FREQUENTLY EXPRESSED CONCERNS
I'M NOT IN GOOD ENOUGH SHAPE
// Waiting to be in shape to start getting in shape is exactly the thing that keeps us from our goals. From absolute beginners to elite athletes, the CrossFit methodology works for everyone. After your first couple of weeks of classes you’ll find that you’re capable of things you never thought possible. A slow entry into health means little progress and likely burnout due to not seeing results. Yes, going immediately from “couch to CrossFit” is difficult, but the impact it will have on your body and mind is significant and instant. CrossFit isn’t just for high-level athletes, it’s the first step in taking back your health. |
I'M TOO OLD, CROSSFIT IS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
// One of the most popular statements regarding the CrossFit methodology is this, “the needs of Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ by degree, not kind.” We wholeheartedly stand by that mentality. We believe that whether you’re a Division I college athlete, or a 60 year old grandmother, your training styles should be similar in that it provides focus on increased proficiency of functional movement. While a young athlete may back squat 500lb, and a grandmother performs an air squat onto a box, their intensity is equal relative to their ability and their goals. It’s often said that you don’t stop moving because you get old, you get old because you stop moving. Your job is to commit to movement. Our job is to help you make sure it’s intense enough and functional enough to keep you moving for years to come. |
IT IS TOO INTIMIDATING
// We get that. Starting anything new is often really scary. The environment, the movements, the people...it’s a lot of new stuff at one time. We can’t vouch for every CrossFit gym in the world, but our experience is that CrossFit gyms are some of the most welcoming, encouraging, and friendly places you’ll ever find. At Mossy Creek Fitness we’re committed to being a family, and families don’t intimidate each other. Regardless of ability level, experience, or goals we’re all in this process together, and we support each other along the way. To help make the joining process a little less intimidating, we offer a 1-on-1 intro session followed by a 30 day on-boarding program where a coach guides you through your first month at MCF. |
IT'S TOO HARD ON YOUR BODY
// The case can be made that CrossFit is good for your joints. The best way to keep your joints healthy is to keep moving. Movement based exercises have been shown to strengthen the muscles around the joints (thereby protecting them in the process), decrease joint stiffness, and reduce joint pain |
THE MOVEMENTS ARE WAY TOO HARD
// This is a really valid concern the we hear often. These movements are complex, but when done properly are the absolute best functional, total body strength and conditioning movements you can do. The difficulty of the workouts is the reason people see such effective results. The complexity of the movements is the reason we have certified, experienced coaches to guide you along the way. Do you remember the first time that you rode a bike? It seems like everything is hard before you try it. To begin learning we put training wheels on. We scale down the movements so that you still get the same stimulus (feeling and intensity) of the workout while also keeping you safe. Then after you feel comfortable pedaling (doing the movements), we remove the training wheels and continue to guide you along the way. |
I'M GOING TO GET INJURED
// A frequent concern among CrossFit onlookers is the risk of injury tied to this fitness regimen. For some, their exposure to CrossFit has primarily watching highly competitive athletes or seasoned gym members performing CrossFit workouts. They believe if they attempted the same movements, it would result in an injury. However, CrossFit is like any sport or recreational activity in that proficiency, skill, and high performance take time. In running, for example, a beginner is not expected to run a half-marathon their first day. With Crossfit, there is a process in which new members are introduced to the sport. Onboarding sessions are implemented to instruct new athletes on how to correctly perform foundational movements. New members are taught to move consistently well before they start moving hard and fast. Also, new members are guided through modifying movements to their individual needs within workouts to prevent them from pushing themselves past their capabilities. Due to these methods, there is a lower injury rate within CrossFit than commonly perceived. In fact, a four-year analysis by the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine indicates that injuries within the domain of CrossFit are not as high as social media reports often suggest. Overall, it suggests that CrossFit is a safe exercise program for persons interested in becoming physically active. Admittedly, the chance for injury increases as it naturally would when you transition from inactivity to activity of any kind. So yes, there are injuries within CrossFit, the same as in other recreational activities and sports. There are multiple processes and procedures implemented within CrossFit to minimize the risk of injury and to keep athletes safe throughout their workouts. |
I'LL BE EMBARRASSED TO WORKOUT AROUND PEOPLE
// One of our core values is humility. It’s natural to be embarrassed when you feel like everyone’s watching as you step into something new and unknown. Progress and change can’t happen until you’re willing to look a little silly, and in our community it’s safe to look silly. Our coaches and members exist to both correct and encourage you. As you continue to make progress and gain more experience you’ll begin to offer that same support to new members that need encouragement as well. We are more than just a gym. We are a family |
I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME
// To be blunt, yes you do. Like anything in life, we have time for what we make time for. It’s not a lack of time, it’s an issue of misplaced priority. We don’t believe that CrossFit itself should be a top priority in your life. Instead your health and long term functionality should be a top priority. CrossFit is the best way to accomplish that. To be committed to CrossFit it requires a one hour daily commitment. One hour is 4% of your entire day. Investing 4% of your day into health and wellness will elevate and enhance the other 96%. You will sleep better, work better, play better, and live better because of that 4% investment. Regardless of specific circumstances or limiting factors, everyone has 24 hours in a day, and our priorities determine how we spend them. |
IT'S TOO EXPENSIVE
// CrossFit is significantly more expensive than a $20 monthly membership to your local 24/7 gym. In those gyms, a national average of only 18% of registered members actually show up to the gym consistently. These gyms rely primarily on their members not showing up in order to make their money (there’s no way they’d have room if everyone actually started showing up). CrossFit is the exact opposite. We actually want you to show up. It’s in your best interest and ours for you to come consistently and see actual results from what you’re paying for. With CrossFit, you’re paying for coaching, programming, equipment, and a community culture that holds you accountable. Like premium products in any industry, CrossFit is more expensive because it actually works. |