Forum
>
General / Nonfiction
>
Thread
Log in |
Register
Do crossfit, but take it easy at first and go harder if you feel good. It is really awesome and such nice community and hot females is a bonus!
It depends on the box. I was lucky and got in a place where people were accommodating and really encouraged new starters. I was less than a new starter. I had limited athletic capacity and at first it feels daunting. Basically every one could lift more weights than me and run faster and longer than me. Most of it is lack of technique, lack of strength and or lack of self esteem. Took me a while to get to the point to be able to finish a wod so it psychologically hurts for a while.
The good news is it full of women. All of them in great physical shape half of them on PEDs. It’s not hard to thinks what kept me motivated 🙃. Man sometimes I got there just to be able to exchange a few words with the previous class people. So I could see the ending of the previous class before mine started. Those ‘roided women lifting barbells weighing a lot more than I could lift, all sweat and shiny, pumped up from the exercise. God I miss that. Unfortunately I tore my meniscus and had to give up ever since. Still dreaming about going back to it
It depends on the box. I was lucky and got in a place where people were accommodating and really encouraged new starters. I was less than a new starter. I had limited athletic capacity and at first it feels daunting. Basically every one could lift more weights than me and run faster and longer than me. Most of it is lack of technique, lack of strength and or lack of self esteem. Took me a while to get to the point to be able to finish a wod so it psychologically hurts for a while.
Thank you, how would you recommend I feel out a box to determine if they would take this approach with me? I'm sure simply asking the staff won't be enough because I imagine they'll say something like "of course we will"...for me there is a lot at risk, given my age and the condition of my body.
Also, do you think it would be a better idea for me to first join a gym and work with a trainer to build myself up to a more physically fit state before trying something like Crossfit?
Doing something is always better than doing nothing. Just go for it but dint think you go there to pickup on the nuce fit girls if you re not fit yourself because they will be taken by the fit guys 😂 Anyway crossfit is fun regrdless of the level the idea is to push yourself and improve not to impress
I have a friend who is a shoulder surgeon. 10/15 years ago he did 1 or 2 shoulder replacements a year. Nowadays he does 30+.
I posited the idea that modern medicine and organ treatments meant folks lived longer but their skeleton couldn't last the pace. He laughed and said "No. Its mostly idiots pressing ridiculous weights in gyms". More depressingly, he was now seeing repeat business from cretins who had worn out their replaced shoulder by ignoring instructions to avoid excessive loads on this very flimsy joint.
I would suggest that crossfit is not a sensible pastime for anyone with pre-existing wear and tear in their joints.
Depends on how old you are and how intense you want to work out at your age.
As was stated earlier - lots of roided women in crossfit gyms, maybe a higher percentage than normal gyms. So that's a huge plus.
But if you are 35+ beware of what effect the cross fit exercise motions could have on your tendons and joints, especially your shoulders and knees.
Do it for the women.. not the weights.
I love lifting at home by myself.
At Crossfit i like it also but i hate sharing a barbell, in fact working out in a group of 2 or 3 at Crossfit is probably where people get injured, trying to keep up with their friends. I made a mistake doing the NFL combine test for bench years ago.. how many reps at 225 could i get, competed with a friend and messed up my left shoulder. Its never been the same.
in fact stiffness is something I've struggled with for most of my adult life
However I'm turning 50 this year
You might try DDP Yoga. He's helped a lot of guys with flexibility issues. It's something different anyway, since that's what you seem to be looking for.
As far as "staying interested," that's just part of the mental aspect that everyone has to go through. You just have to push through it and and try to find something about it that you do enjoy to keep you going. Remind yourself that quitting isn't an option.
Long time CrossFitter here. First thing I want to address is the whole "orthopedic surgeons LOVE Crossfitters/CrossFit is injury prone" kind of thing. Yes, injuries do happen in CrossFit, but 9 times out of 10 they occur due to an athlete overtraining and/or lifting weight and doing movements with improper technique or while lacking the strength to safely perform them. It is true that some gyms and classes foster a competitive environment and it can be tempting to try and do things you are physically not prepared for, but at the end of the day it's up to you to know your body. CrossFit is great because it's infinitely scalable, and you can modify movements to fit your fitness level and current abilities. Don't try and keep up with the fit athletes, don't try and go for a high score or fast time on the whiteboard: just worry about bettering yourself from the week prior.
With that being said, my first suggestion is that you get your aches and pains looked into by an orthopedist and/or physical therapist. Get those small injuries addressed before going into this: you don't want to aggravate something that you can work around and in the meantime can even fix through at-home exercises. And even though you are unfit, you don't need to get fitter to join a CrossFit gym, but like I said, it would be a good idea to get those aches and pains looked into if you haven't already.
when looking at gyms, look at the coaches' credentials. They are required to have at least an L1 to coach, but keep in mind that that's a relatively low-commitment certification. That doesn't make it bad, but ideally, you want to go to a gym that has at least a couple L2 coaches, or even better, an L3 or someone who has a background in strength and conditioning. Ideally, you will also want to look for a gym that offers a Foundations course. That is a week to multi-week course where you learn the foundations and basics of all the movements you will be doing. Also let the coaches know what your injuries are (a good one should ask you directly when you do a class with them for the first time) so they can find scales that work for you. Also, it helps to look at their social media. Are they actively engaged in it? Do they focus on all the members or only the Rx (most fit) athletes?
