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?

My Uplift partnership ended on Sunday (full review TK soon), so it’s obviously time for my next challenge.

While I do enjoy working out, I need different challenges and training programs to keep me engaged and keep it fresh.

So, on Monday, I walked over to New York Health & Racquet and handed over my credit card in exchange for that shiny key tag for a temporary membership. (BTW, Laughing Lotus gives you a key tag when you buy a package, which I did, for my sanity. I don’t actually have multiple gym memberships.) I have a triathlon coming up, so I needed a pool…and NYHRC is close to me, and I know myself. Proximity is the second most important thing to me, after cost. I don’t want to waste any more time than necessary walking or subway-ing to work out. (Which is why most of my favorite workouts are in the Chelsea/Flatiron area.)

I’d quit Equinox last year because it didn’t fit my lifestyle at the time. It is a gorgeous gym with great classes, but I haven’t missed having a regular gym membership much. But, with the tri coming up, I need a place to swim, so I joined NYHRC. They have month-to-month memberships, which is amazing. The minimum commitment is two months, which is perfect, since the tri is in about 6 weeks.

In addition to the pool, the gym also has a yoga studio that they heat for hot classes and a sundeck where you can hang out. Not too shabby.

So, I’ll be swimming and probably trying out some of the other classes over the next two months, as long as I have this membership and then likely quitting again to focus on marathon training.

Apropos of nothing, I saw someone tweet this the other day, and I loved it.

What about you? Are you a gym member or Team I Don’t Need a Gym?