How To Get the Most Out of CrossFit Group Classes

By Noah Abbott, with an introduction by David Osorio

A professionally run CrossFit group class requires orchestrating a lot of moving parts. On ITA, we've talked about how and why coaches should use time stamps to organize classes, discussed how to intelligently organize lifting segments, and even described how introductions in group classes help facilitate a sense of community and set the tone for training. It is absolutely the responsibility of the coaches running each class to make sure things are clear, smooth, and safe for everyone. But group classes are also a dance of sorts, that require members to also hold up their end of the bargain by being prepared. In one of our previous articles, "A Letter to New CrossFitters: Good Training Habits," we discussed some fundamental and conceptual perspectives regarding how to get the most out of your overall CrossFit experience. In today's article, we're talking to athletes, about what you can do to be a proactive member of your affiliate and get more out of your CrossFit group classes—and win the admiration of your coaches in the process. Enjoy!

Fresh out of Foundations, the world of CrossFit can seem a bit overwhelming, full of jargon, percentages, and acronyms only a government employee could love. (“This is an AMRAP WOD of T2B and DUs!!!”) While things can seem to move pretty fast, there are some specific strategies and considerations that will make your daily hour of fitness better spent. Equally important, it will make for a more pleasant experience for your fellow members, and allow your coaches more time to spend doing what they love (yelling “Knees out!” for instance) and less time in an administrative or cat-shepherding function. To be fully awesome, do this: 

Read the Blog
Aside from inspiring/funny pictures of your fellow members and links to Prancercise videos, your gym blog or Facebook page contains some very important information—the daily programming. At CrossFit South Brooklyn, we take the time to write out the lifts, WODs, and accessory work you will see when you get to the gym, often with some editorial comment, helpful links, or videos related to their execution. Taking a few minutes to review your expected toils will let you plan your approach, think about possible scaling or substitutions, and save everyone time when you get to the gym. Also, make sure to comment, or add your voice to our community in a way that's appropriate at your affiliate. 

Know Your Numbers
The more experienced members at your gym aren't writing in their dream journals after class, they are  keeping notes in their training logs, and you are encouraged, nay, expected, to keep one too. Dutifully logging your numbers will allow you to track progress over time, so you will know when to give yourself pats on the back (assuming you have to mobility to do so, see below). Further, at CFSBK, all of our programming is referential in nature—it is based upon work you have done before—whether that’s last week's squat numbers, a bench press 1RM, or your time and scaling on a benchmark WOD. Even days that seem self-contained—a novel WOD or a lifting day where we “work up to a heavy 5”—can be better understood if you have the context of similar WODs or previous lifts. If you are following more advanced programming, this is especially important, as much of the programming is percentage-based. You will earn the undying love of your rackmates and coaches if you have worked out your percentages or loads before you lift, trust me. 

Have Your Gear Ready
Shoes, wraps, belts—somewhere along the line CrossFit evolved from the hobby of sweaty dudes in Chuck Taylors and board shorts into the sport of spandex-clad meat robots (props to Kelly Starrett) sporting enough neon-colored accessories to make Jem jealous. With some exceptions, good gear can be a true boon to your performance, and as such we encourage members to take advantage of it. That said, at the very least you should have your gear within immediate arm's reach when it comes time to use it. Having to dash to your bag to grab your jump rope or switching shoes during lifting time eats into everyone’s time. Part of the blog review mentioned above is to make sure you know what gear you need to bring, and when you will need it. Be prepared. 

Be a Good Barbell Partner
So now you’ve read the blog, prepped your numbers, laid out all your sparkly fitness gear, and it's time for *gasp* actual human interaction! The biggest difference between CrossFit affiliates and a globo gym is that ours is a communitarian fitness experience, and our conduct at the gym can enhance and embellish the experience of our fellow members. So when paired with someone to lift, introduce yourself, chat for a bit about what you have planned for the next 15 minutes of training, and then be an active and encouraging partner. Watch your partner’s lifts, offer kind words and feedback, and be ready to lift when it’s your turn. Nothing is worse than waiting around for your bar partner, who has unexpectedly disappeared to go pet a dog. 

Show Up Early, Stay Late
We pack a lot into an hour at CrossFit, but we can’t do everything everyone wants to do within the relatively short time we have allotted. If you are feeling beat up, have specific mobility concerns, or want to practice a specific skill, feel free to come before class—or stay after—to work on your goals. The coaches are always happy to point you in the right direction to get you started. Incorporating Active Recovery class (or your affiliate's equivalent) will also give you the tools and know-how to address your problem areas. Making sure that you are physically prepared for class will reap immediate performance benefits. Our most successful athletes make sure they are properly warmed up and mobilized before class and make sure to cool down and work on skills afterwards. 

At the very, very least, be on time. Running into a class late is disruptive for other members and the coaches, but more importantly you are gambling your personal safety by coming in cold and underprepared. At CFSBK, we have a five-minute grace period for class attendance. Any member arriving over five minutes late will only be permitted at the coach's discretion. We tell CFSBK members that if you show up 10 or more minutes late, you should start planning your extended warm-up, make a Lego sculpture in our lounge area, or asking your beloved coaches how they like their coffee!

That’s it, kids. Print this list out, tape it to the inside of your eyelids, and we’ll see you at the gym!

Comments

[Paul]

It really does seem like CrossFit is everywhere. It just keeps popping up in my life...I feel like I HAVE to go try it or the world will keep smacking me in the face until I do. That was a GREAT article, thanks so much for all the hard work put into it!
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[Jamie Stenhouse]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on CrossFit group classes. As a gym enthusiast, I really appreciate your efforts and time. Great job!