Ever since CrossFit became popular, I have avoided any form of supportive discussions or been a participant in any local boxes that provide CrossFit workouts.

I can now say that my opinions have softened, judgment has subsided, and the CrossFit workouts I’ve experienced have me as happy as a clam.

I’ve been passionate about strength training since the age of fifteen. With my history of obsessive weightlifting and strict nutritional planning, forming opinions regarding health and wellness became a strong suit of mine.

Why have I been so steadfast and stubborn with my exercise beliefs?

I feel that I’ve spent plenty of passionate time and money studying under extremely reputable teachers in the exercise and nutrition industry.

If you have ever received a certification, you just might agree that it’s easy to get “guru-eyed” and follow the path of one specific belief system.

It’s crucial to listen and learn from someone, but even more important to remain open to different suggestions, techniques, and philosophies.

When all the CrossFit workouts started pouring into the mainstream, there were clusters of happy fitness folk and plenty of CrossFit player haters.

Why were people bashing it?

Were people annoyed at the trend, or jealous of its popularity taking over? Was the personal training community perturbed after watching the viral CrossFit YouTube follies? Maybe health practitioners became flustered, thinking that it’s not considered clear-cut and precise exercise prescription and program design?

I used to relate to all of these at one time, however now I feel liberated. I’ve opened my door of stubbornness, done my own research on a reputable CrossFit gym, and have personally experienced CrossFit workouts for myself.

I don’t have the statistics on this, but I’ve observed plenty with my own two eyes, so listen up.

A common complaint is that people are getting injured because of CrossFit.

I want you to think about the amount of personal trainers and regular commercial gyms we have humming along today.

I’m certain that the number of poorly educated personal trainers, ill-prescribed exercises, and ego driven attitudes completely outweight the CrossFit community… by a lot!

I do feel that people who are beginners to exercise need to develop a foundation before participating in more challenging workouts that requires a volume based approach. Form and body awareness is a must, alongside developing stability, strength, and power.

I’m not here to debate which group is more educated, whose program design is more scientifically backed, or which community teaches better form.

I simply want to share my personal and professional experience.

The 4 powerful perks that CrossFit has provided me with are:

1. Extraordinary exercises & challenging programs
2. A supportive environment
3. Passionate & educated coaches
4. A shitload of fun

Part of the reason why I started participating in CrossFit workouts is because I wanted to learn different exercises and experience new demanding programs. In just a couple weeks I’ve learned a handful of fresh exercises that have provided an amazing boost to my challenge meter.

Have you ever longed for an encouraging environment and community? I’ve been craving it! Finding a new exercise setting that provides this type of framework has been a blessing in disguise. I felt it in my first week!

I look for passion and an educated background when it comes to someone I hire and pay for health and wellness. All it took was a bit of yelp investigation and website research, and I was sold on a local CrossFit location. (Yes, my in person experience with the coaches have been great as well)

When was the last time you had a shit-ton of fun during exercise? Sure, I’ve been an exercise enthusiast for some time, but even I get bored with typical exercise program design. I was so cheerful after my first week of CrossFit, I almost vomited a rainbow.

My participation has been steady in CrossFit workouts lately, and I look forward to seeing what challenges and gains are ahead.

Will the regular health community disown me and say bon voyage, due to my shifting of CrossFit beliefs and opinions? Maybe their concrete beliefs will soften as the days go on.

Let’s give it some time, and see who turns into a happy clam next.

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