If you are new to exercise and you hear the term “CrossFit”, right away you are probably thinking “Not me! Now way! No how!” Well, you aren’t alone. I think that the most common misconception about CrossFit is that it’s only for seasoned athletes. You have to be big, rough and tough, and able to make odd grunting noises while lifting 3x your bodyweight over your head. Right? WRONG!

CrossFit is for all ages and abilities. The difference in a good CrossFit experience and a bad one is the box, the coaches, and how well you’ve eaten that day. (I might have blacked out once at class. It was 100% my fault! I didn’t have time for dinner and my last meal was 7 hours prior. Oops!) A good box has proper equipment, is clean and safe, with supportive friendly members. A good coach is going to help you modify the WOD (workout of the day) to your body’s limits. It’s up to you to make sure you have eaten well enough to get through a workout. Your coaches can offer pre/post WOD suggestions.

Most CrossFit boxes have a rugged, industrial feel which can add to the intimidation factor. I personally love it. It makes me feel like I’m there to really workout. Of course, it scared the daylights out of me the first time I ever approached a box. I literally sat in my car trying to rationalize why I should NOT go inside. After failing miserably at quitting before I even started, I walked in the doors like a lost puppy. I was invited with open arms, coached throughout the entire class, and left with jello legs, drenched in sweat, feeling so proud of myself. Everything I had attempted in the first class were things I had told myself I couldn’t do. I have felt a huge sense of empowerment, and encouragement every time I attend a class.

CrossFit isn’t easy, but you get better at every class. You get stronger, so much stronger! By that I mean you gain muscle, lose fat, build endurance, but what transpires mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually is the ultimate gain in my book. CrossFit challenges you to grow Healthy Inside Out.

If you are interesting in the challenge of CrossFit, I recommend CrossFit Iron Hammer. CrossFit Iron Hammer is a 6000 sq ft facility located in the heart of Westminster, Maryland. Their Box offers OnRamp (beginner classes), OSP (off season prep) classes for high school and college athletes, on site therapeutic sports massage treatments, and child watch for all you moms and dads out there.

CrossFit Iron Hammer believes the best way to achieve any goal is to surround yourself with positive, encouraging people. To encircle yourself in a community that can lift you up through the struggle and encourage you to the goal. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” They want to provide a platform that allows you to rise above any doubt, insecurity, or fear you may have. The CrossFit community can change your life if you allow it. All you have to give is a little faith and a lot of sweat!