Answering the internet's questions about CrossFit

November 8, 2023

I looked up the most frequently asked questions about CrossFit on the internet and found these. I didn’t like all the answers I read so I thought I’d add my own.

What to expect from 3 months of CrossFit?

If you make it past the 3 month mark attending CrossFit classes about 3 times a week, it’s safe to say that you've drunk the kool-aid and can’t get enough of it. You’ve become a familiar face and name at the regular class you attend and you might even have a workout buddy who saves you a spot next to them.

You have a general understanding of what you're in for when you read the workout of the day, understanding insider lingo like AMRAP, EMOM and PR’s. CrossFit has hundreds of movements built into its programming, and even more variations that scale for different levels of athletic ability. You might be lucky enough to complete a benchmark workout like Fran, Helen or Cindy and if you’re really lucky even completed a Hero WOD like Chad or Murph.

You’ve found your very own gym idol, who’s athletic ability completely baffles you, mine was Mike K, at 68 years young doing bar muscle ups and handstand walks, like what in the actual F?

You’re tracking your scores, sharing them with other members, getting supported by your coach to push yourself a little bit further each time and, unsurprisingly, it’s working, like really freaking working. You’re stronger, have more endurance, and have your eyes set on new skills you want to learn, like your first strict pullup, or double-unders, or a heavy clean and jerk.

The best part of all this, it’s just so damn fun.

Will CrossFit get you in shape fast?

Here’s what the creator of CrossFit, Greg Glassman, said, “Intensity is the independent variable most commonly associated with maximizing the rate of return of favourable adaptation.”

In layman’s terms,

“Intensity gives you good s**t fast.”

So yeah, it does.

Is CrossFit 3 times a week enough?

CrossFit any number of times a week is better than zero. But if you’re looking for results the optimal frequency is 3 times and above.

How quickly do you see results from CrossFit?

If you’ve just started CrossFit you’ll start seeing results as soon as the first day. But let me first define results, since it might not be what you think.

Getting sore is the first “result” you’ll experience, and it will happen about 30 mins after your first class. It's definitely not unbearable–we’re not trying to kill you–but you are going to know it’s there, don’t worry it’s a good kinda soreness. After about 2 weeks the general soreness will fade and you’ll start feeling stronger and more comfortable with the dynamic, compound movements you’ll experience at our CrossFit classes. You’ll also feel that you need to go to bed earlier than your former sedentary-self, and you’ll likely be hungrier than usual too. The cure for those are obvious–quality sleep (at least 7 good hours) and high quality nutrition.

Dial in sleep and diet, then combine it with CrossFit, you’ll experience body composition changes, increased strength and aerobic endurance in about three months. But that’s just the beginning, more results, both physical and mental, come knocking when you learn brand new skills, crush personal records, inspire others around you, gain self-confidence and become the most physically capable version of yourself. These are the results that keep you motivated and are ones you’ll keep pursuing.

Is CrossFit 5 times a week enough?

Yup.

What kind of body does CrossFit give you?

The kind of body you get from CrossFit is one that’s more capable than most humans on earth. It’s one that can chase your kids tirelessly around the park or pick up your grandkids without hesitation or pain. It’s the body that can help move a couch or a fridge, dig a hole, put up a fence or build a treehouse. It’s a body that can run, jump, climb, swing and lift heavy things. It’s the best, most capable version of the body you were born with, and it’s the only kind of body that matters.

What are the disadvantages of CrossFit?

Hummm….ahhh….hummm.

Your non-CrossFit friends and family will get tired of you talking about CrossFit.

Let’s see…ahhh.

Yup, that’s it.

What should I eat after CrossFit to lose weight?

Weight loss can only happen in a state of caloric deficit. Basically, burn more calories that you consume.

CrossFit recommends a diet of meats, vegetables, nuts and seeds, little starch, some fruit and no sugar. It’s basically a diet of unprocessed foods that you mostly make yourself. If you stick to the outside aisles of the grocery store, where all the perishable things live, you’ll be in good shape.

You simply can’t CrossFit, workout, pilates or hot yoga your way out of a bag of chips or a tub of ice cream every night.