WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST CROSSFIT CLASS

Ulrich Preisinger • May 31, 2024

Welcome to your first CrossFit class!

You might be nervous, and that’s normal. You will see movements you have never done before, people doing many different variations of a workout, and lots of cheering and fist bumps at the end.

But this is just the start of your exciting CrossFit journey. You will meet a new community of people all rooting for you to achieve your fitness goals, and with time, you will start to see just how strong your body can be.

So, before you jump into your first CrossFit class, here is everything you should expect and how to prepare.

WHAT TO BRING

All you need to bring to your first CrossFit class is a water bottle, comfortable workout clothes, and relatively flat gym shoes. All other equipment you may need for the workout will be provided for you at the gym.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN CLASS

Each CrossFit gym will have a schedule of classes throughout the day ranging from early in the morning to the evening. Most gyms cap their classes to ensure the coach can give individualized attention to everyone in the class, so it’s important you reserve your spot before you arrive.

Be sure to let the gym know this is your first class, as every gym has a different onboarding process. Check out the gym’s website or give them a call to reserve your spot and learn how to pay for the class, if necessary.

SHOW UP EARLY

Most CrossFit gyms need you to show up 10-15 minutes early to sign a waiver and to introduce you to the space, such as where the restrooms are, where to put your belongings, where the equipment is located, etc.

FIND YOUR COACH

Before class starts, introduce yourself to your coach and let them know this is your first CrossFit class. They will walk you through everything throughout the class and answer any questions you may have.

If you have any injuries, make sure to let them know so they can scale your workout appropriately.

WHAT DOES A CROSSFIT CLASS LOOK LIKE?

A CrossFit class is a one-hour group session led by a coach. A typical class looks like:

Whiteboard brief — At the start of class, the group will circle around a whiteboard or TV. The coach will talk through the workout, the movements within it, the intended stimulus — the purpose of the workout and what level of intensity it’s designed to elicit — and ideas for scaling. Some gyms break the ice by having each person say their name and/or answer a “question of the day.”

Don’t worry if you don’t understand the movements listed on the board. The coach will walk you through the movements after the whiteboard brief. Your first class will focus on learning the movement technique, using a PVC pipe or very light barbell for any barbell movements and scaling other movements to your current fitness level and ability.

Warm-up — The coach will lead the class through a warm-up to prepare for the workout.

Skill practice —The coach will lead the class through skill practice, typically related to the movements that appear later in the workout.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR SCORE

At the end of class, you will gather at the whiteboard again to write down your score for the workout. This could either be the time you ended the workout, how many reps you completed, or the weight on your bar.

CrossFit is measurable, observable, and repeatable. We use scores to track our fitness over time, so the next time you do the same workout you can see your progress.

This is your first class, so don’t worry about comparing your score to other athletes’. This is your starting point!

INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR CLASSMATES

A big part of CrossFit is the community. Introduce yourself to your fellow classmates. They all remember the first time they walked into a CrossFit gym and can help you acclimate to class.

This is also your time to trial the gym’s community to see if it’s the right fit for you.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND

CrossFit is hard. We aren’t going to sugarcoat it. But that’s what makes it so empowering. You will soon be able to do things you never thought you could do before. You will be able to flip onto your hands into a handstand, climb a rope, or even get your first pull-up one day.

But it doesn’t happen overnight.

Use your first class to get a taste of CrossFit, learn more about the affiliate, and have fun. You will learn more with time.

NEXT STEPS

Now that you have experienced your first CrossFit class, it’s time to consider signing up for a membership! If you enjoyed your class at that affiliate, the staff will help walk you through the next steps.

Information provided by CrossFit Main site.

A woman is lifting a barbell over her head in a gym.

5 REASONS TO CHOOSE CROSSFIT OVER REGULAR GYMS

By Ulrich Preisinger • February 18, 2025
Choosing a CrossFit gym over traditional gyms comes with several unique advantages that set it apart from competitors. Firstly, CrossFit offers a sense of community and camaraderie that is often lacking in conventional gyms. Members support and motivate each other, creating an encouraging and inclusive environment. Secondly, CrossFit workouts are highly varied and designed to improve overall fitness, combining elements of weightlifting, cardio, and bodyweight exercises to challenge the entire body. Thirdly, the focus on functional fitness in CrossFit helps improve everyday movements, making daily activities easier and reducing the risk of injury. Fourthly, CrossFit gyms often provide personalized coaching and attention, with experienced trainers who can tailor workouts to individual needs and goals. Finally, choosing CrossFit over traditional gyms can lead to a more enriching and fulfilling fitness journey, characterized by community, variety, functional fitness, personalized coaching, and personal growth. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a newcomer to exercise, CrossFit provides a supportive environment where you can thrive and reach your fullest potential. Inspiration provided by: Coach Rick CrossFit Quinte 99 Dufferin Ave Trenton, ON

