The world is full of misconceptions. A lot of the time, people perpetuate misconceptions due to having good intentions but being really, really misinformed. So, I'm going to address three of the biggest misconceptions about CrossFit that you might hear.
Why is this important? Because a lot of people will miss out on something really good due to misconceptions that they have heard (and maybe even propagated).
Here we go...
- Misconception: You're going to get hurt.
Truth: This is probably the biggest misconception out there, so let's get it out of the way first. Since we have expert coaches leading every class, teaching proper technique for every movement, and helping each person in class find the right movement option and weight for them for that day, CrossFit is one of the safest forms of exercise anywhere.
In fact, the strength and conditioning that result from regular CrossFit workouts naturally lead to a buffer against injury and illness.
So how do people get injured in CrossFit? In the rare case where an injury happens, it's normally due to too much loading paired with a lack of technique. The best way to avoid that is to leave your ego at home and listen to your body and coach each day.
Most of the crazy stuff you see on social media is staged to generate a huge reaction from the viewer. So, don't believe everything you see on social media. (You already knew that, didn't you?
- Misconception: You have to be fit before you start CrossFit classes.
Truth: Here's another huge misconception about CrossFit, and it's completely false. In fact, most people are definitely not fit when they start CrossFit classes. Our CrossFit classes are a great way to become fit (along with solid nutrition coaching) and stay fit. In my experience, CrossFit is the most accepting and non-judgmental place where everyone can go to improve their fitness and health. You may have seen some gyms talk about being a "judgement free zone" - we don't have to talk about it because it's part of our DNA.
- Misconception: CrossFit is about pushing to the absolute limit every single day.
Truth: This is another big misconception, and it's normally spoken by someone who hasn't actually been part of a CrossFit community. Anyone who has spend more than about 5 minutes in a real CrossFit affiliate understands that CrossFit people are regular people. We have days where we feel great and want to push it during the workout. We also have days where stuff isn't going great at home and there was awful traffic and we had a tough day at work. Some days we want to push it, and some days we need to back off some.
CrossFit is not about pushing to the limit every day. CrossFit is about consistently showing up for yourself and your friends at the gym. It's about doing the level of intensity that's right for you for today. It's about encouraging each other and celebrating small wins. It's about working to be a little bit better than yesterday and leaving your ego at home.
Bottom line
CrossFit affiliates (gyms) are made up of regular people who are working hard to be the best version of themselves each day. They're doing that for themselves, their families, and their communities. In my experience, the people inside a CrossFit affiliate are some of the best in the community.
Since we are all the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with, doesn't it make sense to spend our time in the gym with amazing humans?
So, it's time to stop listening to all the opinions and misconceptions being spouted by people who don't actually have any idea what they're talking about. It's time to find out for yourself.
If you're already a member of CrossFit Koinonia or another CrossFit affiliate, it's an honor to work out with you each day.
