CrossFit, like life, is a strength sport until you are strong enough. Once we become strong enough, we begin to see things turn more aerobic. This can only happen once we have established a base level of strength.
The biggest limiting factor we see amongst the vast majority of people we work with when they first start is that they have never been taken through a well thought out strength progression. This could be because they were never exposed to a training environment, it was not something that was prioritized, or they just simply never had anyone that knew any better.
However, “ignorance of the law is no excuse” unfortunately. When we are weak, basic tasks, in life or the gym, become much more taxing. We are more susceptible to injuries and typically more at risk for metabolic disorders when we have underdeveloped muscles.
So what do we do about it?
Thanks for asking. At 12 Stones, we begin everyone with a series of one on one sessions to get to know our new members, understand their history of health and fitness, establish some goals and begin teaching them how to develop a base level of strength.
Once they have finished their onramp series, they make a choice on the type of program they want to continue in. This could be personal/semi-private training where they work directly with a coach to build a program that is EXACTLY tailored to their needs for developing appropriately.
Some instead choose to enter our group classes. The workouts are designed to follow a progressive strength program, guiding new members from zero level strength to hero level strength. Along with their strength work, they will complete general physical preparedness work to round out their fitness.
The key to all of these programs lie in the principles of a progressive strength program. It is not random. It is not always exciting. It is the same basic movements performed over and over for months, with progressively heavier loads or higher volumes. There are numerous ways to do it, but it needs to be done well.
You typically get one shot to develop a good base level of strength. Don’t waste it messing around on machines without guidance. Come to 12 Stones and let us make the rest of your life easier.