You can also usually drop in for a nominal fee (usually I pay $20 when I drop in to a gym when traveling,) and that can be a good way to get a hands-on experience on how the gym operates. How do they coaches conduct their classes? How are the other members (are they friendly and accommodating or standoffish)? Is their equipment well maintained and do they have the appropriate amount of students per class (you definitely don't want to go somewhere that regularly has classes at over practical capacity).
And finally, I really feel like I shouldn't have to say this, but based on how some posters here are I feel it must be said. I know you are attracted to buff women, and going to a CrossFit gym is a great place to meet, them, but please don't join a gym and immediately start hitting on the most fit and muscular women there. It doesn't matter if you can deadlift a small car or if you can't do a proper pushup: you don't want to be THAT guy (and trust me, I have seen it personally, and it's a good way to get ostracized by the community.) Instead, take the time to integrate yourself with the community. The best thing about CrossFit, in my opinion, is that while it gets you fit, you can also make amazing connections. I have met some wonderful people (hell, I actually bought my house thanks to meeting a realtor from my first gym), and you want to also be friendly and approachable. Network with everyone: men, women, the fittest and the not-fittest, and that gives you the best chance to potentially meet someone, or if there is no one at that gym, fit people know other fit people.
Doing CrossFit was one of the best decisions of my life. When I was 30, I was horribly overweight and shy and awkward, and joining that gym and changing my lifestyle helped me lose almost 50 pounds, gain muscle, and helped me break out of my shell. It is so rewarding, and I really hope you take the plunge.
Good luck!
Wow thank you everyone! And especially @Gatsby28 for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and thorough response. Much appreciated!!
It is true that some gyms and classes foster a competitive environment and it can be tempting to try and do things you are physically not prepared for, but at the end of the day it's up to you to know your body. CrossFit is great because it's infinitely scalable, and you can modify movements to fit your fitness level and current abilities. Don't try and keep up with the fit athletes, don't try and go for a high score or fast time on the whiteboard: just worry about bettering yourself from the week prior.
I do have concerns about pushing too hard too quickly. I am extremely competitive, with a typical Type-A firstborn child personality. I hate losing more than I enjoy winning. But I have zero athletic prowess so I think I could manage my expectations.
And finally, I really feel like I shouldn't have to say this, but based on how some posters here are I feel it must be said. I know you are attracted to buff women, and going to a CrossFit gym is a great place to meet, them, but please don't join a gym and immediately start hitting on the most fit and muscular women there. It doesn't matter if you can deadlift a small car or if you can't do a proper pushup: you don't want to be THAT guy (and trust me, I have seen it personally, and it's a good way to get ostracized by the community.)
I'm glad you mentioned this, but I just don't see myself doing that. In fact even if I was one of the fittest people in the box I would put my odds at well below average for successfully hooking up with one of the girls. I am not even average height (5'-4" at last checkup), I have a small frame, and I am older. All these things, or at least the first two, work against me. My entire life has been an uphill battle when it comes to attracting women. Really the only thing I have going for me is that I am modestly successful in my career and am extremely good at reading people and connecting with them (but sadly in a platonic way when it comes to women).
Instead, take the time to integrate yourself with the community. The best thing about CrossFit, in my opinion, is that while it gets you fit, you can also make amazing connections. I have met some wonderful people (hell, I actually bought my house thanks to meeting a realtor from my first gym), and you want to also be friendly and approachable. Network with everyone: men, women, the fittest and the not-fittest, and that gives you the best chance to potentially meet someone, or if there is no one at that gym, fit people know other fit people.
Great advice. This is true in all other disciplines too. Being social and looking for ways to help others will open doors. I have a sales background and am social by nature....being a giver and not a taker leads to all kinds of opportunities in life. So does just saying "yes" whenever possible.
Thanks again everyone for your input.
First of all; its a good sign that you are craving for exercises at all. I am 54, and alongside the Corona retstraints turned into a coach potatoe. Just recently I started with exercise again, and it does feel amazing.
As for Cross Fit: never tried it, but from watching they do overextend and swing during the exercises. Using the right technique might take pressure off the joints, but it also seems risky if you dont. One thing you might look out for at your age is also the spine which is often worn out over the years, leading to slipped disk at some point. This often goes along with tissue softening up around the mid parts of the body.
