Is CrossFit Good For Beginners?
There’s a common misconception that exists out in the world that CrossFit is only for super fit, super buff athletes who are throwing heavy barbells around while pounding pre-workout, but we’re here to tell you that that is just not the case for 98% of the members at most CrossFit gyms and certainly at CrossFit Hopkins.
CrossFit is For Everybody - Especially Beginners!
One of the primary tenants of CrossFit is that it is “universally scalable” to be appropriately challenging to all individuals no matter what fitness level you’re at when you walk in the door. CrossFit founder Greg Glassman said, "The needs of the Olympic athlete and the needs of our grandparents differ by degree, not kind," highlighting that fundamental fitness needs are universal. The basics are necessary for everybody, and that’s where we start.
What does that mean for someone new to CrossFit? It means we lower the weights or remove them altogether, doing bodyweight movements and working on form, technique and building strength before adding load. It means find alternate movements that still achieve the stimulus of the workout but within each athlete’s fitness and skill level.
At CrossFit Hopkins, we excel at plugging new athletes into class in such a way that they feel challenged, stay safe, and make progress. There is absolutely no stigma that a workout has to be done “RX” or as written in order for it to “count” or be a good workout.
Start with Quality, Add in Intensity
The goal we have for all our athletes is to move well first and then add intensity. Insensity is good, and we do want to work hard and challenge ourselves. But intensity is relative to each individual, so our goal in classes is to set up each athlete so they are challenged appropriate to their fitness level. This is why going to a gym with dedicated and knowledgeable coaches is important! They are going to listen to your goals, assess your movement quality and current strength and help you refine technique and build muscle.
The best time to start is now
As we age, we lose muscle mass if we don’t train and intentional work on building and maintaining our muscle mass. Muscle mass is hugely important at any age, but especially as we age. Having muscle mass that helps us avoid falls, stay active and independent and out of the nursing home. The time to start building that muscle is now! Whether you’re in your 20’s, 40’s, 60’s or older, it’s never too late to start getting stronger, building endurance and increasing agility. You’ll feel better and stronger now and thank yourself later!
Ready to take the first step?
Schedule a FREE No-Sweat Intro
Over 60? We have a class just for you! Check out our Independence class HERE>
