For those who haven't jumped on board, the CrossFit culture can seem a bit confusing (and dare I say annoying). Functional fitness fanatics speak their own language, develop rituals that are seemingly insane and often become heavily engrained in the community they workout with.
And although CrossFit is an incredibly inclusive activity, there are certainly some things that only CrossFitters can understand.
Chalk
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The power of chalk is limitless. Even grade-school kids don't understand what that wonderful white stuff can create. CrossFitters know that a little chalk in-hand means a better grip—which means bigger lifts, better sets of pull-ups or toes-to-bar and, most importantly, the ability to leave a good-job handprint on a person's butt after a workout.
Time
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It's amazing what you can accomplish in a short window of time. And until you've completed a workout like Fran and found yourself completely wiped in a matter of minutes, it's hard to understand the potential in what most view as a minimal amount of time. CrossFitters not only appreciate time in a very unique way, but they can also count down from 10 like a boss.
Volume
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Most people cringe at excessively loud music, unless they are at a concert. But in CrossFit, participants prefer that the music drowns out the sound of their own panting and grunting. Being reminded that you are completely out of breath less than halfway through a workout can be a real buzz kill. Loud music can distract a CrossFitter from the pain and inspire a little extra oomph.
Skin
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It's not about looking the best; it's about being your best. And a heavy shirt or leg-covering sweats can suffocate you during a lengthy and intensive workout. Being comfortable in your skin is a big part of what participants preach in CrossFit gyms around the world. Ain't no shame in pulling your tee off, even with a tummy, or showing off your legs regardless of cellulite. All kinds of skin are in.
Denim
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It is not your friend. CrossFitters understand that most denim is created for butts that don't squat and legs that don't lift. It's not that every CrossFitter bulks up; some actually slim down. But with that new trim waist and a perkier and stronger caboose, proportions might not align with fashion industry standards. But we think that's pretty cool. Strong is the new skinny.
Functional Fitness Vocabulary
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EMOM, AMRAP, OHS, HSPU…there are an endless array of acronyms used in the CrossFit world. Just when you think you have them all memorized, a new movement with a new acronym becomes a part of programming. Although online CrossFit terminology guides do exist, WODs and MUs are typically things only CrossFitters can interpret and translate.
Athletes
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Many people would exclude themselves from the "athlete" category, but CrossFitters identify as athletes every day they step in the gym door. They may not be training for triathlons or bringing in the big bucks with sports endorsements, but they do learn to train for life so that they can live to their fullest physical potential.
Community
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No fitness community comes close to CrossFit. I have been a part of many teams and communities in my youth and adulthood, and nothing has inspired and supported me the way my community of CrossFitters have. There's something about a group of people coming together to sweat, struggle and progress. We celebrate wins together. We work through challenges together. We compete with an untouchable camaraderie. And we do it daily.
Flare
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You may think that all you need for fitness is some comfortable shoes and a grungy t-shirt. And you're right. Having said that, functional fitness has given "flare" a whole new meaning. Athletes often create conscious routines around their attire. Headbands, wrist wraps, lifters, belts, grips—most of which are not necessary, but readily worn and embraced as fitness flare.
Glory Days
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They aren't dead. For folks who competed in athletics in their younger years, it's hard to believe that the best might still be ahead. Competing isn't just for kids and professional athletes anymore. The Average Joe can jump into a local CrossFit competition and experience a rush of adrenaline they thought no longer existed. An adult with no former sports experience can place on a podium and win not only a trophy, but also a new sense of pride. CrossFitters believe the glory days are now, and the potential to experience progress and milestones never goes away.
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