20 Years of CrossFit: What Still Matters

CrossFit has changed a lot over the years. The sport, the equipment, the way people find a gym, and the amount of advice you can get without ever talking to a coach.

But when someone walks into MAV, we still have to answer some pretty basic questions. Where should this person start? What do they want to get better at? What will help them keep coming back?

Those answers are going to look different for everybody. That's a good reason to have a coach paying attention.

You can start before you feel ready

You don't need to get in shape before you start CrossFit. You need someone to help you find a starting point.

For a new athlete, that might mean learning a squat, using a lighter weight, or doing fewer reps. You should understand what you're doing and have a version you can practice well. Nobody benefits from you spending the whole class confused and hoping you can keep up.

Ask questions. Tell us when something doesn't make sense. You aren't expected to know all of this on your first day.

The right workout depends on the person

Scaling is part of CrossFit. The workout on the board gives us a plan, and the coach helps you apply it.

Some days, we want a heavier weight and more rest between efforts. Other days, we want you moving steadily. Choosing a weight because somebody else is using it can turn one kind of workout into a completely different one.

That applies to experienced athletes, too. Being capable of a movement doesn't always mean it's the right choice for that workout. Tell your coach what you're working toward, and let us help you choose.

Experienced athletes still need coaching

Your first pull-up and your next competition both deserve a plan. So does getting back to regular classes after a stretch away.

As you get better, the coaching may become more specific. A change in your setup. A pace you can hold. Knowing when to try a harder variation and when a few more good reps would help more.

We want you improving. If you've been doing the same thing for a while and aren't sure what comes next, bring it up. That gives us something useful to work on together.

You have to be able to come back

There should be days when you work hard. There should also be some judgment about how hard you need to go today.

You have a job, a family, sleep that isn't always perfect, and other things you want to do. Your training needs to fit into that life well enough that you can keep doing it.

One great workout is fun. Being able to train regularly for years gives you a lot more to build on. Consistency over intensity still belongs in the conversation, even when you love a hard workout.

The people make it MAV

You spend a lot of time with the people in your class. You learn names, notice when somebody's missing, and find yourself hanging around after you've finished.

That makes coming back easier. It also gives a new person a reason to feel comfortable walking in again. Say hello. Introduce yourself. You remember what it felt like when you didn't know anybody.

The people who do those things are a big part of what makes this place work.

Train hard. Live more.

We want you stronger, fitter, and better at the things you're practicing. We also want you to use it.

Go on the trip. Play with your kids. Sign up for the competition if that's something you want to do. Enjoy being able to do more without every decision revolving around a workout.

After all these years, that's still a pretty good reason to train.

If you're thinking about starting at Maverick CrossFit in Melbourne, come talk with us. We'll help you figure out where to begin.

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