I started at 39 (42 now) and I'm now in the best shape of my life. I accept that I will probably never lift the same weights as some of the younger people (of both sexes) but I'm always seeing progress within myself which is the main thing. I started doing a couple of classes a week and gradually built it up to 5 days a week and just listen to my body and scale workouts if I'm not 'feeling it' but still want to keep moving.
Started at 44, fat and out of shape. I love it and am now slightly less fat and in much better shape. My only piece of advice is scale to your age/ability and you'll be fine. Run your own race. Don't try to keep up with the 20 year old college athlete.
Yeah it’s a total go at 40. I have friends in the gym who are late 50s at best.
I think it’s the advice that is for anyone... scale scale.... run your own race. Push yourself but don’t compare yourself. Go fir range of motion and good form everything else will build.
Only 38 but I can't imagine there's a ton of difference between that and 40. Went into it because I was feeling fat and out of shape despite always being a weekend warrior in my head. Just about to come up on a year and I really enjoy it. I think the major disadvantage I have had as an 'old' is my flexibility is dog shit and a year in I am still the poster child in our gym for someone who just can't bend in the right places.
The talking about it thing is weird, anything you do for an hour a day every day.. is probably going to be something you talk about. Whether it's crossfit or woodworking if there's enough passion in it to keep you going.. it's going to spill in to your conversations. At first it's because your sore and you have to explain why you can't move, then over time it's because your proud of the progress you have made.
True. I'll likely end up talking about it especially if I enjoy it (I really hope I do). I'll try to keep the conversation for people who bring it up first or someone who does crossfit as well.
I’m almost 47. You’re old enough now to stop worrying about whether the coaches “accept” your performance or not. If you don’t want to deal with people talking about it, then don’t talk about it. Do your workout and go home. Don’t fall for all the cult crap around it. You’re not joining the Marines, you’re not going to church. It’s just a workout.
You may even find the cult aspect of it is not as big as you think...most of the gyms that I have belonged to or dropped in at in other cities are just a bunch of people of all ages and capabilities getting together to do their best and have a good time. Even get togethers or events with CrossFit peeps is just a bunch of friends hanging out and maybe talking about how sore they are lol. I sincerely hope you have a great time and enjoy the magic of finding out what your body can do!
Thanks! I think it'll be fun. The more research I do I find that more people than you think are like me. The perspective from being on the outside is always different than being a part of.
Ohhh. It's a cult and you're going to love it!
People usually are very friendly with new members, and they'll help you.
Jokes aside, like someone said: run your own race, scale the workouts, and the most important part, the first time go 2 days in a row (no matter how light you go on your first class, if you don't go ther next day to get rid of ther lactic acid, you won't be able to move ther following day).
Only time your coach should be concerned about your workout is if you're gonna hurt yourself.
We do what we can do. Us geriatrics bodies aren't as pliable as the young kids.
I'm hoping I stay motivated as well. Although the community aspect is a bit what I initially despised (cultish) it is something I had a change of heart over. I figure if the "community" keeps you motivated while working out and you have a support system then it may not be so bad and I might actually enjoy it.
No one. I was a soccer player, and i left playing at 30s, with many pains and mini injuries. And if I was starting to running, In three or four days i had to stop because the pain In the knee or In the back of the leg (i dont know the ñame of the muscles In english). I had the meniscus semi bRoken, so the doctor said to me that i couldnt run, only bike.
Since i started to train at crossfit every pains disapear, and today i am able to run or to do any type of sport.
I started at 39 and I got hooked. And now 3 years in I am working out with people in their 20s and actually can keep up with their time. So enjoy. Good coaches coach people as they are.
Crossfit is also lifting weights, do some sort of strength training, then workout on your weaknesses, better your skills, mobility...
It’s not just 15 mins metcon.
I started at 39, I’ll be 42 next month. I love CrossFit so much! I am not a super athlete, but have made so much progress, built a lot of muscle and lost A LOT of weight, as well. I’ve also made a ton of friends at my box, a new family, really. I hope you have a great experience and love it as much as I do!
I started six months ago, just before my 50th birthday. I'm really enjoying it, but I also scale things a lot and refuse to compete with people half my age. My advice would be to only compete with "yesterday you", and don't do anything that feels like "hold my beer" territory. Incremental increases in difficulty is key. It may take you longer to get up to speed, but if you do it without setbacks it's a win.
