If you’ve been thinking about fitness classes but keep telling yourself you need to get in shape first, this is for you. Plenty of busy moms feel that way. Here is how we see it at Timberhead CrossFit.
Short Answer: You Don’t Need to Be in Shape First
No. The best place to get in shape for CrossFit is by doing CrossFit. Our classes are infinitely scalable, so we meet everyone where they are at. Coaches guide you every step of the way, so the workout is both safe and effective.
No matter how new you are, we have all been there.
Why So Many Moms Worry About Keeping Up
The worries are pretty consistent. Finishing last. Not knowing how to do the movements. Getting hurt. Being watched or judged by others.
Those are fair things to think about before you walk into a room of strangers. The next sections cover how classes are set up so each of those has an answer.
What Scaling Means in Fitness Classes
Scaling means doing a version of the workout that protects the intensity, and modifying the movements so they are accessible to where you are right now. The goal of the workout stays the same. The way you get there changes to fit you.
How One Workout Can Look Different for Two People
Take a workout with deadlifts and wall balls. Here is how it can be adjusted:
- Scale the deadlift weight, or use a training bar only, or a PVC pipe.
- Lower the weight for the wall ball, or turn it into a wall ball thruster, a front squat, or just a bodyweight squat.
- Decrease the reps so you stay in the time domain of the workout.
So two people can be doing the same workout on the whiteboard and have it look quite different from one another.
How Coaches Adjust Things While You Move
You are not left to figure this out alone. Coaches pick appropriate weights, scale the range of motion, adjust the movement, and decrease the reps so you fit within the time domain and stick with the intended intensity.
Pull-ups are a good example. You can use a band, or rings, or do a bent over row instead.
What Your First Class Might Feel Like
Here is how a class usually goes:
- You walk in and get greeted by a coach, and the workout is briefed on the whiteboard.
- A general warm up primes you for the movements in the workout.
- A specific warm up follows, where you begin loading movements and getting ready for the skills in the workout.
- Before the workout starts, the coach checks in to make sure everyone is set with scales and weights.
- The clock begins and everyone does the workout.
- Afterward comes cool down, clean up, stretching, and celebrating scores.
Fitting Classes Into a Busy Week Without Guilt
A class is 60 minutes. Most busy moms come at least three times a week, which is the minimum effective dose to see results. Some come more than that, but three is a great starting point.
Taking a Low-Pressure First Step
Message us to set up a discovery call. We will hear more about your goals and talk through how we can best guide you with our different membership options.