You might want to try core muscle exercise first, that strengthens your mid parts, corrects malposition, and at the same time increases mobility. This will support you with other activities, whether its running, playing tennis, scuba diving, or even cross fit. For me it was a turning point in my fitness regime, as at the age of 35 i felt i can get a good pump in the gym, at the same time injuries piled up. Starting with core muscle exercise changed everything for me, it even increased libido and overall wellbeing.
Follow your instinct and join the Cross Fit community, but do it smart. From one man in his 50s to another: we dont have endless chances to correct our mistakes.
Doing CF for 2.5 years now.
Advantages: 1. Great Community. 2. A large Variety of different Workouts and Movements. 3. Improvements of Health and Fitness as it combines strenght, Endurance and bodyweight Movements.
Disadvantages: 1. Most People are really fit. It can be really frustrating in the beginning. You'll most likely finish last in each Workout. 2. You're doing Workouts for time. That's no Problem on a Competition Level but not on an Amateur Level. As an Amateur one should Focus on the correct Movements as well as building up Basic Endurance and strenght. 3. Injuries and wrong Movements. I recognize People doing wrong Movements just to be a few seconds faster. In order not to finish as the last Person on the field. People also having Injuries.
Doing CF for 2.5 years now.
Advantages: 1. Great Community. 2. A large Variety of different Workouts and Movements. 3. Improvements of Health and Fitness as it combines strenght, Endurance and bodyweight Movements.
Disadvantages: 1. Most People are really fit. It can be really frustrating in the beginning. You'll most likely finish last in each Workout. 2. You're doing Workouts for time. That's no Problem on a Competition Level but not on an Amateur Level. As an Amateur one should Focus on the correct Movements as well as building up Basic Endurance and strenght. 3. Injuries and wrong Movements. I recognize People doing wrong Movements just to be a few seconds faster. In order not to finish as the last Person on the field. People also having Injuries.
Like someone said above, you should take in serious consideration your age. You're going to a place where lots of folks started it very young, specially the "top dogs"(and most of them are gonna be old enough to be your sons/daughters). So keep in mind that is a very unfair comparison and most likely you'll never reach their level of skill, speed, balance and strength. Age does play a HUGE role in crossfit. Not trying to say you're not going to improve with time, you WILL, a LOT, with the proper dedication. But sometimes watching others in crossfit circles can be very frustrating. Also, some things can be very slow to learn/master. I say all that based on my own experience. Started crossfit at the age of 45(about to turn 50 this week), and while today I do things that I couldn't even imagine at 20, it's very clear there's a certain level I won't reach or keep up to. Ofc that all depends on your life background, personal natural skills, genetics etc. Today I have a lower back hernia and knee issues(yes, crossfit paid a major contribution to give me those), and due to that I am about to leave crossfit in the next months and go back to the regular gym life, where you have a MUCH more controlled execution of things, and much less risk. Yes, crossfit and injuring walk side by side, despite what some will say. The great problem is not the skills/techniques training time(the first half of a crossfit class), it's when the WOD starts. That is the time when things can get easily out of control and you can get screwed. On the other hand crossfit generally is a great community, much more socially engaging than gyms, lots of hot women, great place to make friends. You're going to see some scary strong and skillful women doing almost super human things. Those are for sure the best memories I'll take with me when I quit.
Firstly I should say that I no longer believe in “crossfit” as a training methodology. This is specifically in reference to the long-time and widespread structure of classes and training. This was a little skewed by my goals at the time.
If your aim is to move some more and lose some pounds it’s very adequate. I saw plenty of people 45+ shed some pounds and regain movement. However if you can find a gym with a coach that knows how to work with your age group it will basically be the deal breaker becuase they will understand how to work around your needs specifically if they’re experienced. Which may mean working outside of the class structure
I think many poor coaches will be causally tel you do what you can do or finish when you think you should stop instead of telling you “it’s your first day/week/month, here’s what you’re gonna do specifically”. If you can find someone like that you’re in good shape.
If you’re not in shape and older I think doing traditional bodybuilding work to start is way more beneficial to build a base
Long time reader, first time poster here. This is for all of you who do Crossfit. I've always been curious about the sport but never found the time to look into it. I'm hoping some of you can offer some guidance.
I've participated in a variety of physical fitness activities over the past couple of decades, primarily weight training, yoga, and dance. But for each one of these I've eventually found myself bored.....and unsurprisingly, when that happens, I lose interest.
It's been a few years since I last worked out regularly. My current lifestyle is sedentary and my body has become quite stiff....in fact stiffness is something I've struggled with for most of my adult life. I also have a bum knee and what I suspect is a damaged rotator cuff from pushing a dumbbell too hard one night. I'm quite self-conscious about my height (even considered getting leg-lengthening surgery) and don't want to do anything that will shave even a millimeter off it.
Crossfit looks fun, seems to employ variety in exercise routine as a core concept, and builds strength. And it has the added bonus of attractive female athletes. However I'm turning 50 this year so I'm concerned about entering a sport that can lead to some serious injuries which at my age may not heal so well.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.