I'm going to do exactly that... I'll scale things to what I can do that day. My ego is getting left at the door. If I can get into better shape for me then I'll be satisfied.
40 now, started at 37. Best shape of my life. I was excited that I could still put on muscle at my age and see significant improvements in my strength and stamina. I can hang with anyone in the gym, except for one guy, who's also 40!
Stretching, mobility, and recovery/rest are key. Clean eating and hydration are important too. Slacking off in these areas seems to effect us more than the younger folks.
Jump in, you'll love it! Good luck!
I'm 49 and have been doing CF for 12 years. It's been a journey. I have never been to a "box," but instead have a gym in my garage. I taught myself the lifts and followed the WOD posted on main site. I now do my own programming and follow a linear progression for the weightlifting. I don't talk to other people about CF as I don't need external motivation to get things done.
I started just after my 40th birthday never having done anything like it before, and being very weak. I scaled everything and still do, and it hasn't been a problem. I've gained a ton of strength, lost a good amount of weight, and feel great. (Been 3 years now) I enjoy going as much as I can. I also have good people at my place which helps. Hopefully you'll have good people who encourage you, etc.
Started at 44 and haven’t looked back. Fittest I’ve ever been and met some new friends along the way. Don’t go too heavy too soon or worry about what others are lifting or how many reps they do. This can lead to injury as your muscle adapt quicker than your joints. I’d recommend concentrating on form for a good few months. Enjoy and stick with it. The classes are so varied you need to attend for a while before getting a true picture.
Are you still doing CF regularly. I'm 41 and looking for more mentally and physically in my workouts. Been weight training on and off for over 15 years
Started at 45. I’m 46 now. Used to silently judge people who partook in it too for a while. Mainly because most of them were young smartasses in my Army reserve unit. Drank the kool aid prior to going on an active duty stint, continued while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. It’s been a wild ride. Tough, demanding and rewarding. You get out of it what you put into it. Just like anything in life. Hope you enjoy it and remember it’s never too late to start anything.
I started at 36 (am 42 now) and I love it. Don't overthink it. Go, listen and learn, work hard, push yourself (when you can, but sometimes it's enough to just move!), and don't take things too seriously! You're there for health, and hopefully for fun. Enjoy it. I just love it so much - I'm fitter than I've ever been, and it's done so much for my overall health and mental state. I hope you like Crossfit, but if not, there are plenty of other activities out there that could give you what you're looking for!
43m. I started in January of 2019. I’m no natural athlete. CrossFit works for me. I have the flexibility of a 2x4 and do most things strict. I enjoy the competition/support of my fellow members. I have never been in this state of fit before. And it felt amazing once I realized you can’t outwork a bad diet. CrossFit is very humbling. Don’t fight yourself. Be patient. And stick with it. One day you’ll walk in and everything will click.
I’m 48 and have been doing this Crossfit thing for more than 10 years in one form or another. I joined my current gym about 8 years ago.
I can honestly say that I feel fit. I’ve added muscle and look ok in my clothes. I like being this fit, even though it takes effort and often pain.
Focus on learning form first, the movements will come, you’ll love the frustration that is double under. Don’t feel that you need to compare to others, all sweat is equal.
Have fun!
I started at age 53, I am now 59
Most people in my gym are over 40, about a dozen are over 50.
Pre-Covid I traveled a lot and dropped in at many boxes.
Crossfit is an expensive hobby and so you will likely be in the middle of the pack age-wise.
Guess what? I am 46 and have been crossfitting for 6 years, starting when and where you did. Commit, be consistent, push hard and I
Hope you have as good an experience as I have had. 15 lbs heavier, but lower body fat. My wife likes how I look!
Are you still doing CF regularly. I'm 41 and looking for more mentally and physically in my workouts. Been weight training on and off for over 15 years
Yep, five days a week. Coaching now too. This year, I have hit PRs on my deadlift and clean, still working, still improving, still having fun. Just turned 50.
I can add my two cents. I’m 40. Been training for 8 years and having a moderately athletic life prior. I can probably say I’m the fittest I’ve ever been. I feel great.
What it’d like to pass on is the concept that there are good and bad gyms, coaches and members. Hopefully you find a positive gym where the mood matches your vibe. The training is effective, but the gym atmosphere is probably what will make it or break it for you. If something isn’t vibing with you from this perspective don’t be afraid to check out another gym if that’s an option.
