CrossFit blog

JESSICA’S
CROSSFIT BLOG

CrossFit blog: It starts

Prior to my first intro session at CrossFit Bath last week my only experiences of CrossFit were as a spectator at The SICFIT London Throwdown and in a trial at CrossFit Thames, so I had an idea of what to expect, but putting it into action was another matter!

First up I had a tour of the ‘box’, CrossFit Bath’s training area. It’s here that a selection of slightly serious looking pieces of equipment can be found, and where I’ll be spending a session a week over the next few months.

It was down to box co-owner Adam to put me through my paces for my first hour, so after signing my life away he talked me through how the session would work and how this would prepare me for the WOD classes.

I can’t wait to get started - the whole idea of such a varied programme really appeals to me. Not only do I know it to be a really effective way to train, but I also get bored easily, so the idea of mixing movements in a different workout for each day really appeals.

My first session saw Adam talk me through squats, press ups and body rows ahead of undertaking my baseline WOD - this will measure how I improve through the introduction course.

Before I did the session I thought I knew how to squat… turns out my version was a feeble attempt at the real thing! Loosening my hips (ouch!) seemed to help, and then it was on to the WOD…

Seven minutes, five seconds and 45 squats, 45 press ups, 45 body rows and 800m later and my first WOD was in the bag. It felt good, there was a positive atmosphere in the box and it was great having Adam’s support to push me.

Introduction courses are normally held over four weeks, with two sessions per week. Unfortunately work commitments mean I’m only able to make it to the box once a week, so am unable to do this course, which is a shame because I could feel a real sense of team spirit amongst the other CrossFitters completing their own WOD session. However it’s great knowing I’ve got that to look forward to.

So, WOD complete and conversation turns to nutrition… I know what’s coming. CrossFit and the paleo diet (or ‘caveman’ diet) seem to go hand in hand. At this stage I don’t know a great deal about it and have been encouraged by Adam not to do any research just yet. He wants me to keep a food diary until we meet again next week, so he can persuade me to give paleo a go… As I’ve mentioned before, I’m always game for a challenge, but one that banishes cake?! That I’m not so sure about!

Homework set, I head home. Until next week…!

CrossFit blog: Where there’s a WOD, there’s a way

Photo credit: Reebok

Welcome to our CrossFit blog. I’m Jess, Sportsister’s 24-year-old Editorial Assistant, and I can’t wait to share my CrossFit journey with you.

First things first, what is CrossFit?! Dubbed the ‘sport of fitness’, CrossFit is a strength and conditioning programme designed to be broad and inclusive - thanks to universal scalability everyone from elite sport stars to your grandparents can get involved.

CrossFit used to be seen as quite an underground movement, but since Reebok came on to the scene and affiliated boxes (AKA gyms) across the country, ever increasing numbers are getting involved. Now it’s my turn. (If you want to find out more about the basics of CrossFit, check out our Getting Started guide here.)

CrossFit Bath is to be my base. First up are a series of intro sessions in which I’ll learn CrossFit movements such as squats, deadlifts, pressing, kipping pull ups, handstand press-ups and Olympic lifting… eek! Then I’ll put them into practice in the WOD (Workout Of the Day) classes… but let’s not get too ahead of ourselves.

Over the next few months I’ll be sharing with you both the highs and lows of my CrossFit journey. I’ll also be putting new kit and products through their paces, so hopefully this blog will have something for everyone - from box beginners to competent CrossFitters.

I’m not going to lie, although I love a good challenge CrossFit does look a little hardcore! Though one thing I’ve learnt already is that camaraderie and community are key. I’ll be sharing my experience socially too, via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram - so make sure you get vocal… any messages of support or advice will be gratefully received

Let’s do this thing!