I'm Coming For You, CrossFit

I've shared my interest to do CrossFit in this post here. 

I've seen so many conflicting opinions on whether CrossFit is as really great as many claim it to be. What I get from it is that CrossFit is one of those things that you either just love it or hate it, like sushi. 

I'm interested in CrossFit for a myriad of reasons. My goal to do CrossFit is NOT to get leaner. My goal is to build STRENGTH (which is different than muscle, believe it or not). 

In fact, this is where I think all the controversy about CrossFit even begins...

Allow me to explain.

People who need to drop some pounds look at CrossFit like just another exercise regimen that will help them shed the weight, not researching what CrossFit is and how it is used, and then stepping into a CrossFit Box completely unaware about what they're just about to do.

I'm sure they thought it would involve some running, maybe some lunges, a jubilant atmosphere and some upbeat music to get the sweat flowing and the exercise endorphins going. What they did not expect was to be sweating up a rainstorm and feeling like King Kong just sat on them.

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It's also quite well known that is not hard at all to become a CrossFit instructor. You could go from being the newspaper delivery boy to a CrossFit instructor within a week. The key is to prepare, and to research. CrossFit lifts are not lifting 5 lb. pink coated dumbbells. They are HEAVY, require strength, and you CANNOT just jump into it. When I do CrossFit, you better believe I am going to find an experienced instructor. Not one that sends me off right away to deadlift 1.5x my body weight.

I'm a researcher. I do my research on any workout or food related things that I find necessary. I research certain exercises, watching plenty of videos to watch the correct form and the incorrect form(s) and reading articles upon articles about how to target the muscle correctly, the best time to use the exercise, and it's effectiveness. I research foods and what vitamins and minerals it contains. I want to know exactly what it helps my body do. I researched a TON about CrossFit so I KNOW that it is not unicorns and ponies. 

It will make you want to puke. It will feel like you are dying. It is NOT for the faint of heart.

Which is precisely why I am intrigued and want to do it. :)

Let me reiterate--CrossFit is NOT for people who are trying to lose weight. It is NOT for people who have had zero experience in lifting weights or any type of resistance training. It is NOT for people who do not have good endurance and can barely keep up. And it is NOT for people who do not understand proper nutrition to fuel yourselves for these grueling workouts.

Have you seen some of the hardcore CrossFit workouts? I dare you to look up "Murph" or "Fran." Do those look easy? Not at all.

I am both mentally and physically preparing myself for CrossFit. I am strength training now to prepare myself. I LOVE intensity. I crave it like a smoothie on a hot day. But I know I am not ready for such intensity quite yet. Within the next year, I hope to prepare myself enough to join a CrossFit Box and give it a whirl. How awesome would it be to compete in the CrossFit Games? Or do a day long endurance challenge?! It would be epic.

And the CrossFit physiques don't lie...

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But it takes time. And I am impatient, but I'll wait. I've seen far too many videos of girls my age or any CrossFit newbie trying to clean a weight far too heavy with them with HORRENDOUS form, looking like they are going to throw out their backs and be paralyzed. That's not me. I want to do it the right way.

I love my traditional weightlifting and I won't give it up for the sake of CrossFit. I like variety. When I compete one day, I'm not JUST going to do traditional weight training. I am going to include everything into my routine, like weightlifting, CrossFit, yoga, pilates, running, etc. 

CrossFit just happens to be something that appeals to me. Hello intensity. ;)

As with anything, you must find what works for you. If CrossFit doesn't fit your interests, then don't worry about it. If it's not for you, don't force it.

Questions: What are your thoughts of CrossFit--yay or nay? Any pros or cons you'd like to add? 

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