I got a question a few days back along the lines of, “What are your members like?” It was actually a pretty tough question to answer. Just this month, we’ve had a pretty big influx of new members (that being said, be sure to say “Hi,” and introduce yourselves.) This whole new environment can be intimidating at first.
When I was answering this question, I thought about the members that have been with us for a while, why they stuck around and why others didn’t. The ones that stick around have perseverance. They’re simply friggin hard workers. They are consistent. Because they are all of these things, they have gotten results, results that may look intimidating, badass, and maybe even seem unreachable to others from the outside looking in. They were new to CrossFit once. They didn’t know that the term “snatch” is actually an Olympic barbell movement. They used the super fat band for pull ups. They did push ups from their knees. They couldn’t overhead squat an empty barbell (guilty.) They ate bread. Veteran members know that CrossFit can be humbling and maybe even embarrassing. That’s OK. Everyone has been there. No one kicks ass at everything immediately.
Learn to be patient. Read http://breakingmuscle.com/training/patience-training-virtue. Have you heard of the 10,000 hour rule? It’s the theory that you must work for 10,000 hours on something to become an expert on the subject or task. Clearly, this is a pretty general number. The point here is that it takes repetition to improve. More importantly, it takes GOOD repetition and consistent, proficient form to improve. It takes time. You’ll learn.
Our gym is filled with people that are hard-working, humble, honest, and just cool to be around. It’s comfortable in the sense of community and uncomfortable in the sense of physical activity. We share a willingness to grow and to get better. Be a better runner, be a better gymnast, be a better Oly lifter, get better at not taking 5 minute rests (guilty again), improve mobility, control your temper, take direction, say no to cake. You see how it went from physical to emotional and mental? CrossFit makes you better in life. Period.
You make our community. You are the reason that you and others are getting better. Because our athletes are getting better, it is forcing us coaches to get better and learn new cues and skills to keep up with all of you. I love it. You are the reason brand new people stick around. You are motivating and strong. Keep persevering.
You hit the nail on the head, Whit. The tenacity and work ethic of our veteran members is truly inspiring and contagious.
Great post, Whit! Glad Matt let me know who to give credit to! I especially love how injured members are able to keep coming back and get some work done to keep from going backwards.
Absolutely true! I can’t believe how much I have changed through being a member of Crossfit…from not being able to do a pullup or a ring dip (still struggle there) to actually being able to compete at Crossfit competitions and cheer everyone on. This is a community that I am truly proud to be a member of.
I started out using the bar for most movements and barely hitting bodyweight on my powerlifts. 20 ponds heavier since I started and still have faster run times than before I started when all I used to do is run and do bodyweight workouts. All I can say is listen to Ben and his programming!
Good stuff Whit! Well put! and… “say no to cake”! Whit… say no to cookies too!