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Though CrossFit has been popular for decades and has many thousands of participants, we still encounter misconceptions about what CrossFit is, what it is designed for, who it is appropriate for, and what it is like to be a CrossFit athlete.  

Part of the wide variability in the world of CrossFit is due to its sheer size as an organization.  There are many thousands of CrossFit “boxes” (we call our gyms “boxes”).  Though all of us follow the same basic fitness paradigms, each box is unique, and has its own character which is a function of the coaching and the community formed by its members.

Let me attempt to dispel some of the most common myths that I encounter about our sport, and provide a general idea of what CrossFit is all about.

At its core, CrossFit is a strength and conditioning regimen designed to promote optimal health & fitness.  It focuses on the following elements:  Nutrition, Metabolic Conditioning, Gymnastics, Weightlifting / Throwing, and Sport.  One of the goals of CrossFit is to develop, in each athlete, the following 10 general physical skills:  Endurance, Stamina, Strength, Flexibility, Power, Speed, Coordination, Agility, Balance, Accuracy.  

Another goal of CrossFit is to make us better:  fitter, more healthy, more capable in our day-to-day lives.  Our view is that reaching our best selves as it relates to the 10 aforementioned general physical skills is the right approach to reaching optimal fitness.

You might wonder:  “Is CrossFit for me?”  Every person who tried or started CrossFit has wondered this, and here are some of the most common questions we hear:

Answers to Common CrossFit Concerns:

Do I have to get in shape before I start?

No. CrossFit workouts are scalable.  Everyone can benefit – it does not matter what your fitness and/or skill level is.  It is normal to feel intimidated or at least apprehensive by what the super-capable athlete(s) can do, but even these athletes often have their own personal stories about how they struggled from inactivity, even sickness, to where they are today.  The best day to start is today, at whatever level you’re at. Our workouts are routinely geared toward kids or older adults, and we have athletes ranging from high school age to people in their mid-seventies.

Is it expensive to get started?

Many potential newcomers assume that CrossFit is an expensive workout plan. However, you might be able to benefit from new member deals and discounts. At CrossFit Hawaii, visitors can enjoy $20 classes, and kamaaina can take a free intro course.

I have a preexisting condition / injury.  Should I still try CrossFit?

Yes.  We scale / tailor all movements to accommodate your needs.  Almost all of us have experienced injury at some point in our lives – athletes or not.  many of our members tell us that CrossFit has helped them recover from even chronic, long term injuries which they had long before stepping into our box.

Will it make me bulky?

No.  CrossFit is designed for functional fitness, strength, conditioning and health, not aesthetics.  This is not to say that you won’t notice dramatic changes to your appearance – you absolutely will.  Many of our members tell us that after training with us for just a short time, that they are in the best shape of their lives – stronger, leaner, lighter. 

Will I get hurt?

Like any activity, CrossFit has risks, but is relatively safe because each workout can be tailored to an individual’s skill level and capacity.  Our coaching staff constantly evaluates your skill level and makes adjustments to our members’ workouts based on this.  If you listen to your coach and avoid jumping ahead of your skill level, you will keep your injury risk fairly low.

If you want to try this exercise routine, head to CrossFit Hawaii in Kaka’ako. This gym offers state-of-the-art equipment and an innovative approach to exercise that helps people of all ages and backgrounds achieve their fitness goals. Through the CrossFit philosophy, their team of experienced trainers will create a plan that improves your overall health, integrating nutrition, strength, and education. View their class schedule at crossfithawaii.com, or call (808) 256-5665 to speak with a team member about enrollment.

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