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Joining A CrossFit Box – And A Community

people joining a crossfit box and standing together in a kitchen around plates of food on a bench talking about crossfit

You might think joining a CrossFit box is as simple as paying the fees, signing the paperwork, and showing up for your first day. In some ways, this is true. However, truly becoming a part of a CrossFit box includes getting to know the other members and getting involved in the community.

If there’s one thing that sets CrossFit apart from other fitness programs and gyms, it’s the community aspect. Sharing your fitness goals is a great way to connect with people you might otherwise think you have absolutely nothing in common with. Plus, the group dynamic is very motivating and supportive. Many people find that the support of their box makes a massive difference to their overall fitness performance and progress.

While the community is an alluring aspect of CrossFit, some people do find it a bit daunting. It can feel strange showing up and feeling like everyone already knows each other so well. Many new CrossFitters get a bit overwhelmed by the pressure of trying to socialize with new people, particularly when it’s on top of the pressure of trying to keep up with the WOD.

Although most people you meet at CrossFit are perfectly lovely and welcoming folk, you might want a little advice for getting into the swing of things. Here are some easy tips for joining a CrossFit box and getting acquainted with those in your local CrossFit community.

Be friendly

Okay, this seems obvious, but some people don’t like talking to others – and that’s fine. Those people usually indicate that by standing away from the pack, doing their own thing. No problem with that, and people usually respect that they’re not chatty. However, you don’t want to look like one of those people if you’re looking to become a part of the community! Don’t be shy to say hi and ask people about their day. CrossFitters don’t bite – they’re usually excited to have someone new joining their gym and will want to get to know you.

Support others

For some reason, people sometimes feel nervous to compliment and congratulate others on their performance. However, if any place is a good place to cheer someone on, a CrossFit gym is definitely it. CrossFit is known for its supportive culture, so no one will think you’re weird for encouraging other members. Don’t be afraid to throw yourself into cheering on others when they do a great job. They’ll appreciate it, and will probably do the same for you the next time you need a little encouragement. If you see someone doing an interesting movement or generally smashing their workout, feel free to go ahead and compliment them when they’ve finished. There’s nothing wrong with helping others feel proud of themselves!

Work out at consistent times

When you’re joining a CrossFit box, decide on a certain time that works for you. Go to the gym at that same time as much as you can. Most people work out pretty much at the same times throughout the week. When you start seeing the same faces a few times each week, they’ll be more likely to open up and get to know you. In contrast, if you go at erratic times, people will think you’re just a casual member or drop-in. When you show up to class at the same times each week and talk to other members when you’re there, you’ll slowly but surely make friends.

Chat with people post-WOD

It can be hard to try and socialize during such an intense workout. Chatting with the people around you is probably the last thing you want to do during it. However, after the WOD is a perfect time to get to know people. You just went through the same hell as 10 or so others, so you have a perfect topic to discuss. Complain about it, talk about your favorite movement, or ask for tips to improve on a certain exercise. Alternatively, simply finish up by high-fiving and congratulating whoever’s around you. You all deserve it.

Find out if your box does any social meet-ups

A lot of CrossFit communities do activities such as post-workout drinks, Sunday brunches, concerts together, or other similar hang-outs. While seeing people in the gym is a great way to get to know them through a common activity, non-workout activities can help solidify your place in the community. You can use the fitness journey as a bridge to get to know about other people. You may have more in common than you ever thought!

Don’t worry too much about making friends when joining a CrossFit box

Sure, there are things you can do to improve the process. However, if you show up consistently and are nice to others, you’ll form some good relationships. Most people are surprised at how easy it is to make friends through CrossFit. 

First and foremost, concentrate on your own fitness journey. When you work hard and focus on your own health, you’ll be surprised how many awesome people you attract.

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CrossFit Community: 5 Benefits For Your Fitness

people in the crossfit community each putting one foot into the shape of a circle on a cobblestone background

Throughout all of recorded history, humans have thrived the most when they are a valued part of a community that is important to them. We are naturally social creatures and enjoy feeling a sense of belonging a community gives. Many people love spending time with people from their church, their parents’ group or colleagues. In modern times, sports teams and other fitness groups are some of the most popular communities. The CrossFit community is one of the most well-known and celebrated social fitness groups. 

A recent study in the academic journal Leisure Sciences found that CrossFit members had a far greater sense of community than members of other sports groups. Further, the higher the sense of community people felt, the more they motivated they were to go work out. 

The group setting and social vibe of the box is one of the best features of CrossFit, and has amazing benefits both socially and for physical fitness. 

Here are our top five favorite things about the CrossFit community

1. A healthy sense of competition

At a CrossFit gym, there’s always going to be someone fitter, faster, stronger, and generally better than you. Many people find this very motivating. You can see your potential, and you want to be as fit as them. Plus, you can befriend this person. You can always ask CrossFit veterans for tips and advice on how they got to  their level. They’re not just there to motivate you, but to help you out on your fitness journey when you need it. 

2. A high energy environment

If you’ve ever gone for a solo run in a secluded, quiet area, you probably know how hard it can be to motivate yourself to get into the workout. However, when you show up to a CrossFit gym, you’ll find a group of people buzzing with excitement for the day’s workout. This energy is perfect for helping you get your head in the game. Chatting with others with similar goals is energizing and helps you stay in the best mindset to smash your workout.

3. You’ve always got someone cheering you on

The CrossFit community is famous for being super supportive. Everyone was in the newbie’s position at some point. They know how it feels and they want to make you feel comfortable and supported. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to push yourself past what you thought were your limits when you’ve got others cheering you on. 

4. Accountability 

Once you become a familiar face at CrossFit, people will notice if you don’t show up. When you just go to the gym, you won’t really face any consequences if you miss a day. If you miss a day of CrossFit then the next time you go, people will be asking where you were at, and maybe hassling you a little for missing a workout. Although it can sometimes feel a little annoying, this accountability is very valuable for staying on track on your fitness journey.

5. You can make lifelong friends

Many people find that making friends as an adult can be pretty hard. Outside of school or work, it can be hard to get to know people. However, the CrossFit community can help you to meet people with similar goals and values to yourself. You’ll find that many people at CrossFit are siblings, spouses or friends. There’s often birthdays or other events that the members celebrate together. It’s quite easy to form meaningful relationships through CrossFit, which is always a nice experience.

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What’s The Hardest Part Of Getting Fit?

the hardest part of getting fit lifting weights

Don’t get us wrong, getting fit is awesome. You feel great and you have lots of energy. You’re healthy – your bones and muscles are strong. Your body looks amazing and you feel confident. Maybe you get a little more attention from the opposite sex than you used to! Going to the gym is satisfying and makes you feel accomplished. Yep, getting fit is a rewarding process with so many benefits.

However, we can acknowledge that you’ll run into some challenges on your fitness journey. In this post, we’re going to acknowledge some of the most common issues you may face. There are definitely things you can do to deal with them.

You may disagree that some of these things are the hardest part of getting fit. For some people, one aspect is a huge challenge, but for others it’s no problem at all! Remember, everyone’s different.

So, what are the hardest parts of getting fit?

Sticking to a healthy diet

Even if you don’t think diet is the hardest part of getting fit, I’m sure you’ll agree it can be tough to manage. If you’re bulking, it can be hard to force yourself to eat enough. If you’re cutting, you’ll have the opposite problem. It can be hard to say no to your favorite snacks. So what can you do? 

  • Learn to cook. It’s so much easier and cheaper to eat healthy when you make the meals yourself. Plus, cooking for yourself makes you feel accomplished. Being familiar with spice blends and seasoning makes a huge difference to how your food tastes. Look up some recipes and spend some quality time getting to know your kitchen.
  • Meal prep. After a long day, who wants to spend time cooking up sweet potato and chicken when you could just get fast food on the way home? You can beat this problem by cooking meals in advance and storing them in the fridge. This makes it easy to just grab something healthy at dinner time. There are so many great meal prepping resources to explore online.
  • Eat healthy foods that you like. Try lots of foods, and ditch the ones that you think are gross. Just because everyone at your gym seems to eat oatmeal every day, you don’t necessarily have to jump on that train. There are so many amazing healthy foods, just be open minded and find ones you actually enjoy eating!

Motivation and discipline

Many people find maintaining motivation to be the hardest part of getting fit. Maybe you finish a long day of work and you just can’t face the idea of going to the gym. Living a sedentary lifestyle wasn’t so bad, right? Right? To overcome issues with motivation, try to:

  • Do fun workouts. No one’s going to feel motivated to do something they hate. Ditch the thirty minutes of running on a treadmill. Replace it with fun lifts you love, high intensity and varied cardio workouts, or social sports with your friends.
  • Try group fitness classes. Group fitness classes, such as CrossFit, usually have a fun and motivated atmosphere. The collective vibe will boost your motivation to new heights.
  • Create a workout schedule and stick to it. If you know in advance that you’re going to the gym and know why you’re going and what you’re doing, you’ll feel far more excited to go. Work in your favorite exercises.

Being patient: waiting to see progress

Wake up, eat a thousand eggs, work yourself to the bone at the gym, drink a protein shake, repeat. Sometimes a fitness journey can feel like you’re working so hard, and for what? 

If you don’t see results or feel like you’re meeting your goals, your motivation can really drop. Many people find patience to be the hardest part of getting fit. Here’s how to stay on track:

  • Set small, short term goals. You’ll be waiting a long time to lose 50 pounds. But, if you set a goal for each 5 pounds, you’ll feel much more satisfied with your progress. Reward each 5 pounds with something such as new workout gear or an item of clothing.
  • Stop comparing yourself to others. It’s human nature to look at others, and this can make us feel discouraged. Try to push these thoughts out of your mind. Everyone has their own path.
  • Take photos of yourself. When your body changes just a little each day, you might not notice. Every month or two, take a few pictures of your body to document your progress. When you look at them, you’ll be surprised at the changes you do see.

Fighting the stereotypes that come with getting fit

Before getting shredded, you would probably never consider this to be the hardest part of getting fit. However, many gym buffs really struggle with the stereotypes they face. Big and muscular people, particularly men, are often assumed to be vain, superficial or even stupid. These assumptions can be hurtful!

To overcome this challenge just remember:

  • People at the gym won’t think this way. Try connecting with other fitness junkies. Be kind to those you meet at the gym, and they’ll be kind to you. Of course they know that there’s far more depth to people at the gym than just caring about working out. 
  • Remember you’re doing this for you. There are so many benefits to fitness that go beyond aesthetics. You’ll be the one laughing when you’re well into old age and in great health and amazing shape.
  • It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. At the end of the day, you know there’s more to you than the gym. If someone assumes you’re vain just because you work on yourself, they aren’t someone you want to associate with anyway!
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