Chances are that you’ve heard a lot about CrossFit recently. If you enjoy fitness and recreation, you may have even considered trying it out. Well, whether you have heard about it in passing or know someone who has shared the details of their latest WOD (workout of the day), we at MIT Recreation think it’s a fitness option that is worth exploring. In fact, we love CrossFit so much, that we have teamed up with our friends at CrossFit One Nation to offer CrossFit ONE-X – a class designed specifically for the MIT Community.

Of course we don’t expect you to dive right in – it can be intimidating to adapt an unfamiliar fitness routine. But, we’re here to assure you that you don’t need much to get started with CrossFit. All you really need is a willingness to try something new. Don’t just take our word for it though, we asked JC delReal from CrossFit One Nation to help us address some of the myths, apprehension, and anxiety that may be keeping you from trying this new fitness trend:

Addressing CrossFit Myths, Apprehension, and Anxiety

Myth: CrossFit leads to injury
Truth: With a tailored approach that focuses on MCI – Mechanics, Consistency, and Intensity (in that order) – the experts at CrossFit One Nation, make proper form and technique a priority. CrossFit ONE-X adapts this same approach.

“We believe each athlete needs to learn proper mechanics, perform them consistently under the watchful eye of an experienced coach, then apply them with some intensity. Intensity is all relative since we are all uniquely different and results will come from working hard, in a controlled fashion, with a coach’s assistance. The goal should be to learn some new skills, improve your movement and have some fun getting fit. The only person we want you to do better than is yesterday’s you.” – JC delReal

Myth: CrossFit doesn’t really train you for anything except how to do CrossFit better
Truth: Most participants start CrossFit to shed a few pounds, but then they realize it helps in numerous other ways. It helps with posture, flexibility, cardio, strength, and most importantly, with confidence.

“The more you work out, the more you realize it’s not really about losing weight. What CrossFit trains for is a longer, healthier independent life. And it’s appropriate for all ages. You will walk out of the gym feeling exhausted, but great. Every challenging workout should leave you with a sense of accomplishment. You got fitter today!”
– JC delReal

Apprehension: The cost
Truth: CrossFit does typically cost more than other forms of fitness. You may wonder how a bunch of weights, ropes, and boxes could be so pricey. Why is it so much more expensive than other classes or gyms that use fancier equipment? Well, with CrossFit, what you are really paying for is tailored coaching instruction. With CrossFit ONE-X, that instruction comes with an additional strong sense of community among participants that range from MIT students, faculty, staff, post-docs, alumni, and friends. Here, you will find that pricing includes a non-member rate, as well as a discounted member rate.

“Done correctly the coach’s job is to ensure everyone is performing safely and to the best of their abilities. Plus, the best gym is the one you actually go to! For most, once they commit to CrossFit they attend class more regularly than they have at other gyms. Whether it’s the daily class schedule, the sense of community, or not wanting to waste the money they have invested, participants go more often which makes it worth every penny.”
– JC delReal

Anxiety: What if I embarrass myself?
Truth: For many, a big fear is that everyone in class will be fitter and more skilled. Many assume that their classmates can already knock out push-ups and pull-ups with ease. Well, that fear quickly vanishes once you start.

“Fitness is for everyone. And at some point we are all beginners. Generally, there’s a wide range of experience in class. But ultimately, no one seems to care. Those with more experience usually go out of their way to be supportive and talk about how challenging it was for them at the beginning and how far they’ve come. For the most part it’s an encouraging, supportive group who genuinely like each other. Each class is a new workout, a new challenge and a new opportunity to push yourself.”
– JC delReal

Ultimately, everyone is welcome at CrossFit. You just have to be willing to put yourself out there; be willing to learn new skills, and work hard. If you do that, you will see amazing results. But, the most important thing, is to find a gym with capable instructors that you trust. Look for coaches that educate, inspire and entertain you. Their job is to make that 1 hour the best of your day!

More About CrossFit ONE-X

CrossFit ONE-X is an MIT Recreation Instructional Program created to fit the needs and priorities of our community including MIT students, faculty, staff, post docs, and friends. With instruction by CrossFit One Nation, each class includes a warm-up, skill, WOD, and after-bash. Many of the WODs will focus on movements that involve either no equipment (like air squats and burpees) or basic equipment (like kettlebell swings and box jumps).

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