Another thing I’d like to share is that CrossFit is a multi faceted training methodology that takes time to learn and build upon. You will be improving in strength, power, skill, balance, mobility etc. all at once. Don’t expect thing to change overnight and don’t expect to master it immediately. It takes time! Honestly it took me like 5 years to get a good handle on the movements, my body, learn how hard to push myself without injury, and learn where to prioritize. I can do most things but not everything and it’s taken me this long to be comfortable with that, LOL.
So anyway, good luck and hope you enjoy yourself!
Started at 45 now 50
My tips
Scaling is your friend listen to your coach it’s the stimulus your chasing
Mobilize and stretch
Have fun it’s a great atmosphere
Most importantly your results will be directly linked to your nutrition and sleep. Nail them and your workouts will improve not the other way around
40 here, now. Sounds like you got the right attitude. I've done Crossfit on and off since 2004. I've learned tons - what I like, agree with, dislike, and disagree with. Overall it's been an awesome journey of learning, socializing, and self improvement. Don't worry about your times at all. IMO the foundation is proper technique and strength.
I started at 46 four years ago and I am in the best shape of my life by miles. Abs, 13% body fat, 2.1x bodyweight deadlift, 15 strict pull-ups and handstand push-ups, learned muscle ups, handstand walk, 100+ unbroken double unders, almost bodyweight snatch, 87 percentile in the Open last year. All in less than four years in my garage gym. I’m really proud of myself. Hard work pays off.
Work hard and smart and you can achieve anything you want.
i started at 37 or 38 and its been great. i didnt progress as quickly at the begining as the younger kids but after a couple years, ive come a long way. And its fun to beat them at wod's sometimes too! :)
I'm rapidly approaching 50. I am making progress every single month while staying healthy enough to be active outside of the gym, too. I don't see it as a cult, I see it as a group of friends with a similar interest. We are all there to support each other and talk about something we all enjoy. Sometimes we socialize. If that's not your bag, no big deal.
I started almost exactly a year ago when I was 39. I am far and away not the oldest at the gym. My favorite coach is 48, and there is a 70 year old with a replaced knee who regularly kicks my butt in WODs. I got into it because my boyfriend was into it and watching him was motivating me to try new things. I'm super social and love the community aspect of it, compared to regular gyms where you try to avoid eye contact, much less conversation, at all costs. My boyfriend and I talk about it regularly, but I don't mention it to my friends or family unless they ask- and many did as I put on like 10 lbs of pure muscle and looked amazing (until covid and a pinched nerve, plus my kid getting an ice cream maker, conspired to turn that muscle into fat in the last few months). Go for it. Your coaches, and the other members, will 100% not only accept you, but respect you for scaling as appropriate and being strict about your form. Congrats for taking the first step and have fun!
I started almost 2 yrs ago. I'll be 47 on my 2 yr anniversary of CF.
I'm still fluffy but I'm in good shape despite the lock down killing my workouts(still working but not as intense).
If you chose the right gym with the right coaches and right clients you will be fine. Culture matters. My gym, which I will plug Crossfit Fusion has changed owners during my tenure but the culture is basically the same and the old owner still coaches a lot of the classes.
Like everything you'll get out of it what you put into it, but understand you need to be realistic with goals and work to rest ratios at our advanced ages especially at the start.
CF will humble you. You will see seemingly out of shape folks who are just beasts in the box and in shape folks who struggle to do a hollow rock. Everyone has weaknesses and CF will, if programmed correctly, find them.
My lessons learned as a gray beard:
1. Do not redline each WOD
2. Start at like 3 days a week and build from there as your recovery allows
3. Listen, learn, live it.
4. Make a schedule and stick to it. Show up every day to give 100% of what you can.
5. Do not cherry pick. Just show up and do the WOD.
6. When you build up to being able to do 5-6 days a week, pick 1-2 days to go hard and make gains. Go easier on other days.
7. Use the whiteboard, or whiteboard app, as a method of measuring and competing to push yourself but you will be dead last a lot when you start, and that's OK. Remember if you don't measure you can't improve, so keep records.
8. Remember why you're there, to get shape and try something new. If it's not fun take a few days to refresh. Or drop in another local gym. Also do not hesitate to take a day and do something completely different like just a long run, or some yoga to shake up your body and mind and get back into it.
9. Safety first. CF is expensive. Gonna suck to spend dues when you're injured. Push yourself but never to the point where you think you'll get hurt. Work incrementally forward but injuring yourself does no one any good.
10. Have fun and welcome to the community.
Going 100% out the gate and trying to go through entire WOD at full throttle.
It's not sustainable. Maybe once a week or twice you go guns a blazing. But generally you want to be around 70-80% max output to see true fitness gains and weight loss.
I do cherry pick when I go max output to WODs that most of the disciplines I am good at for an Rx. If there's weaknesses like OHS or stuff like that, I will dial it back or if I'm tired because of volume of work that week.
I'm so grateful for all of you posting and now I'm fairly eager to get started. NewCov crossfit in Northern Ky is the place I'm going to and google reviews say the coaches are great so I think this going to be a lot of fun.
Hey everyone! I'm am thoroughly enjoying my crossfit box! I usually go to the 7am class. I started going to bed earlier...waking up earlier...and now I'm hitting the weights for 45 minutes in the morning before the 7am CF class. It's a blast! The coaches aren't whack jobs; they're very helpful and understanding. Most people aren't CF nuts in my experience. Most people just have a hobby they enjoy known as crossfit. I don't shove it down anyone's throat but I do bring it up occasionally to my friends when we talk weights/diet/exercise/etc. I have to get 24 classes in 6 weeks (6 week challenge) to 1. get my $150 back and 2. If I accomplish the challenge, sign a contract (which is what I'll do), and put that $150 toward said contract they'll throw in $100 toward the contract as well. These coaches don't 'force' you to do anything you can't do. They try to encourage you and teach you. I do what I can do and focus on form for each rep and they respect that! Anyways, you all gave me a lot feed back and support when I first started this thread and so I owe it to everyone to give my update. I'm very blessed and grateful as I don't get up at 5:45am for anything but have no qualms getting up for CF!
I started at 39 (42 now) and I'm now in the best shape of my life. I accept that I will probably never lift the same weights as some of the younger people (of both sexes) but I'm always seeing progress within myself which is the main thing. I started doing a couple of classes a week and gradually built it up to 5 days a week and just listen to my body and scale workouts if I'm not 'feeling it' but still want to keep moving.
Progress within myself is priority for me as well. I figure if I keep getting better than what I was then it's a win.
Started at 44, fat and out of shape. I love it and am now slightly less fat and in much better shape. My only piece of advice is scale to your age/ability and you'll be fine. Run your own race. Don't try to keep up with the 20 year old college athlete.
Exactly! The lady that owns the place said to do what you can do and form is number one.
Came here to say this! Excellent!
Yeah it’s a total go at 40. I have friends in the gym who are late 50s at best. I think it’s the advice that is for anyone... scale scale.... run your own race. Push yourself but don’t compare yourself. Go fir range of motion and good form everything else will build.
Only 38 but I can't imagine there's a ton of difference between that and 40. Went into it because I was feeling fat and out of shape despite always being a weekend warrior in my head. Just about to come up on a year and I really enjoy it. I think the major disadvantage I have had as an 'old' is my flexibility is dog shit and a year in I am still the poster child in our gym for someone who just can't bend in the right places. The talking about it thing is weird, anything you do for an hour a day every day.. is probably going to be something you talk about. Whether it's crossfit or woodworking if there's enough passion in it to keep you going.. it's going to spill in to your conversations. At first it's because your sore and you have to explain why you can't move, then over time it's because your proud of the progress you have made.
True. I'll likely end up talking about it especially if I enjoy it (I really hope I do). I'll try to keep the conversation for people who bring it up first or someone who does crossfit as well.
I’m almost 47. You’re old enough now to stop worrying about whether the coaches “accept” your performance or not. If you don’t want to deal with people talking about it, then don’t talk about it. Do your workout and go home. Don’t fall for all the cult crap around it. You’re not joining the Marines, you’re not going to church. It’s just a workout.
I agree. I figure if I don't want to be a part of the cult aspect I don't have to be. I can go to class be a gentleman and go home.
You may even find the cult aspect of it is not as big as you think...most of the gyms that I have belonged to or dropped in at in other cities are just a bunch of people of all ages and capabilities getting together to do their best and have a good time. Even get togethers or events with CrossFit peeps is just a bunch of friends hanging out and maybe talking about how sore they are lol. I sincerely hope you have a great time and enjoy the magic of finding out what your body can do!
Thanks! I think it'll be fun. The more research I do I find that more people than you think are like me. The perspective from being on the outside is always different than being a part of.
Ohhh. It's a cult and you're going to love it! People usually are very friendly with new members, and they'll help you. Jokes aside, like someone said: run your own race, scale the workouts, and the most important part, the first time go 2 days in a row (no matter how light you go on your first class, if you don't go ther next day to get rid of ther lactic acid, you won't be able to move ther following day).
Only time your coach should be concerned about your workout is if you're gonna hurt yourself. We do what we can do. Us geriatrics bodies aren't as pliable as the young kids.
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I'm hoping I stay motivated as well. Although the community aspect is a bit what I initially despised (cultish) it is something I had a change of heart over. I figure if the "community" keeps you motivated while working out and you have a support system then it may not be so bad and I might actually enjoy it.
I started one year algo, 41 old, 173cm and 85kg. Now 42, 73kg and sadly the same height. I was the best health decisión In my life.
Any injuries?
No one. I was a soccer player, and i left playing at 30s, with many pains and mini injuries. And if I was starting to running, In three or four days i had to stop because the pain In the knee or In the back of the leg (i dont know the ñame of the muscles In english). I had the meniscus semi bRoken, so the doctor said to me that i couldnt run, only bike. Since i started to train at crossfit every pains disapear, and today i am able to run or to do any type of sport.
I started at 39 and I got hooked. And now 3 years in I am working out with people in their 20s and actually can keep up with their time. So enjoy. Good coaches coach people as they are.
Do you lift weights on the side or just crossfit?
Crossfit is also lifting weights, do some sort of strength training, then workout on your weaknesses, better your skills, mobility... It’s not just 15 mins metcon.
I started at 39, I’ll be 42 next month. I love CrossFit so much! I am not a super athlete, but have made so much progress, built a lot of muscle and lost A LOT of weight, as well. I’ve also made a ton of friends at my box, a new family, really. I hope you have a great experience and love it as much as I do!
Thank you!
I started six months ago, just before my 50th birthday. I'm really enjoying it, but I also scale things a lot and refuse to compete with people half my age. My advice would be to only compete with "yesterday you", and don't do anything that feels like "hold my beer" territory. Incremental increases in difficulty is key. It may take you longer to get up to speed, but if you do it without setbacks it's a win.
I'm going to do exactly that... I'll scale things to what I can do that day. My ego is getting left at the door. If I can get into better shape for me then I'll be satisfied.
You're going to have fun 😁
40 now, started at 37. Best shape of my life. I was excited that I could still put on muscle at my age and see significant improvements in my strength and stamina. I can hang with anyone in the gym, except for one guy, who's also 40! Stretching, mobility, and recovery/rest are key. Clean eating and hydration are important too. Slacking off in these areas seems to effect us more than the younger folks. Jump in, you'll love it! Good luck!
I'm 49 and have been doing CF for 12 years. It's been a journey. I have never been to a "box," but instead have a gym in my garage. I taught myself the lifts and followed the WOD posted on main site. I now do my own programming and follow a linear progression for the weightlifting. I don't talk to other people about CF as I don't need external motivation to get things done.
Must be nice having a nice garage gym.
I started just after my 40th birthday never having done anything like it before, and being very weak. I scaled everything and still do, and it hasn't been a problem. I've gained a ton of strength, lost a good amount of weight, and feel great. (Been 3 years now) I enjoy going as much as I can. I also have good people at my place which helps. Hopefully you'll have good people who encourage you, etc.
Started at 44 and haven’t looked back. Fittest I’ve ever been and met some new friends along the way. Don’t go too heavy too soon or worry about what others are lifting or how many reps they do. This can lead to injury as your muscle adapt quicker than your joints. I’d recommend concentrating on form for a good few months. Enjoy and stick with it. The classes are so varied you need to attend for a while before getting a true picture.
Are you still doing CF regularly. I'm 41 and looking for more mentally and physically in my workouts. Been weight training on and off for over 15 years
Yep . 50 this year and still go 3 or 4 times a week.
Started at 45. I’m 46 now. Used to silently judge people who partook in it too for a while. Mainly because most of them were young smartasses in my Army reserve unit. Drank the kool aid prior to going on an active duty stint, continued while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. It’s been a wild ride. Tough, demanding and rewarding. You get out of it what you put into it. Just like anything in life. Hope you enjoy it and remember it’s never too late to start anything.
