I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I heard a lot about CrossFit from my brothers. I was telling them I was getting tired of doing the same exercise day-in and day-out and not getting the results I wanted. I've been a member of many gyms but they just didn't do it for me. I felt like they were robbing me of my money month after month because I didn't feel I was getting the workout I deserved. After a few email exchanges with Markus Riggleman, co-owner of CrossFit Lehigh Valley in Allentown, he convinced me to come in and try it out.
The rest is history; 100 burpees and five months later I'm a proud member of CrossFit Lehigh Valley. Since joining CrossFit, a lot of people ask me what it is. Well, who better to explain than the coach himself? Riggleman, who started CrossFit Lehigh Valley in 2008, is also the Strength, Conditioning and Flexibility Coach for several Lehigh University sports teams, local club teams and high school athletes. So for all those who are curious about CrossFit, Riggleman answers 10 of the most commonly asked questions:
What is CrossFit?
CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program based on constantly varied, high intensity, functional movements, with the goal of improving fitness and general physical preparedness. This improves work capacity across broad time and modal domains.
Workouts are typically short—20 minutes or less—and intense, demanding all-out physical exertion. They combine movements such as sprinting, rowing, jumping, climbing rope, flipping tires, weightlifting, carrying heavy objects and many bodyweight exercises. The equipment used includes barbells, dumbbells, gymnastic rings, sleds, pull-up bars, kettlebells, medicine balls and boxes for box jumps, to name a few.
CrossFit may be intimidating for a lot of people, especially women, because of what they hear. How do you help them overcome that fear?
Often I think women fear they will bulk up if they use any type of weights. CrossFit training is not bodybuilding. We train with fitness as our main goal! The added bonus of gaining even a small amount of muscle however is more calories burned and a leaner physique.
How long does it take for someone to see results?
Generally anyone that is consistent for 30 days will start to see some great results! However after 90 days some amazing results really can happen.
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
Hmmm that's a tough question. There are a lot of things I like. I would have to say the camaraderie and community aspect of it. People really are genuinely supportive of each other. Everyone at CrossFit Lehigh Valley wants to see everyone succeed and become better.
Will I/Can I get big doing CrossFit?
CrossFit is not bodybuilding. Will you possibly gain some lean muscle? Yes. Will you bulk up? No.
What if I can't use the recommended weight?
At CrossFit Lehigh Valley all of our workouts are scalable. The recommended weight is just a suggestion and not written in stone. We all have different strength capabilities and proper form and safety is our primary concern.
What are those funny acronyms and abbreviations you use?
It's just a cool and easier way to spell things out. Some examples are:
AMRAP: As Many Reps (sometimes Rounds) As Possible
BW (or BWT): Body weight
DU: Double Under
MetCon: Metabolic Conditioning workout
WOD: Workout of the day
SDHP: Sumo deadlift high pull
Rx'd; as Rx'd: As prescribed; as written. WOD done without any adjustments
Who can join? Is it only for athletes or highly conditioned people?
CrossFit is for anyone wishing to improve their fitness and health. Due to the scalability and adaptability of the workouts, all ages and fitness levels can participate in CrossFit-type workouts. At CrossFit Lehigh Valley we have a positive environment without egos and therefore all are welcome.
What's a typical training session?
A typical training session is fairly simple. First, we go through a general warm-up and flexibility session. Then, we go over the WOD (workout of the day) taking time to review any exercises and movements being done that day and explaining the workout. When we are thoroughly warmed up and have gone over all exercises and safety concerns, we begin the workout.
How do I go about getting started in CrossFit?
Visit CrossFit Lehigh Valley's website for more information. CrossFit Lehigh Valley offers one complimentary class. We have various classes to fit your schedule. Give it a try; I am confident it will change your life.
Images Courtesy of CrossFit Lehigh Valley
