#1 Dabble in CrossFit...

Most people go straight from dabbling with a CrossFit exercise routine into full-on Kool-Aid guzzling, but it's worth mentioning that you won't see what all the hubbub is about unless you start attending class fairly frequently.

There is a MASSIVE difference between someone who does a CrossFit exercise routine 1-2 times per week, and someone who does CrossFit 4-5 times per week.

To be clear, starting slow is absolutely fine, but as you learn more about the method, and start to get the hang of the movements, you'll want to increase your frequency.

The CrossFit exercise routine is constantly varied, which means it could be weeks, or even months before you get to practice a movement again if you're M.I.A 90% of the time.

However, occasionally it really isn't possible for someone to ramp up their attendance. 

Nothing will fully replace the benefits of attending WODs at a CrossFit affiliate, but if proximity, work schedule, or other logistics are holding you back, you can use this list of body weight workouts to fill in some gaps...

Click Here for a HUGE list of Body Weight Workouts

#2 Make it All About You...

CrossFit gyms are a place to build others up, and to be built up by others.  When you make it "all about you," things like jealousy, pride, and anger can creep in.

Sure, keep track of PR's, do your very best, engage in friendly competition, but don't forget to be part of the community!

The CrossFit exercise routine will teach you SOOOOO much about your physical capabilities. Let CrossFit teach you even more by exercising your humility, patience, and care for others at the box.

#3 Try to "go pro" too soon...

Trying to keep up with the elites of our sport as soon as you walk through the door is like volunteering to get inside the Octagon with UFC's Ronda Rousey next weekend...It's a ridiculous idea that will likely get you injured.

Your coaches will keep you safe if you will let them, but if you sneakily try to add more weight, or do WODs on your own with weights you have no business lifting, you're playing with fire.

Be humble, be teachable, and be obsessive about having great form before adding weight.

Ask TONS of questions during your CrossFit exercise routine. Ask the trainer to evaluate your form often. Trust your instincts, and when in doubt...use less weight.

#4 Don't keep track of anything...

If you're not the type of person who is inspired and pushed by friendly competition, you might not feel the need to keep track of results, but there's more to recording your results than just seeing who had the best score on the whiteboard for the day.

Tracking your scores during your CrossFit exercise routine helps you see that all the work you're putting in is creating a result.

The other day, I was looking at some REALLY old video of some CrossFit Open submissions. You could see some of my friends working out in the background.  It's so fun to see how far they've come...how much more advanced they are...how they even move differently now.

Even if it's for no other reason than to take a trip down memory lane every once in a while, you're going to want to keep track of your workout results.  Looking back is sure to make you smile :)

#5 Take it too seriously...

This is one I struggle with personally.  Sometimes we get so worked up about hitting PR's and winning that we forget that we're all just playing a game together.

Even at the most elite level, it's still called...the "Games."

Striving to achieve better fitness is great, but constant disappointment over missed PR's, or obsessing over the results of others isn't a healthy place to live.

If CrossFit ever stops being fun, take time to remember how far you've come.  Think about how much healthier you are by playing this game with your friends.  Concentrate on the non-competitive aspects of your gym.  Encourage and help new people.  Laugh a lot.

CrossFit is fun!  Pushing yourself is fun!  Competition is fun!  Making yourself miserable in the in the endless pursuit of winning, hitting PR's, and selfish ambition...is not.

So there you have it.  Five ways to do CrossFit wrong.  I hope this article helps you recognize and/or remember some of these common pitfalls.

There's so much that is right about CrossFit... It would be a shame to get it wrong.

See you at the box!

- - -

"CrossFit" is a registered trademark of CrossFit, Inc. This website is independently created and maintained by its owners, without any affiliation, connection, or association with CrossFit, Inc., nor the sponsorship, endorsement or approval of CrossFit, Inc. or any of its parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates.