Most of you have probably heard about it, maybe even too much: CrossFit, the workout taking the world by storm one Box at a time (a Box is what CrossFitters, as they shall henceforth be named, call their gym). Lately, there’s been much ado on the internets about why people do, don’t do, and don’t care about CrossFit. Erin Simmons, a self-proclaimed former athlete, coach, and fitness promoter caused quite a stir with her article about why she doesn’t do CrossFit. There was prompt response from angry CrossFitters. There were a lot of arguments on Facebook about it. Then there were people like me who think that the people who argue about it are the worst. Regardless of what group you align with, you might be surprised to learn that it got its big start right here in the Pacific Northwest. And if the thought of reading the term “WOD” doesn’t make you want to throw your laptop at me, then read on, my friends.
In The Beginning, There Was CrossFit
Despite its popularity, few people know about the fitness phenomenon’s origins. The CrossFit theory was born by Greg Glassman in the mid 1990s, a former gymnast hired to train the Santa Cruz Police Department who also personally trained individuals. The demand for his style of workout, a hybrid of gymnastics, weightlifting and running, became so great that he began to workout with multiple clients at a time.
Formally, however, the first official CrossFit affiliate opened up right here in Seattle. Its owner and founder, David Werner, was a Navy SEAL forced to retire from a back injury. According to Werner, his doctor advised him to stay away from physical activity, which only led to more chronic pain and paralysis of one leg. Werner “self-rehabilitated” through the study and practice of the CrossFit method, Olympic-style weightlifting, Russian Kettlebells, and martial arts. He felt so good that he decided to start training in his one-car garage back in 2002, calling it “CrossFit North.” Since then, he’s moved his humble Box (now known as Level4 Crossfit Seattle} into a state-of-the art facility which is now among more than 5,000 CrossFit affiliates around the world.
Physical “Therapy”
I am of the sincere opinion that people with opinions on CrossFit should try it before they knock it, which is why I would like to share my personal experience. I always considered myself a physically fit person, but after law school was over I fell prey to career laziness syndrome. I went from a diverse workload (school, internships, working at bar) to literally sitting on my rear end for twelve hours a day. Beforehand, I spent enough time on my feet and incidentally burning calories that my occasional jogs and yoga were enough to keep my metabolism in check despite all my stress.
As I was preparing to transition to the “real world,” I lost my dad just before graduation. This certainly added to my stress and caused me a great deal of depression. I wasn’t packing on pounds, but I felt incredibly unhealthy. I was so inexplicably exhausted from sitting in front of a computer screen that I would head home, maybe have a beer or a glass of wine, eat dinner and head to bed. Much like Werner, lack of physical activity was giving me chronic pain. I wanted something more motivational to get me in the gym, especially during those months where I was going to and leaving work in the dark.
In March of last year, I did two things: I left the job I was at and I signed up for CrossFit. It was really difficult at first, but it didn’t take long to notice I had more energy. It helped me stay balanced as I prepared for the Bar Exam. A few months later, however, I also lost my mother. I left the gym for a month because I simply didn’t have time to deal with everything that was going on and still try to take the most mentally exhausting exam of my life. But after, I realized I really missed it. Even though I kept pretty quiet during class, I missed that camaraderie of the WOD-style workout (not to mention I’ve always been somewhat of a tomboy and can appreciate the incredibly diverse crowd that CrossFit draws as opposed to most other fitness regimens). My coaches and peers didn’t know it, but they kept me sane through the toughest time of my life in a way that a psychiatrist never could.
CrossFit has improved my life physically and mentally: I am stronger than ever before, I have accomplished physical feats that I never thought possible, my outlook on life is much more positive, and my self-esteem is in great shape. I still run, practice yoga, dabble in the bar method and engage in other activities. But there is a special relationship that you develop with yourself when you do CrossFit, and I encourage anyone who might be searching for a cure to what ails you to try.
Is CrossFit for you?
For those who may be considering CrossFit for their workout regimen, do your research, and as with any form of exercise, make sure you’re healthy enough to work out and are eating a balanced diet. A lot of CrossFit’s critics point to the higher rate of visits to the doctor, and yes, you can get injured just like you can in any physical activity. But because often it can be a previous injury that becomes reaggrivated, it may be best to consult a sports physician before giving CrossFit a try. Additionally, CrossFit is not for the dainty eaters: you will burn a lot of energy during your workout[1]
“Anybody who ever participated in and enjoyed team sports is likely to thrive at CrossFit,” says Dan Leinonen, owner and coach at CrossFit North Seattle. “Though there’s competition between each other and against yourself, there is an immense level of support from others in the gym and your coaches who want to see you succeed. It’s a community.” He warns, however, there is low tolerance for whining. While you will receive individualized attention during your workouts, it is not a personal training session. He also added that if you are not willing to dedicate a certain amount of time to coming to the Box, then you won’t see as many benefits ass you might expect. That said, the same goes with any other workout: you simply won’t shed pounds and develop muscle within your first couple of weeks. “Everybody is different, and their capacity for lifting weights or doing pull ups or hand stands will be different as well,” Leinonen added. “But I think that’s what makes CrossFit so great: you have everybody from different skill levels working out together, supporting each other, and having a great time while doing it and I just don’t think you get to see that with many other fitness regimens.”
Depending on the gym’s location, number of staff, and size, prices will vary and so will your experience. If you are like me, the thought of people watching you learn to weightlift is terrifying and you should maybe try a more intimate box. They’re likely to offer you a trial period (“on-ramp” classes) while you learn the basic skills to see if you like it, so don’t fear commitment.
So there you go. Try it, or don’t. Love it, or hate it. But please, please stop fighting about it.
[1] I made the mistake of doing a raw-diet cleanse about a month into CrossFit and I nearly passed out twice afterward. Even with the vegan protein shakes, I found myself too shaky after the cardio-loaded WODs.