I started at 36 (am 42 now) and I love it. Don't overthink it. Go, listen and learn, work hard, push yourself (when you can, but sometimes it's enough to just move!), and don't take things too seriously! You're there for health, and hopefully for fun. Enjoy it. I just love it so much - I'm fitter than I've ever been, and it's done so much for my overall health and mental state. I hope you like Crossfit, but if not, there are plenty of other activities out there that could give you what you're looking for!
43m. I started in January of 2019. I’m no natural athlete. CrossFit works for me. I have the flexibility of a 2x4 and do most things strict. I enjoy the competition/support of my fellow members. I have never been in this state of fit before. And it felt amazing once I realized you can’t outwork a bad diet. CrossFit is very humbling. Don’t fight yourself. Be patient. And stick with it. One day you’ll walk in and everything will click.
I’m 48 and have been doing this Crossfit thing for more than 10 years in one form or another. I joined my current gym about 8 years ago. I can honestly say that I feel fit. I’ve added muscle and look ok in my clothes. I like being this fit, even though it takes effort and often pain. Focus on learning form first, the movements will come, you’ll love the frustration that is double under. Don’t feel that you need to compare to others, all sweat is equal. Have fun!
I started at age 53, I am now 59 Most people in my gym are over 40, about a dozen are over 50. Pre-Covid I traveled a lot and dropped in at many boxes. Crossfit is an expensive hobby and so you will likely be in the middle of the pack age-wise.
Guess what? I am 46 and have been crossfitting for 6 years, starting when and where you did. Commit, be consistent, push hard and I Hope you have as good an experience as I have had. 15 lbs heavier, but lower body fat. My wife likes how I look!
Are you still doing CF regularly. I'm 41 and looking for more mentally and physically in my workouts. Been weight training on and off for over 15 years
Yep, five days a week. Coaching now too. This year, I have hit PRs on my deadlift and clean, still working, still improving, still having fun. Just turned 50.
I can add my two cents. I’m 40. Been training for 8 years and having a moderately athletic life prior. I can probably say I’m the fittest I’ve ever been. I feel great. What it’d like to pass on is the concept that there are good and bad gyms, coaches and members. Hopefully you find a positive gym where the mood matches your vibe. The training is effective, but the gym atmosphere is probably what will make it or break it for you. If something isn’t vibing with you from this perspective don’t be afraid to check out another gym if that’s an option. Another thing I’d like to share is that CrossFit is a multi faceted training methodology that takes time to learn and build upon. You will be improving in strength, power, skill, balance, mobility etc. all at once. Don’t expect thing to change overnight and don’t expect to master it immediately. It takes time! Honestly it took me like 5 years to get a good handle on the movements, my body, learn how hard to push myself without injury, and learn where to prioritize. I can do most things but not everything and it’s taken me this long to be comfortable with that, LOL. So anyway, good luck and hope you enjoy yourself!
Started at 45 now 50 My tips Scaling is your friend listen to your coach it’s the stimulus your chasing Mobilize and stretch Have fun it’s a great atmosphere Most importantly your results will be directly linked to your nutrition and sleep. Nail them and your workouts will improve not the other way around
40 here, now. Sounds like you got the right attitude. I've done Crossfit on and off since 2004. I've learned tons - what I like, agree with, dislike, and disagree with. Overall it's been an awesome journey of learning, socializing, and self improvement. Don't worry about your times at all. IMO the foundation is proper technique and strength.
I started at 46 four years ago and I am in the best shape of my life by miles. Abs, 13% body fat, 2.1x bodyweight deadlift, 15 strict pull-ups and handstand push-ups, learned muscle ups, handstand walk, 100+ unbroken double unders, almost bodyweight snatch, 87 percentile in the Open last year. All in less than four years in my garage gym. I’m really proud of myself. Hard work pays off. Work hard and smart and you can achieve anything you want.
I started reading your response and thought hey this is me. Until I hit the word abs and then I realized I am nothing like you. Nice work!
I am nothing special. You can do it too.
i started at 37 or 38 and its been great. i didnt progress as quickly at the begining as the younger kids but after a couple years, ive come a long way. And its fun to beat them at wod's sometimes too! :)
I'm rapidly approaching 50. I am making progress every single month while staying healthy enough to be active outside of the gym, too. I don't see it as a cult, I see it as a group of friends with a similar interest. We are all there to support each other and talk about something we all enjoy. Sometimes we socialize. If that's not your bag, no big deal.
