1) How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I undertook the foundation programme in April 2015 and I’ve since attended sessions 3-4 times a week – so I’ve being doing CrossFit for around 8 weeks in total.
2) Did you have any apprehensions prior to starting CrossFit?
Having had a super helpful and encouraging conversation with a Leyland CrossFit member of a number of years, I was really excited to try CrossFit. I’ve always been pretty active, running regularly and attending various gym classes, but I wanted something different; something less repetitive and more challenging. I considered that I was reasonably fit and so I had no major anxieties about attending the foundation programme. However, on the day I turned up for the foundation and witnessed first-hand a class taking place, I won’t deny I was totally intimidated! Everyone looked so young and ripped and they were performing movements, lifting an unbelievable amount of weight, both of which I thought would remain forever unachievable. Added to that, there appeared to be a worrying competitive element, with WOD times and efforts being recorded on the whiteboard. This gave me a chilling flashback to maths equations at school (at which I was useless) – to a newbie, what the heck does <SC and RX+ even mean?? I honestly thought I’d never get my head around the recording of my pathetic ‘achievements’, never mind remembering the correct technique for all the movements we were taught in the foundation. I wasn’t put off though. The fantastic coaching I received that day, together with the overwhelming friendly welcome I received from members that day gave me sufficient confidence to return.
3) Has your attitude changed since starting CrossFit?
Totally. I do still feel slightly nervous on my drive to the gym; worried about what ‘torture’ the WOD will inflict that night. But I return without fail. I soon realised that whatever my achievements in a WOD, whether that be the time I complete it in or the scaling option I choose, for me it’s personal. I don’t feel any need to make comparisons, or feel embarrassed or disappointed for finishing last, or for lifting the least amount of weight. As long as I’m progressing (which quickly becomes evident if you keep a training diary) then I’m happy. I need not have worried about techniques or scaling options, as everything is thoroughly explained at the beginning of each session and advice provided. Reassuringly, I also discovered that members were of all ages and levels of fitness. In just 8 weeks I’m pretty convinced that I’ve caught the ‘CrossFit bug’ as I now can’t think of exercising in any other way. Nothing could compare.
4) How would you describe CrossFit Leyland?
Aside from the obvious and renowned CrossFit Community, so often spoken about, the coaching is the best I have ever experienced; all the coaches are informed, supportive, and encouraging. Although you may consider CrossFit at any of the affiliated gyms, it’s unlikely you’ll be coached by a CrossFit Regionals competitor! Surely it can’t get any better than that?
5) What would you say to anyone who is thinking about giving CrossFit a go?
Put aside any anxieties you may have and try one of the CrossFit Lite sessions. People I’ve spoken to who are considering CrossFit have said they’ll give it a go once they’ve lost a bit of weight, or got fitter, but these things will happen quicker (in my experience) if you just start CrossFit! The differences I’ve noticed in terms of my strength and tone in just 8 weeks are motivation enough for me to see what I can achieve in 6 months and beyond.
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