CrossFit Pally - The Sport of Fitness
This was my first true cross-fit experience. I did a trial years ago with my friend Klaudia but never jumped right in. The owner Jeff suggested I first try a boot camp class first, but no, not me – I wanted to blog about authentic CrossFit…so here it goes.
The first time I showed up, it was the wrong day. CrossFit Pally had interrupted it’s regular schedule for the 5-week CrossFit Open, where gyms across the world take part in a series of challenges, submit results of the participants and find out who qualifies for the CrossFit Games. They offered me a shot at the nightly trial (I think not).
One of the women trying to qualify was doing consecutive box jumps, burpees and 30lb kettle-bell lifts, all under 20 minutes with increasing reps. Watching her made me feel like I would be sick on her behalf – damn she was strong!
I came back on Monday night and met with Emily for a regular CrossFit experience. She walked through the workout of the day with everyone and set me up with a heavy bar for squats. The workout was a combo of heavy lifting over an extended period of time, 2,000-meter rows and then a timed experience where so many reps of sit-ups, lifts and jumps were to be completed (a race to the finish). It’s not entirely competitive but it can be for someone like me (if I was actually in my league).
During the workout, I peaked into the other room to get a glance at the boot camp, it was a similar combination but more of a circuit, filled with some of the same activities – probably more my pace.
The ability to actually walk or sit the day following CrossFit Pally was limited. My muscles were sore, everywhere. I felt great but knew I had a lot of work to do. I can’t really claim that CrossFit is organized weight lifting because it doesn’t give the activity justice. It’s a strength, endurance, gymnastics, cardio and agility program that is just a revolving challenge. CrossFit may seem scary but it’s scale-able, the trainers work with you for modifications.
I definitely liked the concept, the trainers and the owners and consider it a must try but, go at your own pace and don’t over do it. Check out their schedule at http://www.crossfitpally.com/