I am excited to be checking things off my 30 for 30 list and can now cross off #18 Try CrossFit. I found a local CrossFit gym right down the street from where I live and was able to try it for free for a week. I was really nervous about going, because to be honest I knew little about CrossFit and most of the pictures I saw of what they were doing scared me. I actually had this as a a goal last  year but never had enough courage to go. It can sometimes be hard to try new things and to really put yourself out there.

So what is CrossFit? CrossFit is an intense exercise program featuring dynamic exercises like plyometric jumps, and Olympic lifts while using non-traditional weightlifting equipment such as kettlbells, sand-bags, suspension systems or water-filled implements (source). Going into my first class I knew it would challenging. Although I do considered myself in good shape, this style of training was new for me.

For my first class I arrived about 15 minutes early and signed the normal paper work. There were about 8 of us and I was paired up with someone to help me with some of the exercises. The instructors name was Tina and she was really helpful. Each workout is called a WOD (Workout of the Day) and is posted on the board. All the workouts are also timed.

The warm up was pretty easy, but the actual WOD was tuff. Surprisingly I didnt  throw up or walk out after the first set of pull ups. The pull ups were hard,but I actually got them on the first try. These arent your typical pull ups, they are called kipping pull ups. They are advanced pullup that not only requires multiple muscle groups, from head to toe, but also requires heavy cardiovascular work (source).

Overall CrossFit was not as scary as I thought it would be. It is a challenging workout, but the most important aspect of CrossFit is proper form. I really enjoyed CrossFit and was really surprised how well I did. I would love to continue CrossFit, but at this time it is hard for me to fit it in with teaching 12 classes a week. If you are thinking of trying CrossFit, DO IT!! I guarentee you will love it and have a great workout.

Have your tried CrossFit?