For years, my buddy Tina has been bullying me to try CrossFit. She’s obsessed with it, and she thought I would enjoy it too.
Since I’m usually either training for something or have otherwise committed myself to another fitness program, there’s never been a great time to try it. I didn’t want to try it and then potentially love it but not be able to commit to it.
But yesterday, I attended a Reebok press event, and we were able to pick several different activities to participate in. It was basically like summer camp but for adult fitness writers.
So I tried CrossFit.
As I descended the stairs at the box (god, I hate myself for just using that word), I wondered what the hell I’d gotten myself into.
Is this some sort of torture device? Will I have to heave myself up and over it…with one pinky? Blindfolded?
A rope chair?
We met our coaches for the day: Christmas and Annie.
They both gave us some background on how they got into CrossFit and what it means to them. Annie told us a story about her six-year-old daughter trying on a pair of jeans that were tight in the legs. “That’s because I have strong legs like my mama,” the kid said. Annie said that CrossFit had helped her to view her body for its strength, not for what it wasn’t or what it couldn’t do, and it’s obvious that her daughter is catching on to that healthy attitude, which is great.
…And then it was time for the WOD, which stands for workout of the day. (Another word I never thought I’d use.)
We split up into teams of three and did box jumps, kettlebell swings and burpees for one minute each, for three rounds.
After each transition, we were told to high-five our teammates. The first time, I thought that was super cheesy, but as I got more into the workout, I got more into the high-fiving.
Those nine minutes went by really quickly…and I survived my first CrossFit experience!
Thoughts? There’s no denying this is a good workout. I was drenched in sweat after just nine minutes (and a short warm-up before that.) However, I don’t know if I’m into the whole cult of CrossFIt idea, and it’s not cheap. I would definitely try it again, though.
Reebok provided me with a complimentary workout and cute outfit (and shoes!) All awkwardness is mine.
Are you part of the CrossFit cult? Runners – how do you balance CrossFit with running?
Hahaha I love this post! I’ve tried Crossfit, too. The workout is fantastic. Like, lung-burning, barf-inducing fantastic (I didn’t barf, for the record). And I can see how my muscles might be HUGE and buff if I committed myself to Crossfit. But, like you said, it’s expensive (TOO expensive for me) and not the right workout environment for me. I respect those who do it like crazy, though…
Yes…I am part of the CrossFit cult! It’s like learning a new language but it’s also like being part of an awesome family 🙂
I’m also a runner and I have found that it has significantly improved my running. My body is stronger overall and even though I’m not training for races as much, I’m getting PRs with every race I do. I took 8 minutes off my PR for my last half and my longest training run in 2 months was 5 miles…crazy!
I was a long distance runner for 3 years (a 50 mile ultra one year, 4 marathons the next year sort of runner). I love running longer distances, and had gotten myself into a sort of grove where I could trot out a 16 mile run without thinking much of it, nearly any day of the week.
And then I moved for a graduate program, and checked into the local crossfit box. I’m not built like the classic runner — I could stand to lose a few pounds, for sure, but I’ve always been built like a stocky little brick house, no matter what I do. I’m just genetically prone to put on muscle. Might as well embrace it, right? 🙂 This translated into huge quads and calves when I was running (good for hill, charging, right?), and even more cool muscular gains once I started crossfit (thought I’m still pretty “new” — only about 9 months in).
I didn’t see any PRs, and have stopped running nearly so much, but I’ve seen that I can maintain my “old pace” just as easily, though I do hope to start running a bit more and get a few half marathons under my belt. I love running, but I love my crossfit family more, and it’s cool to know that I can now squat one and a half times my body weight.
I’ve never tried CrossFit before but totally want to one of these days. I had a bit of sticker shock when I first saw the pricing so I think it will be a while before I actually do try it out. I’m keeping an eye on Groupon for some deals!
Ha, yes… using the words “box” and “WOD” creep me out too… but I did try a mini workout at FitBloggin last year. And I didn’t hate it… I think I liked it. But it was also a hot five minutes long and it reminded me how much I need strength training. It’s definitely a great workout – my thighs were cashed out the remainder of the conference!
Un woah. You met Christmas Abbott and Annie Sakamoto??! I’m not a typical fangirl of almost anyone or anything but these two women are the exceptions for me. Christmas Abbott is a pioneer in NASCAR as the first female pit crew member. And Annie Sakamoto is a legend, one of the original and most badass CF females around. Obviously I drank the kool-aid (2 years ago and still loving it!) but I know it’s the one and only fitness class that I can stick to.
It’s actually made me love running more and has helped me run faster. The balancing act can be tricky depending on your goals. PRing in a marathon and crossfitting regularly can be a tough combo (but I’ve done it), but feeling ready for a half marathon on running occasionally and crossfitting a bunch worked for me. I think it’s worth the cost because of the community, the coaches and the results!
Good for you!
I tried it for about a month–but in the end it wasn’t for me. A combo of the box I was at, the focus on heavy lifting (that’s not my thing), and the fact that I’m so darn competitive. I almost smacked my face on a wooden box because I was trying to do burpees/box jumps so quickly to “win”.
Ah! You were instructed by Christmas Abbott?! She’s so bad ass!!! I’m jealous!
I’ve done Crossfit before and while the anticipation of the workout gives me butterflies and anxiety…I’m so pumped up by the end of it (and exhausted). However, despite how much I love it, I haven’t committed myself to it. I still enjoy my regular strength training and classes at my gym, so I decided to include 1 day of Crossfit a week. It keeps me from getting bored and doesn’t break the bank!
I’ve never tried Cross Fit. I’m glad you did. I can’t get over the cult aspect. But I need to get motivated to work out more. I need a change.
I haven’t tried crossfit in part because I’m pretty sure I would LOVE it, but there are no boxes very convenient for me in Manhattan and it is SO expensive. I already belong to Equinox and spin at another studio, I can’t imaging dropping more money for CF…
@MsOverWELLmed: I just checked out your blog – love the name! (And your chevron background.)
Nine minutes and dripping with sweat? I have been too afraid to try it still!
Fun! My husband and I have been doing CrossFit for almost two months… we love/hate it. It is tough to balance the running though. Luckily, I have a dog who MUST run if we want to sleep. Ever. And sometimes I run home from our gym (about a mile) after CrossFit — I figure it’s great training to run on exhausted legs!