1.3.14 WOD
01/02/2014
1.6.14 WOD
01/05/2014

CrossFitter Tips

Tips for CrossFitters –

While reading Boxlife Magazine I came across an article “12 Tips For A New CrossFitter”.  The article applies to more than just the new CrossFitter but could apply to a lot of us.   Here are a few reminders for all of us

1) Scale- Know our limits. We do not need to get in shape to start CrossFit. Scale and start CrossFit at a level that is right for each of us individually. When do we scale? The question becomes whether we can maintain a high level of intensity and proper form throughout the workout. When people associate CrossFit with injury, it is often times a result of not scaling properly. We need to know our limits and scale accordingly.

2) Take time to recover- What we do outside of the gym is just as important as what we do inside it. Sleep, nutrition, rest, mobility. . . the list goes on. Take care of your body. It’s easy to overdo it in the beginning (or whenever), don’t underestimate the importance of rest days. Going too hard too fast can lead to injury and/ or poor performance.

3) Get comfortable with discomfort- It’s hard for us to break plateaus by living in our comfort zone. The more we give in to pain or fear, the stronger the habit that will become. Fortunately, the more you fight through the pain, the stronger that habit will become as well.

6) Eat right- Eat depending on your goals. The nutritional needs of an athlete preparing for a competition are different than someone looking to make healthier food choices. In either case, a post WOD protein shake can help decrease muscle loss while increasing fat loss.

7) Just CrossFit- Constantly varied, high intensity, functional movements. . . that is CrossFit’s motto. As a beginner it’s easy to get sucked into the routine of focusing on just one or two aspects of CrossFit: Oly lifting or gymnastics, for example. However, until we have a basic understanding of all the CrossFit movements, stick to the group classes where we will certainly be practicing new skills daily.

8) Embrace technique over the time on the clock- Poor technique leads to two things: injury and faster fatiguing muscles. Proper form and efficient movement should be the focus of any new and experienced CrossFitter.

9) Listen to your coach (not everyone else)- Many of us have advice we want to share. We want to be as helpful as possible. It’s important to focus on the coach of the WOD. Too much information from too many sources can overload any beginner.

10) Some days are PR days, other days we may lift much less- That’s just the way it is. The gains we saw in our first several months of starting CrossFit may take a year, if not more, to match. Some days we may even lift less than usual – a lot less. Chances are we are not doing something wrong. Some days we’re just not going to “have it”. We need to do our best on that given day and look forward to the next day.

11) Have fun- It’s hard to be consistent at something when we aren’t having fun. Enjoy the time at the gym. Be part of the community, get to know your attend social events, and most importantly we can’t be too hard on ourselves  if we’re not progressing as fast as we might like. We will get there. We all do.

Well there you have it folks a few tips that I think we can all review again and again. Whether the information was new or you’ve heard it before, it’s time to kick it into action. Here’s to the start of a new year full of new goals, new accomplishments, new PR’s, and even more fun. Happy 2014 151!

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