How to Start CrossFit Training

CrossFit workouts are quite the rage in the fitness world right now but where exactly do you start? Let's find out!

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is designed to get fitness disciplines suitably primed in all the main areas: cardio endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and accuracy.

Is CrossFit for Everyone?

No, it most certainly isn’t. If you’re a bodybuilder trying to get bulked up and sculpted for your next competition, CrossFit isn’t for you. If you’re training for a specific sport with highly focused physical needs, be they speed, endurance or strength-based, CrossFit isn’t for you.

Here’s the deal: whereas most workouts are small, highly specialized boutiques, CrossFit is like a fitness department store; you do a bit of everything in a very quick time.

How to Get Started in CrossFit

First, you’ll need a nearby gym with a CrossFit program or a personal trainer who can bring CrossFit to you. Try a class or two and see what you think. Whatever the workout of the day happens to be, it will probably include a fast and furious metabolic conditioning session.

One thing’s for sure, the workouts will be different every day. One day you might be asked to do as many rounds and reps of running and pull-ups as you can in a set time. The next you could be doing burpees, lunges and kettlebell swings as fast as you can.

It won’t all be standard stuff you’re familiar with. CrossFit invents some weird and wonderful exercises to really test your all-around fitness and strength.

How Often Should you do CrossFit Training?

As a general rule, most of us will do CrossFit training 3 days on, one day off. Yes, if you know the usual day on, day off approach to fitness, this will seem a little extreme. But the great thing about CrossFit is that it crosses all boundaries and limitations, all fitness levels and age-related complications.

No one is going to make you do any more than you can cope with. If you’re recovering from an injury and can only work at half pace, no problem. If you’ve never exercised before and want to ease into it gradually, a CrossFit class will let you do that.

Best of all, if you truly hate an exercise or find it a struggle – pull-ups for example – you can swap it for something manageable – jump pull-ups or ring rows.

In other words, CrossFit is an immensely versatile way to get fit. One thing’s for sure, with every workout being an exercise in the unexpected, you’ll never get bored.

Interested in becoming a Personal Trainer? Pursue your dream career with our Complete Personal Training Course. Enquire now, and one of our friendly Careers Advisors will be in contact with you soon!