OVERCOMING GYM INTIMIDATION

By Ulrich Preisinger • February 7, 2025
Joining a CrossFit gym can seem intimidating, especially if you're new to the world of fitness or unfamiliar with the CrossFit culture. However, by adopting a few strategies, you can overcome this apprehension and make the most of your experience. Firstly, remember that everyone starts somewhere, and CrossFit communities are known for their supportive and inclusive nature. Reach out to the gym beforehand to learn about beginner-friendly classes or introductory programs that can ease you into the routine. It's also helpful to set realistic goals and focus on personal progress rather than comparison with others. Engaging with the community by introducing yourself and participating in social events can further help you feel more comfortable. Lastly, keep an open mind and embrace the learning process, understanding that it's okay to ask questions and seek guidance from trainers. With time, you'll likely find that the initial intimidation fades, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and achievement. If you're interested in CrossFit, let's connect! Schedule a complimentary Intro to CrossFit Quinte in person or arrange a phone conversation to explore the best options tailored for you! Inspiration provided by Coach Rick CrossFit Quinte 99 Dufferin Ave Unit K Trenton ON Canada

MANAGE YOUR TIME MASTER YOUR LIFE

By Ulrich Preisinger • February 3, 2025
What would you do differently if you could live your life over again? Reflecting on what you might do differently if given the chance to live your life over again can be a profound exercise in self-awareness and growth. Many people might choose to prioritize meaningful relationships, focusing more on nurturing bonds with family and friends, as these connections often bring the greatest joy and fulfillment. You might also consider investing in experiences rather than material possessions, as memories and personal growth can be more rewarding than fleeting material satisfaction. What would I postpone next time around if I could live my life over again? In terms of postponements, one may decide to delay major life decisions until one feels truly ready, such as career choices or starting a family, allowing yourself more time to explore and understand your passions and goals. Additionally, taking the time to travel and explore different cultures when younger could be a priority, as these experiences can broaden your perspective and enrich your life in countless ways. Ultimately, the decision is deeply personal and reflects your unique values and aspirations. Live life fully without limits. Living life fully without limits is about embracing each moment with enthusiasm and an open heart. It involves stepping out of your comfort zone to explore new experiences, whether they are big adventures or small everyday joys. This mindset encourages you to pursue your passions relentlessly, without the fear of failure holding you back. It also means cultivating a positive outlook, fostering meaningful relationships, and being present in every situation. By doing so, you not only enrich your own life but also inspire those around you. Ultimately, living without limits is about finding balance between ambition and contentment, and cherishing the journey as much as the destination. Don’t buy into the limiting beliefs others place upon you. Choosing not to buy into other people's limiting beliefs is a powerful step toward personal growth and self-empowerment. Limiting beliefs are often rooted in fear, insecurity, or past experiences, and they can be projected onto us by others, whether intentionally or unintentionally. By recognizing these beliefs as separate from your own reality, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities and potential. It's important to cultivate self-awareness and confidence, allowing you to discern which beliefs serve your personal development and which ones hold you back. Surrounding yourself with positive influences and seeking out supportive communities can further reinforce your commitment to pursuing your true capabilities, free from the constraints of others' doubts or fears. Remember, your path is uniquely yours, and believing in your own potential is the first step toward achieving your dreams. Be yourself, your true authentic self. Feeling unable to be yourself can be a challenging and isolating experience. It's important to acknowledge that everyone deserves the freedom to express their authentic self without fear of judgment or rejection. Often, societal pressures, expectations from others, or even internal doubts can stifle our true identities. To overcome this, start by identifying what truly matters to you and what makes you feel most like yourself. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage your individuality can also make a significant difference. Remember, embracing who you are is a journey, and it's okay to take small steps towards self-discovery and acceptance. You have the right to live a life that reflects your true self, and seeking open, honest conversations with those around you can be a powerful way to begin this process. Get into world class physical condition, don’t delay health. Achieving world-class physical condition and health requires a holistic approach that combines consistent exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and mental well-being. Begin by setting clear, realistic fitness goals tailored to your current level and desired outcome. Incorporate a mix of cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and endurance training into your routine such as CrossFit. Nutrition plays a crucial role, so focus on a diet rich in whole foods, including lean proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables to fuel your body efficiently. Stay hydrated and pay attention to portion sizes to maintain a healthy balance. Rest and recovery are equally important, so prioritize quality sleep and allow time for muscles to repair and grow. Additionally, manage stress through mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga. There is never a better time to live your life than today. The notion that there is never a better time to live your life than today serves as a powerful reminder to embrace the present moment with gratitude and purpose. Often, people find themselves trapped in the cycle of waiting for the "perfect" time to pursue their dreams or make significant changes, only to realize that such a time may never come. By focusing on today, we allow ourselves to seize opportunities, learn from experiences, and cultivate happiness in the here and now. This mindset encourages us to let go of past regrets and future anxieties, fostering a more mindful and fulfilling life. Every day is a chance to take steps toward personal growth, connect with loved ones, and make a positive impact on the world around us, reinforcing the idea that the present is indeed a gift. Inspiration provided by Coach Rick CrossFit Quinte 99 Dufferin Ave Trenton Ontario
More Posts
Share by:
Wodify Iframe