I just finished my three-week CrossFit On-Ramp, an introductory program to CrossFit, and in a word, I would say it was fun! Fun??? Well, if, like me, you enjoy challenging yourself, spending some focused “me” time, learning something new, and a feeling of accomplishment, you might think it’s fun too (okay, it’s not ALL fun).
As a longtime fitness instructor, I have been intrigued to see what CrossFit is all about. I have friends who are fanatics but have also seen videos that caused me to raise an eyebrow or two. When I discovered that Michael Nguyen, a fellow parent at my son’s daycare, owns Iron Resolve CrossFit in Stamford, it sparked my foray into finding out what happens at CrossFit.
CrossFit uses varied workouts focusing on functional movements. The workouts include pulling, pushing, squatting, pressing, jumping, and running. The WOD (Workout of the Day) is done for time, and you earn a score. CrossFit is about high-intensity/time-efficient workouts, so you work hard, but most workouts are done in less than 30 minutes. Michael says, “CrossFit is not about being the strongest, fastest, or even the best in the gym. It’s about being the best you can be on any given day by attempting new things, working on your weaknesses as you build on your strengths”.
Each day during On-Ramp, we reviewed proper form for a variety of exercises like “Wall Balls,” “Kettle Bell Swings,” and “Ring-Rows,” and then moved on to the WOD. I appreciated the focus on the functional applications of the exercises, such as how a correctly performed deadlift, squat, or push-press, relates to how I need to safely pick my little guy up off the floor or out of his booster seat. I couldn’t help asking many questions about each exercise and how they are modified for different individuals. Michael gave me great confidence in how they can work with various skill levels and capabilities and how safety is prioritized. Michael, a Stamford Police Officer, and his Co-Owner Felipe Polanco are CrossFit Level 1 Certified. Felipe is also a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Jessica Baker, a teacher and mom of three, says she loves that in one hour a day, “I can complete an individualized strength training program and a high-intensity workout (that I don’t have to self-design) and see results quickly.” Kendra Podielsky, a Stamford mother of 2, got started at Iron Resolve after being discouraged by the lack of results from other workouts. She says, “My body has strengthened to the point that most of the pains I felt from weakened post-pregnancies muscles are gone, and my energy has skyrocketed. I finally have the tone and definition that I had been seeking. CrossFit has sparked a strong interest in fitness and nutrition for the whole family.”
Though I told Michael the last time I was “competitive” was in high school, it was easy to get excited about challenging myself and pushing to improve. After my nine sessions, I can see how it can become addictive. Each night I went home and told my husband, “Guess what we did at CrossFit tonight?” and recounted the latest new challenge, from pull-ups to handstand push-ups (okay, I couldn’t quite do those).
While I had a great experience, education and knowledge of the instructors are important so ask for referrals and qualifications when seeking out a CrossFit Box (i.e., gym). If you have any pre-existing conditions, ensure the gym is knowledgeable in adjusting the workouts to your abilities and trust your instincts. Don’t do something because everyone else is, and ask questions. You’re not in the right place if your gym can’t or won’t modify! Since the workouts focus on time and score, if you are very competitive, ensure you always focus on proper form first. Never sacrifice form for speed, as that is what leads to injury. If your box expects you to push through injuries, run, don’t walk out of there. “You will not get in better shape if you are injured.”
Have you tried CrossFit? What did you think?
Iron Resolve CrossFit sponsored this post, but the opinions are my own. Please support our sponsors.
