07 Oct Is CrossFit Right For You? You Just Might Be Surprised…
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We’re sure you’ve heard about CrossFit by now.
CrossFit is all the rage and has created extremely loyal (and vocal) devotees, spawned specialized lines of workout gear, sparked multiple blogs, podcasts, and publications, and in 2007 it even launched its very own version of the Olympic Games.
According to the main site CrossFit.com, is “constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity.” Its most elite members call themselves “The Fittest in the World”, based on CrossFit’s focus on making piecemeal workouts using only the most beneficial aspects of gymnastics, running, weightlifting, rowing, and other fitness regimens that utilize the core movements people carry out in everyday life.
The origins of CrossFit as an official establishment go back to the year 2000, with the very first affiliate popping up in Seattle under the name CrossFit North (let’s not confuse this first AFFILIATE with the original gym in Santa Cruz). Less than 12 years later there were over 3,400 affiliates, and today there are more than 10,000 official CrossFit gyms worldwide. Fit travelers can get their CrossFit fix on every continent but Antarctica. Click here to check out the interactive map for yourself – It’s pretty darn fun to play around with.
Okay, so they’re everywhere. But how do you decide if CrossFit is right for you?
Research, Research, Research:
The first step would be to do some homework. There is a plethora of information online regarding the pros and cons of CrossFit. Just do a quick Google search, and sit back as the results pour in.
One major pro is that the structure of CrossFit is scalable. This means that if a member isn’t capable of executing a move, or lifting the assigned weight, there is always a less-difficult version to fall back on. Anyone can do CrossFit, but this doesn’t mean CrossFit is FOR anyone.
The term “High-Intensity Training” is a cornerstone of the CrossFit program. High intensity can mean very heavy weights, or very fast repetitions, which can lead to extreme muscle strain, and the threat of rhabdomyolysis (we discussed this briefly in our last blog on the Best Gyms in St. Louis). Rhabdomyolysis can lead to renal kidney failure, and put you straight into the hospital. Be warned: amateur athletes are more susceptible to the threat of rhabdomyolysis (or rhabdo for short), so if you’re unsure about your fitness level, or abilities, tread lightly.
You may want to ask around, too. Have any of your friends, relatives, or coworkers tried CrossFit? If so, what did they like or dislike about it? Which box do they frequent, and how do they feel about their coaches? Get some info straight from the horse’s mouth. (And if you know a bit about that horse’s physical abilities, and can compare that to your own, that’s even better.)
Pay Them a Visit:
If you’ve already done your homework, and have decided CrossFit is the choice for you, before you make the commitment, why not pay some visits to the gyms closest to you? St. Louis has a ton to choose from, starting with the original trailblazer CrossFit St. Louis.
CrossFit St. Louis has been around for many years, and was on the scene before the full effect of the CrossFit trend landed in St. Louis. Intro classes are available, but don’t expect to get too sweaty on your first drop in, they are more focused on visitors learning about the gym and the program than actually working out. You’ll learn the difference between a barbell and a dumbbell, hear terms like ‘snatch’ and ‘pood’, and catch acronyms like ‘WOD’ (Workout of the Day) and ‘AMRAP’ (As Many Reps as Possible). After your initial visit, your head could be reeling from all the new CrossFit terminology.
A typical day at a CrossFit gym (or box – another word you can add to your list of CrossFit-isms) can include specialized movements with the potential to seriously injure participants. This is why CrossFit St. Louis, like any responsible affiliate, requires multiple sessions of ‘On-Ramp’ classes to familiarize athletes with the movements, the trainers, the equipment, and the philosophy. Depending on which gym you choose, the duration of these sessions and classes may vary. Currently CrossFit St. Louis is offering an On-Ramp program that is six sessions long and lasts a full two weeks.
Although currently the largest, CrossFit St. Louis is not your only option for St. Louis CrossFit gyms. In the area around CrossFit St. Louis alone, a wandering athlete can stumble upon CrossFit 26, Gateway CrossFit, CrossFit Xtra Mile, and Steel Plate CrossFit, just to name a few. For your convenience, here’s the CrossFit affiliate map again – double click to zoom into the St. Louis region to see what all is available in your area.
Get Hands-On:
Let’s pretend you dropped in at a CrossFit in St. Louis and everything went well. Your host was informative, the space looked swell, and the atmosphere was just as extreme (or non-extreme) as you hoped for. Try it out! Get sweaty! Push yourself during a class or two, and see how you interact with the coaches and your fellow athletes. Forging a tight connection with your coach is essential in reaching your fitness goals. Make sure your personalities gel, and that those coaches can bring out the beast in you.
There is Only One Faster Fitness:
The CrossFit craze has paved the way for the likelihood of a CrossFit at every corner, like Starbucks, which is good in terms of convenience and class availability, but finding the right gym for you may take a bit of work.
There is only one Faster Fitness, and we focus on providing our members with everything they need to see results – FASTER. Unlike most CrossFit affiliates, our program includes nutrition coaching, a weekly meal plan, and the accountability to push you to follow through with your fitness goals.
For example, Stephanie lost 54 pounds and has said goodbye to aches and pains! Chris enjoyed the program so much that he asked his wife Taran to join him! Laura avoided knee surgery! Click here to see what our clients have to say about the Faster Fitness program.
We also offer a group personal training option that includes even more accountability and a tailored program, carefully designed to unlock hidden performance by an internationally-certified strength coach through two organizations: PICP and CSCS. These tight-knit classes can be held at various 45-minute intervals throughout the day – morning, or evening.
Whenever you’re ready to become the best version of yourself, give us a call at (314) 962-2255, or stop by our gym, located at 1432 Strassner Rd. in Brentwood (63144).[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_6″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
