Advice for CrossFit Beginners

If you’re just getting started or have only been doing CrossFit a short time, how is it going so far? Harder than you expected? Not sure it’s for you? Maybe it’s different than any other workout you’ve tried before?

Starting something new as an adult is a challenge. You might’ve forgotten what it’s like to be a beginner – not to be the expert or the best in the room. And if you don’t cut yourself some slack, it might be tough to stick with it.

If you’ve decided to give it a try, it’s helpful to put yourself in the right mindset, a beginner’s mindset. Here is some more advice for CrossFit beginners:

1. Adjust your expectations.

If you’re not sure that you enjoy CrossFit (yet), ask yourself about your attitude about the workouts you’ve done so far. Do you go into a workout expecting that you’re going to do every skill and movement perfectly on your first try? Are you assuming that you’re going to be the best athlete in the gym? If you’re feeling disappointed in yourself for feeling like you’re behind everyone else, it might be because of unrealistic expectations.

Rather than approaching each of your CrossFit workouts to be the best, adjust your focus on being your best. Show up with an open mind and the intention to get a little bit better each time. And most importantly, don’t take yourself too seriously. If you’re not having any fun, then you probably won’t stick with it.

2. Set aside your ego.

When you start CrossFit, the only person that you should be comparing yourself to is yourself. Your primary goal should be to learn and get better at your own pace. If you let your ego or comparing yourself to other people take over, then you probably won’t stick with CrossFit for very long. Set aside your ego and focus on your own fitness and performance.

3. Take care of your body.

The structure of most CrossFit workouts includes a warm-up, skill work, workout, and cool down. Each part of a workout plays a role in keeping you safe and injury-free. However, taking care of your body is your responsibility. You must know and recognize your limits; no one knows your body better than you do. Be smart about what you can and can’t handle.

If CrossFit is how you’re getting back into a regular workout routine, that’s great. Make sure that you’re giving your body a chance to adapt, as well as making an effort to recover properly in between workouts.

Are you interested in getting started with CrossFit? Then we’d love for you to check out MagMile CrossFit in Chicago. To learn more about the programs we have to offer and how to get started, contact us today.