For those of you that have had these conversations with your friends..

I have finally completed my TOP 10 LIST of what people tell me about CrossFit when I tell them what I do.  These are my thoughts.

The 10 REASONS YOU Don’t CrossFit
                   and
The 1 REASON YOU SHOULD

1. You heard from someone that worked out once that you will get hurt doing CrossFit.
Getting injured is a risk in any fitness program or sport. This risk can be mitigated by working with a group of trained individuals and coaches providing quality instruction on form with feedback on your performance.  Further, I believe that going it alone at (insert Globogym here) without training, structure and coaching presents a much better opportunity to get hurt than being properly trained in CrossFit.  Sitting on the couch doing nothing is risking heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, etc.

2. You don’t like working out with a group.
Every organized sport and PE class you were ever in was with a group. Think of CrossFit as a team sport where every teammate is trying to help you improve and is working right along with you offering motivation. If you are a competitive person that’s available too. What’s scary about encouragement and motivation and structure? If you don’t like this then maybe you just haven’t found the right team yet. Try it. Then make a judgement.

3. You don’t have time. 
If you can’t find time for CrossFit, then you won’t find time to do any other workout program either.  CrossFit’s high intensity format, allows you to get strength training, cardio and more all done in an hour or less. We recommend no more that 4-5 workouts a week.  That’s all the time you need. If you want to get in shape don’t use this excuse. MAKE 4-5 hours a week, be consistent, and change your life.
 The fact that I didn’t have time was the PRIMARY reason I started CrossFit. I was able to reduce my workout time from 2-1/2 or 3 hours a day to 1 HOUR! Add to that the additional level of effectiveness and it was a no brainer.

4. You can’t afford it.
I won’t deny that CrossFit’s memberships cost slightly more than membership to a globogym.  However, personal training, small group training or specialty classes all cost extra at a globocym. Your membership allows you access through the door and to use their equipment even if you don’t know how. If you want training they will be happy to provide that at an average cost of $50-$60/hr. You’ll likely have to sign up for 3 sessions a week for 3 months as they don’t often do one time sessions. Even on the low side at $50/hr you’d spend another $2,000 for this training and then after 3 months be back on your own.  $2,000 is more than a full year’s CrossFit membership plus your CrossFit coach will coach you 12 months each and every year without asking for more money. CrossFit is CLEARLY THE BETTER VALUE!

5. You don’t need a coach any you have my own program.
Everybody needs a coach. Professional athletes, Olympic athletes, College athletes all have coaches. Coaches will help you structure your workout, refine your technique with unbiased observation and in most cases have had training, experiences, and a background that you have not. Even coaches learn from other coaches. Don’t you want to make the most of your time in the gym?

6. You’re a girl and you are worried CrossFit will make you bulky or you’re a guy and are worried that you will just do cardio and will lose all your strength gains.
Why do I always hear this one? How could the same workout structure make one sex big and bulky and the other weak and skinny.  I think this rumor starter needs to choose the effect that they think CrossFit has on a body and then apply said rumor to each sex. Truth be told, you will get stronger from CrossFit. Yes, we do some running and other cardio. No that doesn’t mean you won’t get gains from all the heavy lifting we do.  If you’re a girl….or a guy and you want to add bulk you will have to work at it regardless. You will have to adjust your food intake and you will have to lift heavy… A LOT…  Girls, you will not get big and bulky on accident. It will only happen by your choice. Guys… Same deal… Work for it if you want it.
 
7. You think you need to get into better shape before beginning such a rigorous training program.
Are you Friggin kidding me?  This is the most scalable workout program available. Anyone that has gone through a Fundamentals (On ramp course) will tell you all the ways you can scale every exercise (up or down) to suit your current fitness level.  My CrossFit Coach told me that, “if you can breathe you can CrossFit.”  Stop waiting for your idea of “getting in better shape” to happen and let somebody help you with a program that has helped hundreds of thousands around the world accomplish their fitness goals and more.
 
8. You’re too old.
Please refer to my answer to #7. AND…. You’re only as old as you think you are and you are capable of doing whatever you decide to do. Will your workout be scaled differently than the 20 something year old beside you? Yeah. Quite often. But really, is that a problem? Is this about them or you? Are you wanting to get healthier and stronger so that you can continue to live the life you want to live without physical limitations even as you age? Drop this excuse then.

9. You think it’s a fad
A fad is something that is popular and then later dies out like bell bottoms and leisure suits. It’s typically short lived and is popular without basis. CrossFit was founded over 16 years ago in 2000 but the first CrossFit style gym was actually originated in 1996 in Santa Cruz.  I’d say 20 years of history and hundreds of thousands of people that are still doing CrossFit today show that it’s effective in achieving results and is here to stay.  The CrossFit games are more popular and competitive than ever and because CrossFit works, I don’t see it going away.

10. You heard it’s a cult. This may be the only real reason that you AREN’T doing it CrossFit. Then you’d have to admit that you are a part of it.
Yes. I’ve heard this too. More than once. A cult is typically a religious organization so you can stop right there. Just relax because we don’t teach religion and sometimes we even cuss.  Ok. We frequently cuss. By the way there is no Kool Aid. There’s no alternate agenda or ultimate CrossFit cause. We aren’t going to suck you into a multi-level marketing plan with promises to make you rich and to take over the world.  We are about fitness. CrossFitters are simply a bunch of like-minded people who support and encourage each other to work hard toward achieving similar PERSONAL goals. Yes, every athlete in every box works towards their own goals. They have their own challenges and their own things that they have overcome in life to be where they are today.  Some… Many have had life changing experiences through CrossFit.  Other’s simply found a more comprehensive and effective workout program. You’ll get what you want out of it.
Finally, remember that the only reason people might make a judgement on you when start CrossFit is because they too bought into one of these 10 reasons without having all the information to make a good decision about it.  They should read this list. If they are still unwilling to try it then I recommend that you not talk to them about CrossFit. They don’t have to do it or even understand it for you to benefit from what we do.  Again, it’s not about them. You’re still going to get strong and fit if you choose to be.

 The ONE REASON You SHOULD CrossFit

1. It WORKS!  

CrossFit is the most comprehensive strength and conditioning program that with consistency in performing the workouts and maintaining a solid eating lifestyle (note I didn’t say diet) it will actually provide a means to meet any fitness goal. Strength, speed, stamina? It’s all here for you. CrossFit has saved lives. It’s saved people from obesity. From heart disease. From Diabetes. From countless other health issues.  CrossFit has created social opportunities and brought people together.

Bottom line…. I’m totally fine if you decide I’m wrong.  I’m totally fine with you trying it and deciding you’re not willing to work that hard…..  Do yourself a favor though…. Don’t dismiss CrossFit until you have tried a workout and gone through a Fundamentals/On Ramp