THE 3 REASONS CROSSFIT WORKS SO WELL FOR REGULAR PEOPLE

Black Wolf CrossFit exists because CrossFit is the single most accessible and effective means of offering hope for change to the largest possible group of people at any given time. 

Unfortunately I have to specify what I mean by that because the libertarian approach to business that the founder and CEO has empowered has allowed for many, many, many “interpretations” of the methodology. I will only speak from the perspective of how I utilize the methodology of CrossFit here at Black Wolf. The tenants of which are found in the thousands of articles in the CrossFit Journal, a far too underutilized resource for coaches and athletes alike. 

WHAT IS CROSSFIT

CrossFit is a general physical preparedness program aimed at the general population of the world. That translates to saying: CrossFit is meant to improve the base level fitness of regular people in order to prepare them to pick up and take on any given task adequately enough to complete said task.

Basically, you ought to be able to squat heavier than a competitive marathon runner but run faster than a competitive weightlifter. And my mother and my 25 year old athlete have the same needs. They just differ by degree.

My mother needs (in fact MUST) be strong in order for her to continue to thrive instead of survive. But she likely does not need to strive for squatting 200#s. My 25 year old athlete needs a 400# squat to position themselves to achieve what they are hoping to whether it be sport specific goals, professional goals, etc. Both must squat well under load. But they do not need to have the same goals in terms of weight they hope to utilize. 

CrossFit is also a whole life approach to wellness. Really, this is first and foremost. What was so attractive to me when I was introduced to CrossFit was the connection it provided, the support to improve that was always there, and the lessons that could be applied outside of the gym and fitness space. 

To be fair (LetterKenny on Hulu is a good watch for anyone looking for an outrageous, care free, underrated creative watch), it was not until I found myself in a place of despair (a 2nd DUI and a lost career will do that to a person) that I really began to understand what the methodology allowed for. 

THE BIG 3 REASONS THIS WORKS

1) “Be impressed by intensity, not volume.” – Greg Glassman

Whatever you choose to do, do it well. “Be impressed by intensity, not volume.” The great sales pitch of CrossFit affiliates in the early days was the efficient use of time. General population athletes would see tremendous health improvements by just showing up for 1 hour a day 4-5 days each week. And this still stands true today IF and only if what is done in the hour is done with 100% focus and effort. Otherwise, you do in fact need more time.

This was basically my first foray into the “be present” movement. Am I going to do this workout? Then quit talking and do it. Is it time to write this post? Then sit down and start. Cut the bullshit and you’re left with the opportunity. 

2) Connection over everything

In the long game there is no success without support. And there is no fulfillment (at least for me) without supporting others. This was the biggest difference to my discovery of CrossFit in San Antonio in 2009 and my full embrace of CrossFit in 2011. I was always friendly and appreciative and encouraging to others.

But things changed when I was in a position to really lose hope. That is when I recognized how powerful it was that the coaches and athletes remembered my name, sought me out to ask how I was, celebrated when I performed well or helped me pull my head out of my ass when I performed poorly. And as I began to do the same for others, it was returned to me tenfold. Whether I realized it or not, the spirit of those around me was what propelled me forward each day, inside and outside fo the gym. I tend to be alone but I am not at my best without others. 

3) It all starts with nutrition.

And this is such an obvious statement. But the truth is that nutrition operates entirely separate from most workout methodologies. Shallow end, this is because making someone sweat is easy. I do not need to take pride in my work to make someones muscles burn. And although an effective approach to nutrition does not have to be complicated, simplicity results from understanding, not ignorance or arrogance. And, remaining in these shallow waters, nutrition is a direct competitor to the workout methodology itself.

Why pay to workout with that trainer or at that gym when it turns out that quite a few of your goals are more closely tied to your diet than your workouts? I fell in love with CrossFit when I saw so many affiliates being open about the need for nutrition understanding.

Nowadays the only way to see a gym, CrossFit or otherwise, discuss anything close to nutrition requires you to buy a program or a line of supplements. CrossFit states that nutrition is at the base of everything that we do. An athlete is not able to truly utilize the CrossFit methodology if they are not also learning and practicing good nutrition. 

If you have any thoughts or if you’d be interested in experiencing this yourself, I am always here to help. Send me a message and I will get back to you!