Cross Fit?

[stablesgirl]

I'm searching for a new challenge -- just competed in bikini, and I will do so again, but I want to take a break and try some new physical challenges. I see there are several crossfit gyms in my area and I'm thinking about going to an introductory course. Have you tried this? What do you think? My goal is to stay decently lean but put on some more muscle before my next comp.

[Nic902]

I have never tried crossfit, but I know a lot of people like it...Hopefully Gwen will chime in here, I know she is lovin it.

[firespinner93]

I have been doing Cross Fit for almost four months, and I LOVE IT! My goals are very different from yours, as I am overweight and trying to lose it. Along with nutrition, it is working very well for me.

I love the fact that you do something new every day. You never get bored with the routine, and your body never adapts. I hate lunges, but we only do them once or twice a month.

I like the fact that it is a coach taught class. My coaches are sticklers for form (thank goodness) and the perfect combo of tough and supportive. I am held accountable for showing up and training.

Probably what I love the most is the fact that it will not allow you to sit in your comfort zone. I love lifting, and will lift all day. I hate cardio and will avoid it like the plague. Cross Fit won't let you do that. It will develop you in all areas of fitness if you just commit to it. (Which I don't think you have a problem with.)

I could go on and on. I love Cross Fit, and I love what it has done for me as far as body comp goals, and how I feel about myself. I highly recommend it!

[stablesgirl]

Thanks for all the info! I have found a crossfit gym online in my area and they do offer a free introductory class so I plan to take that and see what I think. One concern I do have -- I have a bad back from an accident a few years ago. There are some things I can't do... for example, my old trainer had me do "good mornings" and I did one and could not continue - it really hurt. Not in a muscle way, but in a "that sharp pain scares me and I don't ever want to do it again" way. So I want to push myself, but not re-injure my back for sure. Do you think there are a lot of moves in crossfit that put pressure on the lower back, or is there enough flexibility with the training that I could adapt to something that works for me?

[firespinner93]

While I don't have any chronic problems, sometimes I, for example, tweak my wrist and can't do push ups. My trainer ALWAYS finds an alternate exercise for me when this happens. There are some people in my gym who do have chronic issues, and alternate exercises are found for them when necessary. Maybe I have just lucked into one incredible bunch of people, but I hope it's a widespread thing.