So it's official. I joined CrossFit. I am a member of the cult. The box I joined (still have no clue why they call it that, and I usually call it the gym, but feel like I should use "proper" terminology if I am trying to educate/talk about this stuff) does a two-session "Foundations" class before you can begin to go to the normal workouts. From what I can tell, all boxes do this, but the requirements vary vastly, from 2 sessions to 2-3 sessions a week for 3-4 weeks. While part of my thought process re: foundations was "Only 2 sessions? Is that really enough to teach proper form and make sure people are going to be safe?", another part of it was "I know good form, mine just needs some cleaning up I am sure, since it has been a while. I know enough about the human body and my own body that, really, I don't even know that I need those two classes." Besides. The community there seemed SO much better (the other box I was looking at had more extensive foundations requirements) AND I had found out that I already know someone at this box. PLUS if it is only one week, and I do it this week, I won't have to miss any dance classes, since dance is already cancelled this week. So, that didn't deter me.
The "sample class" I went to was on Saturday. It was GREAT but OMG did it kick my butt. By Monday, I was REALLY feeling it. For those of you who don't know, peak muscle soreness for a healthy individual usually peaks between 24-48 hours after the workout. I tend to be around that 48 hour mark. Foundations Day 1 was 56 hours after the workout that kicked my bum. oh my. I was so sore that I went for a run before going to the box so that my muscles would be a little warmer and I might not destroy myself to the point where I wouldn't be able to walk for foundations day 2 (48 hours later... eek.) It helped, but by the end of class when we got to some more cardio-intensive stuff (though just barely) and all the warmed up muscles had cooled back down, I wasn't sure it was really worth it. In the long run, I am glad I took the run, though, and I know it was worth it.
I actually really liked the way they did the foundations class. They limit it to 4 people, and there are 3 of us in my class. I don't know if there are always two instructors, but there is for mine. So, LOTS of individual attention. We would watch one of them do the move, they would point out some of the common mistakes and some of the things to keep in mind, and we would try the exercise with a light weight. We certainly didn't do a TON of each exercise, but definitely in excess of 10 reps of each, with serious scrutiny on form. OK, good. These guys DO care about form/safety.
A few things I did NOT like about the foundations class: I knew I had no upper body strength, but I don't think I realized JUST how little upper body strength I had. I knew there was no way in hell I would be able to do a pull-up. I did NOT realize that I would also not be able to do a pull-up with the heaviest band they have for assistance. Talk about embarrassing. Especially for a group exercise instructor who used to teach mostly toning and weight training classes. Crap. Now I have to say. They were actually really great about it - both of the coaches and the other two participants. No looks of pity, no looks of disdain, I did not feel judged at all. Except by myself. While it was extremely embarrassing to me, to the point of making me emotional, that's my shit, not theirs. The other thing: I did not like the way they have us holding the barbells in front of the body (resting on the shoulders, pressed up against the neck.) I completely understand that it is correct form. It is just way uncomfortable. As this article, which I liked, about front-squats says, "Coughing is possible and clavicles may hurt. Front Squat more, you'll adapt." My clavicles are not visibly bruised, but they feel bruised to the touch. Not so enjoyable. I also managed to clip myself on the chin with the barbell doing a jerk. This is just me. I am clumsy. The coach said something to the extent of "you will only do that once." He obviously doesn't understand the extent of my skill.
Conclusion: Holy CRAP is this going to be hard. I hope I have it in me. I also hope I don't embarrass myself again on Wednesday.
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