I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stopped in a store while wearing a CrossFit t-shirt and a stranger will stop me to ask me questions about CrossFit. Since I teach CrossFit for a living, it is always a pleasure to talk about my passion. There have been some odd inquiries over the years and some that will make you chuckle. By far the most popular question I get is “do you think CrossFit is right for me?”

If I answered that question 7 years ago in the infancy of my CrossFit experience I would have said, “Heck yeah it is! Doesn’t matter if you’re 8 or 80, come on in and I GUARANTEE it will work for you!” Today, my answer is a bit more complicated. The answer to that question now largely depends on the individual. Below are some of my reasons for and against trying CrossFit.

CrossFit is right for you when:

1. You realize that you don’t know it all.

Did you play sports growing up? Great! But if the last time you worked with a sports coach or strength and conditioning specialist was 25 years ago, chances are you may have forgotten a few things along the way. CrossFit works great when you’re willing to follow the lead of a high quality CrossFit coach and be coachable during the initial learning process.

2. You enjoy being held accountable.

Who wouldn’t want this, right? If the idea of having a coach call you or text when you haven’t been showing up to class seriously drives you bonkers, be careful about CrossFit. A good CrossFit box will make it their business to track you down and see how things are going when you’re not around.

3. You like new challenges.

When new clients visit our gym and check out a Crossfitter knocking out pull-ups, or someone climbing a rope I love to see the look on their face. 1 of 2 things usually happen…their eyes bulge with intimidation following by a quick mutter of “I could never do that”, or their eyes brighten with enthusiasm saying, “I can’t wait to learn that!”. The hard fact is that not many folks walk into a box knowing how to do everything in CrossFit. Most of us have had to be willing to learn new techniques to help us reach our goal of being proficient in a movement we’ve never done before. If you don’t like challenging yourself to learn new things, a CrossFit gym could be a miserable place for you.

Will I guarantee CrossFit will work for you? The answer is a resounding YES! But only you’re willing to think about and accept the conditions above. If you’re ready to check out CrossFit, find a quality local affiliate near you!