What do you believe is the best way to exercise?
High Performance coach Tony Robbins explains how we all tell ourselves a story.
We use this story to navigate the world.
It helps us make decisions and choices about everything from what to wear, who our friends are, what suburb we want to live and what is the best way to exercise.
So what story do you tell yourself about CrossFit?
Is it too hardcore?
Is it dangerous and injury prone?
Are the trainers under-skilled and under-qualified?
Before you keep telling yourself that same story here are 7 things you probably didn’t know.
- CrossFit is an affiliate NOT a franchise.
This means that every CrossFit gym is different, from the paint on the walls to the program to the music. There is no protocol, rules or common laws affiliates must uphold.
- Most owners and coaches are over-qualified.
Many of these trainers transition into CrossFit after many years as a Personal Trainer in big franchise gyms like Fitness First and Anytime Fitness. Many of whom have university qualifications and a vast array of online and offline seminar qualifications from gymnastics, endurance training, powerlifting and weightlifting.
- Everyone knows your name.
Because CrossFit gyms usually sit between 50-200 members it is highly likely everyone from coaches to your fellow members know you by name. CrossFit boxes should be compared more to local rugby and soccer clubs than to big franchise 24/7 gyms, there are far more similarities.
- Most of the members are in incredible shape.
You already knew this... From the outside looking in CrossFit gyms can be intimidating. Most people have been at it for 3+ years, rock a full six pack and are not afraid to run down the street in minimal clothing. It can look very vain. But be reassured they work hard for their bodies, are proud no matter how they look, they don't pass judgement and will be the first person cheering you on during a workout. Why would you not want to be in that sort of an environment?
- It’s not what it used to be in 2012.
If you were paying attention CrossFit hit it’s ‘boom phase’ in 2012 and it only recently has started going down in mid 2014. We’re almost at the end of 2016 and a lot has changed since then. Many CrossFit gyms have closed down and those that have stuck around have improved dramatically. The quality of customer service and care as well as the overall experience is at a much higher level which has been forced by the increasing lack of interest in the market. The best CrossFit gyms are now a ‘1-stop shop’ for high level nutrition, fitness and strength coaching as opposed to the 2012 ‘boys club’
- Physiotherapy, chiropractics and rehabilitation.
Because of the high level of physicality that exists in CrossFit many of the best gyms integrate and partner with local physiotherapists, sports chiropractors and movement rehabilitation experts. This progressive approach has meant CrossFit has become increasingly more and more sustainable as an exercise program for life.
- Beer, coffee and burgers.
People that do CrossFit may talk about their daily workout at nauseum BUT that does not mean they abstain from living a rich and fulfilling life outside of the gym. When it comes to lifestyle and nutrition the best coaches and gyms create a culture of living fully. This means no rigorous diet plans and unrealistic training expectations, instead they educate on the principles of healthy living which counter-intuitively yields higher attendance, leaner bodies and happier lives.
Now you know what CrossFit looks like in the year 2016 you may want to poke your head in the door the next time you walk past.
____