When I started CrossFit almost two years ago, I didn’t know much about it. In my first post I mentioned I hadn’t hit the gym regularly since moving back from the west coast. And if you read my About page you’ll know that I’ve used to play sports, go to the gym and practice yoga, so I had some knowledge of sports and fitness. But everything I knew about CrossFit was from the media and fanatical friends – some good (i.e.: you can get “ripped” aka muscular, you become obsessed), some bad (i.e.: you can get injured, you become obsessed).

We all have to start somewhere in the fitness journey… For me, it was somewhere near the bottom, à la Drake. Looking back to when I started, I didn’t do any research and simply jumped into it! Partially out of sheer laziness, partially out of fear. Fear that if I knew more then I would find excuses not to go. For example, some CrossFit gyms aka “boxes” release their workout of the day (W.O.D.) daily or weekly to their members. To this day, I don’t look at it. Why? If the WOD consists of exercises I don’t enjoy like running, handstands or overhead squats, I’ll find any reason not to attend class. Sometimes ignorance is bliss but every time I perform a movement that isn’t easy, I know that I’m improving my fitness level and learning functional movements in a supportive team environment.

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is often described as the “sport of fitness”. According to Wikipedia, the fitness regimen was developed over several decades by Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai. The program is essentially strength and conditioning training. It aims to make you stronger and faster by improving your cardio-respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination and accuracy.

Here’s the definition from the official website:

CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more. These are the core movements of life.

They break it down here:

A beginner’s guide

NerdFitness has written an excellent beginner’s guide to CrossFit that answers the following questions:

• Who is CrossFit for?
• Is it dangerous?
• What’s a CrossFit class like?
• Can I do it at home?
• Why is it so expensive?
• Will CrossFit make me lose weight?
• What’s with the girls’ names for workouts?

And addresses topics such as:

• How to find a CrossFit gym
• Pros and cons
• Criticism

The writer of the guide, Steve, did a great job describing CrossFit, busting misconceptions and giving good tips. If you would prefer to watch a video, take a look at how former Buzzfeed content producer and current competitive CrossFit athlete Jordan Shalhoub explains the Crossfit.

Now we’re here

It’s been almost two years since I started CrossFit and I can confidently say I’m stronger, faster and more knowledgeable about fitness than when I began. I feel comfortable using a weighted barbell and understand how to row correctly; though I still loathe overhead movements and dislike running.

Have you attempted a new sport or fitness program? If so, what is it? Love it, hate it, don’t care for it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!