I was and am still skeptical of CrossFit. I know too many people who have injured themselves while trying to keep up with a class. But, there are CrossFit gyms included in Class Pass so I gave it a try. The first class I went to was their Performance class which is more for lifting heavier weight and doing more intense things. I chose the class because of the time it was offered. I didn't look at the description. The instructor, Joe, was patient and gave modifications to myself and another newbie so that we wouldn't strain our bodies. Awesome. It was my impression that instructors often forget about the new people and just push them to do what everyone else was doing. This was a pleasant and welcome surprise to the class.
Yesterday, I went to the their Fitness class which is the stereotypical fast paced, many reps class style that most people associate with CrossFit. It was awesome. Again, Joe gave me modifications for some of the moves because I'm new to CrossFit and also because I'm short.
I attempted a pull-up for the first time in my adult life. It was hard. I have a goal now to be able to do a full pull-up in the coming months because wow, I could do those when I was a kid and I like doing things that the kids do.
So here is my review broken down like all of the other classes I've been taking recently.
Cardio - We started class with a quick 400m run down a portion of the Katy Trail that's next to the gym. My pace is slow and even slower for a warm-up but I didn't feel like I was holding the pace back for the class so that was good. At the end of class, we did a 5 min interval moving quickly through 3 exercises to see how many times the set could be completed in the given time. This was a burst of cardio with strength mixed in. It pushed me but again, I felt that I kept up with the pace of others in the class.
Toning - CrossFit is a class for building strength. We did lunges which contribute to tone and then also did pull-ups or modified arm exercises that will eventually tone these wings of arms I have.
Studio Accommodations - The studio is a garage in the back of an older house adjacent to the Katy Trail. The equipment is well organized. They have restrooms and a shower and a water dispenser.
Instructor Energy - The instructor had high energy and was encouraging for every member of the class. He made us feel like we were working toward a team goal in addition to our individual goals. Joe corrected people's form and pushed people to go faster or do more weight which is exactly what a good instructor is supposed to do. He never checked out throughout the entire hour long session.
Music - The music was high energy and nostalgic, my favorite combination. There were new rap slash hip-hop songs as well as songs from my high school years. It allowed me to give my brain a break and sing along when I could. I appreciate mental breaks sometimes more than physical ones.
Confidence - I know it sounds cheesy but today, I feel stronger. I'm really, really sore but I feel stronger. Watching others with similar body types to my own pull their bodies up to a bar and hold weight above their heads is encouraging. I understand the high that most people get after a class like this. I feel accomplished and I'll be back.
Overall, I give CrossFit Katy Trail five out of five stars or flexes or whatever scale I'm using to judge these classes.
I wish I had a buddy to go with me but everyone in the class was so nice and encouraging. The community around CrossFit is pretty cool. I like this gym. I can't speak for all gyms but Katy Trail is just right for me.
Go out and get fit, y'all!
xoxo,
Liz
