In the past few years that I’ve been a CrossFit Instructor, I can’t tell you how many times people have mentioned to me that they know somebody that would be great at, or needs, CrossFit. Maybe it’s somebody that they know that played sports in college that is in really good shape. Or maybe it’s somebody that is really out of shape. Maybe they’re a smoker, or have a bad back – who knows? I always respond with the ol’ “Well, have them give me a call!” line. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t.
At what point does somebody ‘need’ CrossFit anyway? How does anybody know if somebody will be good at it? Does it matter?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned in business is that there needs to be diversity in thinking. More opinions from different people with varying backgrounds usually leads to the most comprehensive decisions and innovative ideas. Is working out any different? If somebody keeps telling you to jog 30 minutes per day and to eat a low fat diet – and that is the only person you ever listen to – that’s probably going to be your workout routine. Isn’t it?
What about friends? Does anybody really want to only be friends with people that believe everything they believe?
Don’t most people want to be a little more well rounded? I know I do!
I don’t want to make this a discussion about race or politics – but I think it serves as an example for the point I’m trying to make. CrossFit strives for diversity in fitness. We don’t want to be marathon runners or powerlifters – nor do we want to be competitive sprinters, gymnasts or olympic weightlifters. BUT if we embrace and respect ALL of these sports/activities our fitness is going to be pretty well rounded and in my opinion optimal for living our lives.
So if this is the case, does anybody need CrossFit? Is it important that they’re good at it? Absolutely not!
At my gym, I want people that are out of shape, uncoordinated, weak and slow. I want people that are fast, strong, powerful, agile and flexible. I want men and women. I want 6 pack abs and spare tires. I want democrats and republicans. I want vegans! (although we’ll try to convert you :-)). I want people that are reserved and people that are obnoxious. I want administrative assistants, computer programmers, cops, stay at home moms, vice presidents and landscapers. I want black people and white people, young people and old people.
I don’t try to convince people to try CrossFit because I think they’d be good at it or because they need it. I try to convince people to try it because I like them or I think they might me a good addition to the group. Fitness actually has very little to do with it.
CrossFit attracts people as diverse as the program itself. Desire and commitment are the only requirements.
Do you need CrossFit? You may. Will you be good at it?? Doesn’t matter.
See you soon!
I want to work out with Hobbit or a Troll.
Well…I’m there almost every day.
Jason……..you beat me to it.
Excellent article JD…..very well said.
….and in my best Dennis Leary Voice:
“We want highly motivated, positive, encouraging, non hackers that are willing to put their attitudes and pride aside and give 1000% when feeling like shit. After completing your workout and physically feeling more like shit, we want people who will search out those who aren’t done yet and scream and encourage them to p…ush harder and faster even though the dryness in their mouth won’t allow for much more sound than a hoarse crackled report! We want the type of person who will congratulate and give over zealous words of encouragement to the utterly exhausted individual making him feel like he has a brother/sister who cares about the fact that they gave 1000%. if your not one of these individuals then get your gym membership for 39.00 per month at your local powerhouse gym so you can wear your headphones, talk to noone and get a great cardio workout on the stepmill!”
I love this post JD and this is exactly why I love mccf!
Yeah It would be cooler if we had more asian women at the gym as well…just sayin.
Nice Kevin.
Kevin that was hilarious! 🙂
First off well said JD…secondly, Kevin-you so funny 🙂
Ohhhh my Gooooddd! …….I thought Vinny’s comment was funny……..Kevin……….hilarious.
Nice job JD and thanks for adding vegans in there….. we want hippies to feel comfortable here too. As for the hobbit I think there is one that lives in the gym and shits outside the door for new trainers to step in at 6am.
haha!! You serious? I’ve seen a few cats running around…
kevin…….more asians…….that was some funny shit…….JD….you should post more stuff like this, most chat on the board Ive seen in weeks.
I will try. Most of the stuff I write just hits me – and I have to write it just then or it goes away. I guess we could borrow some more content from other places…the more comments the more I’ll make it a priority.
Jason,
I am a bit of a crossfit web junkie and try to look at at least a half dozen affiliate sites each day. If you are looking to borrow content, the very best site for great content that I have found is Practice Crossfit’s site out of Troy Ohio. It is a great blend of information, research, and thought stimulating topics like the one you just posted. Their latest post is on caffeine and its impact upon isulin sensitivity. Good stuff. Check it out.
http://www.gopractice.biz/
J.D. another great post as usual.