CrossFit is a great addition to your life if you want to be healthy. While it can seem daunting (those big weights, high bars can be intimidating), it’s definitely worth it if you want to get ripped or healthy. Here’s seven tips for beginners if they want to ace their first few weeks of CrossFit.
Focus on the technique first. Most people, whether her do CrossFit or go to the gym, eye adding weights as a goal. However, you should focus on the right technique first. The correct form maximizes your effort and reduces the risk of injury. This ensures that you develop faster. Additional weight and reps will naturally follow once you are develop.
It’s okay to get some help. CrossFit is not a solo act, especially for beginners. It’s actually social, and members support and encourage each other, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your pride won’t help you if you’re pinned under a barbell and injured.
Yes, you have to do burpees. Most people do not like burpees. Unfortunately, burpees are great for strength, conditioning and your core. Just suck it up and it will be worth it in the end. And yes, you can still hate burpees even if you’re already ripped.
Be Patient and Consistent. Let’s face it, you will not look like a chiseled Greek God or Goddess after one or two sessions. But you will be on your way to bigger and better things, just be patient though. Also, be consistent with your efforts. There will be times when it’s a struggle, other times when it’s a breeze. Just keep your head up and do the grind. You’ll appreciate the results more after all that patience and hard work.
Watch your footwear. Because of the high level of impact your feet and knees take quite a beating when doing CrossFit exercises. So you really can’t just wear any type or shoes, especially the classic, spongy running sneakers. Wrong shoes increase your risk of injury and decreases the quality of the effort you put in. Slip on actual CrossFit shoes. Reebok is known for its ties with CrossFit, hence, a shoe like the CrossFit Nano 8, is a good choice.
You’ll need a shoe that is durable, but is also lightweight and flexible so it can follow you effectively throughout the routine.
Modify your diet. While you will eventually get results when you do CrossFit, a good diet will get you there faster, and you’ll perform better if you eat well. A diet full of vegetables, fruits and lean meats will do you wonders. Don’t forget complex carbs though, like sweet potatoes, wheat bread and brown rice. Water is still the best beverage you can drink. If you are going for protein shakes, check the label. Some protein powders pack a lot of sugar and calories.
Don’t forget your fitness outside the gym. A CrossFit session lasts for about an hour. Which means what will you be doing for the rest of the day to keep you fit? Besides, eating healthy, try to squeeze in some fitness activities as well. This does not necessarily mean that you should do more sports. Of course, you still have the time and energy, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t. The point here is to not be sedentary. Take out the trash, go walk your dog, play with your kids. Just be active, even if it means chores. You’ll not only be fit, but productive as well.
