There are many things I can write here about CrossFit. I can explain to you all the benefits, including the functional, metabolic and athletic aspects. I can even describe how CrossFit can incorporate cardio endurance, weight bearing exercise and gymnastic movements into one workout. But to best describe it, I decided to write about the CrossFit experience. Here is a little something I put together:

You enter the room for the first time, unsure of what to expect. You take notice of the contents of the room – a pull up bar, some ropes hanging from the ceiling, or gymnastic rings, barbells, medicine balls, a Glute Hamstring Developer (GHD), a few jump ropes, kettlebells, and even some plyo boxes. Your heart is beating a little faster now, feeling a little intimidated – maybe even downright scared. You have heard the hype. You have seen the athletes walk out after class – breathing heavy, sweat dripping, spent. You have heard how highly they speak of CrossFit and the great results they have achieved. You have gathered the courage to give it a try.

You start with a warm up. You are already picking up on the energy in the room. You feel good, apprehension dissipating. Finished with that, you re-hydrate, breath deeply, wipe that sweat that is already forming from your brow. Instructor goes over the work out of the day (WOD) in detail. Maybe it’s “Daniel”, or “Eva” or a set of progressively heavier dead lifts. Precise and detailed, instruction is given on the components of today’s WOD. OK, now time to practice before you start. You are feeling more comfortable and confident now, anticipating this work out.

The timer goes off. You start jumping, pushing, pressing, running. It’s not easy, but you are up to the challenge. Something inside of you comes alive. You keep pushing through, persevering. Wow – has it been ten minutes already? Only 2 more rounds to go – you think to yourself - I can do this, I can hang in there. The athletes around you are going at it – the looks on their faces only seem to drive you more. Instructor comes over to you, gives some corrective advice and encourages you to keep going. You get back in there for a couple more minutes. You feel the need to rest for a minute, or two, or even three. The other athletes are giving you their words of encouragement. OK, enough rest, you are back in. One person finishes, then another and even a few more. Then you hear yourself calling out “time!”. You made it - you are done.

You are breathing heavy, sweat dripping, spent. You now understand why the others come back for more. Through the hard work and sweat, you have formed an alliance with your instructor and fellow athletes. You feel amazing. You are so proud of what you have completed - your WOD, your time, you may even want to post your results on the CrossFit board. You ask the instructor what’s on the agenda for the next class, with a wink she tells you to come to class and you will find out. You think to yourself, you can bet on that!

A few months have past now. On your way to work, the train is at the station and you have to run as fast as you can to catch it. You get on with seconds to spare. You think to yourself, wow - I am not even out of breath, I feel good. That’s not the only thing you notice, your clothes are starting to fit differently, you look good. Just the other day, you noticed some muscle that you have never seen before. What a great feeling that is! You are full of energy; you can’t wait for class later. Class time comes around – you walk into the room. Oh, there is a new guy starting today. You recognize that look on his face so you go over and introduce yourself, reassuring him he will do just fine. You look over at the CrossFit board. Ok, so we have “Michael” today -

Three rounds for time of:

Run 800 meters

50 Back Extensions

50 Sit-ups

The instructor starts the clock. You explode into action. Finished - round number one. Round number two – nailed it! Push through round number three. Almost finished, one person right there next to you. He yells out “Time!” Forty seconds later - you call it out. You think to yourself, “second one to finish, not bad!” A minute later, another one finishes, then another and a few more. The new guy calls his time. You look over at him and see the look in his eyes. It is that look only a CrossFitter can understand. For that you are proud.