8 things you should know before starting CrossFit

• When you first start CrossFit you'll probably be really confused, but it's okay.
• You really don't need any prior athletic ability to start, just a will to try.
• Anyone can try CrossFit because all the workouts are scalable.
• The workouts don't last long, but they're really intense.
• You won't get bored, because the workouts are different every day.

 
My first ever experience at a CrossFit gym didn't go over too well. Besides being bombarded by the stench of sweat and body odor, I felt downright intimidated.

There was lots of noise, lots of bars slamming on the floor, and lots of very strong, muscular people. I remember thinking there was no way I'd ever be able to do any of that, and I left my first class feeling down on myself and depressed. I didn't really know much about CrossFit at the time, I was just looking for a good workout. I also had a Groupon for 10 free classes, which is what got me in the door in the first place.

Well, it's been almost four years since that Groupon and I'm still going at it. CrossFit isn't your typical gym setting or your typical workout style, and over the years I have realized that people either love it or hate it. I've been told by many Debbie Downers that I'm going to hurt myself or get Rhabdomyolysis—  a condition where your muscles break down and release bad things into your bloodstream.

None of that has happened yet, and I don't expect it to at any point. In my experience, CrossFit has changed my life for the better. As you get older, it gets harder to find hobbies you can actually stick with and genuinely enjoy, but CrossFit has been that for me. When you feel strong and healthy, your entire outlook on life changes for the better.

Here are eight things I wish I knew before I started. (The following photos aren't of me, but I'm quite familiar with many of the exercises being performed in them.)

You don't have to be fit or athletic to start.

Full disclosure, I've always loved working out. When I started CrossFit I wasn't completely unfamiliar with exercise. But, if exercising isn't your thing, and you want it to be, don't be scared to start with CrossFit right away. The one thing people don't realize about this sport is it's all scalable. You lift what you can and the massive guy next to you will lift what he can. There is no competition, everyone does what they can do. The idea is to compete with yourself and improve your skills that way.

You're stronger than you think.

When I first started Crossfitting I was hesitant to lift heavy weights, or try anything without scaling it. I used the training barbell, which is only 15 pounds and used mainly for teaching technique, for months before I moved on to the regular 35-pound one — and that was only because one of the coaches pushed me to do it. I started lifting way more than I ever thought I could and crushing my PRs (personal records). Even after almost four years, I still surprise myself sometimes. I've learned that I'm way stronger than I think I am —you really don't know what you're capable of until you try.

You'll be really confused at first but don't get discouraged.

CrossFit gyms are not your typical set up, and if you're unfamiliar with the workout style or lingo you'll probably be a little overwhelmed at first. But don't get embarrassed, everyone starts somewhere. I've messed up during workouts, flung bars out of my hands, tripped doing a box jump, and even had medicine balls hit me in the face. The great thing is, though, that questions are encouraged and if you need a refresher, most coaches are glad to oblige.