You’ve done the hardest part. You’ve got yourself into a box and ready to start your journey with CrossFit… but there are still a few things you should keep in mind as a beginner; some major CrossFit mistakes you should avoid from the start which will only help you as you progress.
CrossFit Mistakes For Beginners to Avoid
WODPrep‘s Ben Dziwulski runs though the 5 mistakes beginners make when starting CrossFit. Check out the video.
Here are the 5 biggest mistakes to avoid when you’re new to CrossFit.
1. Don’t Skip Workouts You Hate
Ben’s number one rule for new CrossFitters is to not skip a workout, especially if it involves a movement you hate or suck out.
By avoiding various exercises or workouts you are essentially defeating the purpose of CrossFit. The sport of fitness is designed to make you strong and capable in a variety of different disciplines — especially the ones you suck at.
Doing the movements you hate will help you, and you will only get better with practice. And this might make you hate them a little bit less.
2. Don’t Worry if You Plateau
Much like when you begin any new skill, PRs will come easy. Everything you do will let a new PR, a new goal, and a new milestone to smash. After a while, however, those PRs and goals become a little harder to reach… don’t panic!
This is very normal, and doesn’t mean you’re stalling or falling behind — in fact quite the opposite. You’re the point where you need to start challenging yourself more, and really discovering what you’re capable of. You shouldn’t expect to PR every session.
3. Don’t Become Gear Dependent
It’s okay if you don’t have the exact right shoes, weight belt, wraps, etc. Don’t get it in your head that you need all of these things to be successful in your workout. The only thing you need to be successful is yourself and your mindset — the gear provides extra comfort, sure, but it doesn’t do the work for you.
4. Buy Your Own Jump Rope
The only piece of equipment Ben suggests every CrossFit athlete buy for themselves is their own jump rope. This is because jump ropes all come in different lengths, weights, handle styles, handle lengths, etc.
Source: Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.Finding the right rope for you will mean you develop your skills with one set of variables that won’t change, so you know exactly what you need to do to his that unbroken set of double-unders every single time.
5. Leaderboarding
Don’t worry about anyone else. The only thing you can control is yourself, so don’t worry about the PRs and scores of the other people in your box or on Instagram. They don’t matter. What matters is that you feel proud and accomplished for the work that you put in, and not what the numbers of other people on the board say.
Read More: Why is CrossFit So Expensive?
Image Sources
- CrossFit Open: Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.
- ring muscle up: Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.