If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen this post I wrote almost a year ago (22 April 2023):
“CrossFit.
It’s controversial. Some love it. Some hate it. Others view it as cult-like. My physio even described it as: ‘CrossShit’ once.
And totally within reason…
It poses a high risk of injury. Requires technical understanding and practice of the movements (particularly the Olympic lifts), and due to the competitive nature of the workouts, it can feel cult-like, or cliquey.
Personally, though, I enjoy it - a lot.
Why? Because I come from a team sports background. I’m competitive, and have solid foundational fitness. I’m not afraid of the barbell, working at high intensity, or throwing myself around like a madwoman.
To be honest, there are few things that can emulate the energy of a WOD where you all struggle and succeed together by pushing yourself to new limits.
>>> HOWEVER <<<
Do not go blindly into a class.
I did, and I paid the price.
I had never touched a barbell before walking into the box, and shortly after, I re-injured my back.
After some recovery, I re-entered the gym humbled. I realised I had no right to throw myself into that environment, especially knowing my mentality, and not expect to get injured.
Armoured with practice for the next 3-4 months, I got the coaching I needed to feel confident, safe, and pain free to try again.
Now, CrossFit is my energy burner. It’s intense, it’s hard work, and it’s innately built with a community of like-minded people.
My advice: practice first. Learn the basics safely with a coach and go from there.
Soon enough, you won’t be able to go a day without it - or is that just me?! 👀”
Six months ago, my membership ran out at my local CrossFit gym. It was a strange feeling because I had absolutely no desire to renew. Whilst there were many reasons, one stuck out the most: I simply wasn’t enjoying it anymore.
What was once my place of refuge, fun, and friendship was now a place of dread. The awkward timings with the gym closed in the afternoons was not working with my schedule, and being shut on Saturday’s was infuriating me beyond belief. Weekends are a perfect time to train!
But it was more than that: I didn’t feel good. I realised that I was missing sleep to get to classes before my clients, and the high intensity nature of the workouts meant I wasn’t improving. I never went heavier on the weights. My form was quite frankly shambolic. And in reality, I was only doing 40+ minutes of cardio - no strength. I was physiologically exhausted. I lost my period (whilst sounding idyllic is very unhealthy. The menstrual cycle is a sign of functioning womanhood - something we should learn to celebrate!), and I was so done with overhead presses!
It also occurred to me that I was training my clients in a totally different way. My sessions, whilst intense, are not designed to push you past your limit or stress you out. I believe in functionality, pain-free movement and prehab. Let’s get you strong, more confident, and perfect your form - not aimlessly overexert and exhaust you!
I began noticing that my clients were rapidly getting stronger and quickly surpassed all my PBs. All my female clients were lifting much heavier than me, and I had to face reality: I had plateaued. My deadlifts never once increased. My cleans were diabolical. My snatches were embarrassing. I was frustrated; I was cycling hundreds of reps and never improving.
Why? Because it was too damn intense! Without rest between sets to correct the technique and no sense of feeling the movement, it became pure carnage and chaos. CrossFit favours speed and reps over form and function, and as I comfortably reached my late 20s, I learned that my body no longer thrives in high intensity environments.
I no longer lift to compete or win. I lift to protect my joints, keep my back and core strong and age gracefully. I never want to be in pain or immobile ever again. I also save a fortune on massages and therapy treatments now. I sleep well, eat well and enjoy living in a body not surging with cortisol anymore.
But, despite all the negativity I've just spewed, I will end on this: I will eternally be grateful for CrossFit. It introduced me to weightlifting and was detrimental to my personal path today. At this time of my life, it just doesn't serve me - but that’s not to say it never will again.
Our bodies are extremely adaptable and versatile. We are seasonal animals and sometimes we want, need and desire different things. This is my season to slow down and enjoy the process.
What season are you in?