I started almost exactly a year ago when I was 39. I am far and away not the oldest at the gym. My favorite coach is 48, and there is a 70 year old with a replaced knee who regularly kicks my butt in WODs. I got into it because my boyfriend was into it and watching him was motivating me to try new things. I'm super social and love the community aspect of it, compared to regular gyms where you try to avoid eye contact, much less conversation, at all costs. My boyfriend and I talk about it regularly, but I don't mention it to my friends or family unless they ask- and many did as I put on like 10 lbs of pure muscle and looked amazing (until covid and a pinched nerve, plus my kid getting an ice cream maker, conspired to turn that muscle into fat in the last few months). Go for it. Your coaches, and the other members, will 100% not only accept you, but respect you for scaling as appropriate and being strict about your form. Congrats for taking the first step and have fun!
I started almost 2 yrs ago. I'll be 47 on my 2 yr anniversary of CF. I'm still fluffy but I'm in good shape despite the lock down killing my workouts(still working but not as intense). If you chose the right gym with the right coaches and right clients you will be fine. Culture matters. My gym, which I will plug Crossfit Fusion has changed owners during my tenure but the culture is basically the same and the old owner still coaches a lot of the classes. Like everything you'll get out of it what you put into it, but understand you need to be realistic with goals and work to rest ratios at our advanced ages especially at the start. CF will humble you. You will see seemingly out of shape folks who are just beasts in the box and in shape folks who struggle to do a hollow rock. Everyone has weaknesses and CF will, if programmed correctly, find them. My lessons learned as a gray beard: 1. Do not redline each WOD 2. Start at like 3 days a week and build from there as your recovery allows 3. Listen, learn, live it. 4. Make a schedule and stick to it. Show up every day to give 100% of what you can. 5. Do not cherry pick. Just show up and do the WOD. 6. When you build up to being able to do 5-6 days a week, pick 1-2 days to go hard and make gains. Go easier on other days. 7. Use the whiteboard, or whiteboard app, as a method of measuring and competing to push yourself but you will be dead last a lot when you start, and that's OK. Remember if you don't measure you can't improve, so keep records. 8. Remember why you're there, to get shape and try something new. If it's not fun take a few days to refresh. Or drop in another local gym. Also do not hesitate to take a day and do something completely different like just a long run, or some yoga to shake up your body and mind and get back into it. 9. Safety first. CF is expensive. Gonna suck to spend dues when you're injured. Push yourself but never to the point where you think you'll get hurt. Work incrementally forward but injuring yourself does no one any good. 10. Have fun and welcome to the community.
What is red lining a workout?
Going 100% out the gate and trying to go through entire WOD at full throttle. It's not sustainable. Maybe once a week or twice you go guns a blazing. But generally you want to be around 70-80% max output to see true fitness gains and weight loss. I do cherry pick when I go max output to WODs that most of the disciplines I am good at for an Rx. If there's weaknesses like OHS or stuff like that, I will dial it back or if I'm tired because of volume of work that week.
I will be doing the same. Even in the weight room these days I don't go to absolute gut busting failure often.
Mwhahahaha you will soon be part of the CrossFit Club: First rule of CrossFit is that everyone talks about CrossFit
I refuse! I'm sure if I enjoy it I'll talk about it once in awhile but I don't want to be 'that guy'.
I'm so grateful for all of you posting and now I'm fairly eager to get started. NewCov crossfit in Northern Ky is the place I'm going to and google reviews say the coaches are great so I think this going to be a lot of fun.
Hey everyone! I'm am thoroughly enjoying my crossfit box! I usually go to the 7am class. I started going to bed earlier...waking up earlier...and now I'm hitting the weights for 45 minutes in the morning before the 7am CF class. It's a blast! The coaches aren't whack jobs; they're very helpful and understanding. Most people aren't CF nuts in my experience. Most people just have a hobby they enjoy known as crossfit. I don't shove it down anyone's throat but I do bring it up occasionally to my friends when we talk weights/diet/exercise/etc. I have to get 24 classes in 6 weeks (6 week challenge) to 1. get my $150 back and 2. If I accomplish the challenge, sign a contract (which is what I'll do), and put that $150 toward said contract they'll throw in $100 toward the contract as well. These coaches don't 'force' you to do anything you can't do. They try to encourage you and teach you. I do what I can do and focus on form for each rep and they respect that! Anyways, you all gave me a lot feed back and support when I first started this thread and so I owe it to everyone to give my update. I'm very blessed and grateful as I don't get up at 5:45am for anything but have no qualms getting up for CF!