
are POWERFUL in increasing both your capacity and longevity. And who doesn’t want more
energy to play a pick-up game of basketball with your friends or keep up with your kids at the
park?
Technique First
At CrossFit Donelson, we pride ourselves on being the gym that cares about your wellbeing.
And because we care, we strictly adhere to the CrossFit charter of “mechanics, consistency,
THEN intensity.” What this essentially means is that we want you to focus first on moving WELL.
After you’ve ingrained good form into your mind and muscles on a consistent basis, then we can
consider moving faster or adding a bit more weight.
We understand that giving your best effort will yield the best results, but HOW you move is just
as important as how much or how fast you move. I often tell my athletes, “Focus on moving well,
and the intensity will take care of itself.”
Scaling
I know what you’re thinking: “But what if you can’t do these workouts?” That’s okay too!
We use the terms “Rx” or “prescribed” to describe workouts as they are written, but we have
another term we also use. “Scaling” refers to modifying the reps, weights, and movements to
customize the workout to each person’s experience and ability level. It’s like your own personal
program!
This is important, as no two people are exactly the same, so everyone has different strengths
and weaknesses. Just because you scaled the workout while someone else does it as
“prescribed” doesn’t make you inferior – it simply means you adjusted the workout to fit your
needs. As your coach, it’s my job to teach you what is the best way to scale each workout so
that you get the results you want. We want you healthy and feeling strong when you leave the
gym so that you’re ready to do it again tomorrow!
Recovery Is Key
Lastly, you’ve also probably heard ridiculous sayings, such as “I don’t need to rest” or “You can
sleep when you’re dead.” What foolishness!! Challenging our bodies in the gym is one piece of
the puzzle, but eating well and getting enough quality rest – both physically and mentally – is
where the real magic happens. This is a topic that is vital enough to carry its own separate
article (or multiple, if I’m being honest), so we’ll save that for another time. For now, suffice to
say, we value balancing exercise with recovery to give you optimal results and keep you healthy
month after month, year after year.
Can I Do This?
In summary, I’ll tell you what I tell everyone who is apprehensive about trying this out: “CrossFit
may not be for everyone, but it is for anyone.” What this means is that some people try it and
don’t enjoy it — and that’s totally FINE — but I firmly believe that this type of training can be
adapted to help make ANYONE fitter. I’m not going to lie and say it will be easy (valuable things
rarely are), but if you come ready to learn and give your best effort, I will be here to help ease
you into the uncharted territory of CrossFit. That’s a promise.
If you just want to sit down and chat about your fitness goals, book a Free Consultation with me.
Spencer Smith
Owner & Head Coach
