It can be intimidating to start a new fitness program. Especially one that has barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, gymnastics, and many other complex movements. In the long run, it’s this variety of movements that actually helps keep people engaged, but the first few months can be nerve wracking when you think you’re “behind” everyone else.
I asked in our member-only group the following question:
what do you wish you knew when starting to workout at Kanna? Or what would you want new folks to know?
Here a compilation of their responses:
- No one else knew what they were doing at first either
- No one is watching you or judging you
- It’s ok to ask questions
- Proper form at a lower weight is better than adding more weight and losing form
- Some days you’re stronger than you were on other days
- No one knows you were a former college athlete and is judging that you can’t run 100m now. On the flip side no one is judging that you’re “only” using that much weight.
- This is a program in building mental tenacity as well as physical resilience
- Muscle pain – you’re gonna be sore, more sore than ever before…in places you never knew you could be sore. Keep showing up, keep moving, stretch…find good muscle balm ?
- it hurts all the time, but that makes me smile now, cause I know why it hurts. It was worse when I was in pain from NOT moving.
- CrossFit is not all the pros we see in media. CF is normal (and also amazing) people of all abilities, limitations, shapes, exceptionalities, and personalities with one thing in common: the desire to be healthier.
- I second the comment about no one is watching or judging. I think a lot of people feel self-conscious.
- I also would say that your fitness curve won’t be a constantly rising one – there will be dips and peaks along the way but ultimately your fitness will improve in the long term.
- If you are new to a fitness program or just getting back into one, your only goal should be to show up to class. That’s it. If you do that one day at a time, the rest will take care of itself. It’s simple, but sometimes not easy.
- Honestly, I just wish I had known everything I know now waaaaaay back when I was in my 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. About exercise, nutrition and wellness. And about differentiated instruction.
- It’s structured and efficient. Embrace the joy and freedom of being a novice. Show up and do what the coach tells you to do. Trust that she or he has your best interest at heart and knows what they are doing… at least at Kanna.
Whether it’s CrossFit or some other functional fitness program – what do you wish beginners knew when starting?
-Coach Chris and contributing Kanna members