Just like tequila, your either love or hate CrossFit. But when it’s all said and done, there’s no other form of conditioning exercise like it. And if you want to build serious strength (and stamina), CrossFit is your answer. 

Don’t be fooled or intimidated by the intensity of a CrossFit workout — it’s a versatile and scalable form of exercise that suits even the most basic beginner. 

So, if you’ve been thinking about joining your local box, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked CrossFit questions. 

What Exactly Is CrossFit, Though? 

While many people might assume that HIIT workouts are a great way to keep your movement varied, CrossFit is the sport of all fitness. It focuses on high-intensity functional movement that not only helps you build strength for your workouts but throughout your day-to-day life, too. 

It also improves your cardiovascular fitness, exercise stamina, flexibility, range of movement, agility, speed, and balance. CrossFit focuses on building strength through varied, challenging, and conditioning workouts. 

With this in mind, let’s dive into some common questions and misconceptions about CrossFit. 

Is CrossFit Bad for You?

This is probably one of the greatest misconceptions about CrossFit. If you break it down, CrossFit is a form of strength training that uses a range of movements and training principles to condition your body. 

So, why does it get a bad rap then? This is because people assume that CrossFit workouts increase your likelihood of injury. But like any other workout program, you choose to do, poor form and incorrect training can lead to injury. 

If you work out at a CrossFit gym with the right team who offers attentive training and focuses on upskilling your form, such as MagMile, CrossFit is perfectly safe and beneficial. 

What Does WOD Mean in CrossFit?

This is an important CrossFit phrase you’ll need to become familiar with. It simply means workout of the day. Your WOD covers the routine that you’ll be doing for that day when you hit the box. 

This includes the structure of the workout, the exact movements, the repetitions, and the timings. Included in the WOD is a ”score”. The purpose of this score is so that you can keep track of your workout performance and how your strength and stamina improve over time. 

For example, your score would be the amount of time it takes you to complete three rounds of the WOD for that day. 

How Much Is CrossFit?

Yes, it’s true that CrossFit classes are a little more expensive than your average gym membership. Most of the time, CrossFit classes will cost you between $200-$300 per month. But when you compare what you get from a traditional gym membership with CrossFit culture, you’ll see that it’s worth every penny. 

CrossFit includes personalized attention from your coaches, as well as group training that leads to an exciting and competitive atmosphere. You also receive customized workouts to suit your capabilities each week and measurable goals so that you can track your progress.

CrossFit offers unparalleled levels of motivation. You also don’t need to have personal training to receive personalized assistance. It’s all part of the CrossFit package. 

How To Start CrossFit?

We get it, from the outside CrossFit might look intimidating to a beginner or someone who’s never lifted weights before. But CrossFit is more than just slamming around heavy barbells. You can start at the bottom (like every beginner) and work up your strength, stamina, and confidence over time. 

As mentioned, CrossFit WODs are tailored to your capabilities. Rather than assigning different workouts for different people, you start with the weights you’re comfortable with.  

The only way to start is to sign up with your local box (such as MagMile). While most traditional gyms offer a drop-in option, MagMile offers a basic fundamentals class to get you off to the right start. This class ensures you learn the right technique from day one and feel comfortable and confident in the space. 

Why Do They Call It a Box?

The answer to this one is simple, most CrossFit spaces are large and relatively empty except for a few key pieces of equipment. As such, they look like an empty box — four walls, a bare ceiling, concrete flooring, and basic CrossFit equipment. 

You’ll find that most CrossFit gyms use empty industrial spaces or warehouses to set up shop. 

How Often Should You Do CrossFit?

The amount of CrossFit classes you can fit in really depends on your own schedule. But, as with most forms of exercise, the more you do it, the better you become at it. 

In an ideal world, you should try to fit in at least 4 to 5 CrossFit classes per week in order to see real change and growth. While two active rest days are also important to allow for your muscles to recover properly. You could space out your rest days or take them back to back, if you prefer (over a weekend, for example).

Other CrossFit Terminology Explained

The above answers cover the fundamentals behind the sport of CrossFit. But whether you’re familiar with it or not, there are a few other acronyms worth understanding before your first class: 

  • AMRAP: As many rounds as possible — this is where you try to complete as many rounds of the WOD in a given time period. Most of the time, this time period ranges from 10, 20, or 30 minutes 
  • EMOM: every minute on the minute — this means you must complete a certain exercise at the beginning of every minute. I.e. you complete 10 burpees at the start of every minute, for a period of 10 minutes 
  • ME: maximum effort — this is the most amount of effort you can put into a single exercise over a given period of time. In other words, you go as hard as can, for as long as you can, within a certain time period 
  • DNF: Did not finish — if you are unable to complete a WOD within a fixed time cap, your score for that workout receives a DNF notation 

All of this lingo might sound confusing or seem intimidating. But once you’ve attended a few classes, and felt the energy and buzz during and after your CrossFit WOD, you’ll be hooked.   

Thinking of Joining a CrossFit Box? 

If you’re looking to improve both your physical and mental fitness, then CrossFit is the challenge you’re looking for. Work out with a collective of fitness enthusiasts and incredible coaches at your side to take your strength to the next level. At MagMile, our goal is to challenge, improve, and support you throughout your CrossFit journey. 

Join the MagMile community today!