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Beginner's Guide to CrossFit
Welcome to CrossFit Buckhead! Whether you’re just starting out or curious about what CrossFit is all about, we’re thrilled to have you here. CrossFit can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but don’t worry—we’re here to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. This guide will introduce you to the basics so you feel confident stepping into your first class.
CrossFit Terms You’ll Hear
CrossFit has its own language, but you’ll pick it up quickly. Here are some key terms:
- WOD (Workout of the Day): The main workout for the day, which changes daily to keep things varied.
- AMRAP (As Many Rounds/Reps As Possible): Complete as many rounds or repetitions as you can within a set time.
- EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute): Start an exercise at the top of every minute, completing the reps and resting for the remainder of the minute.
- For Time: Finish the workout as quickly as possible—your score is the time it takes to complete all exercises.
- Rx (As Prescribed): Completing the workout with the prescribed weights and movements without any modifications.
- Scale: Modifying a workout to match your current fitness level, whether that means using lighter weights, adjusting movements, or reducing reps.
Key Movements in CrossFit
CrossFit blends different types of movements, but you don’t need to know them all at once. Here’s a quick overview:
1. Powerlifting:
- Back Squat: Squat with bar on your back.
- Deadlift: Pick the bar off the ground to your hip.
- Bench Press: Lay down on bench and press barbell from chest until arms are locked out.
2. Olympic Weightlifting:
- Clean: Lifts the barbell from the ground to your shoulders in one motion.
- Jerk: Pushes the barbell from your shoulders to overhead.
- Snatch: Moves the barbell from the ground to overhead in a single fluid motion.
3. Gymnastics:
- Pull-Ups: Pull yourself up until your chin is above the bar, with various difficulty levels.
- Ring Rows: Pull yourself up until rings touch your shoulders, a scale for pull ups.
4. Cardio:
- Running: A mix of sprints and longer runs, depending on the WOD.
- Biking: The Assault Bike or Echo Bike for calories or distance.
- Rowing: Row machine for calories or distance.
What to Expect in a Class
Each CrossFit class starts with a warm-up, followed by skill or strength work (we move heavier weights slowly during this time), and then the WOD (Workout of the Day). The WOD is where you’ll often encounter terms like AMRAP, EMOM, or For Time. Every workout is scalable, so you can tailor it to your fitness level. Here you will move much lighter weights, much faster. Our coaches are here to guide you and help you make the most of each session.
Final Thoughts
Starting CrossFit can feel daunting, but remember—everyone was a beginner once. The most important thing is that you’ve taken the first step. CrossFit is about more than just workouts; it’s about community, growth, and pushing yourself to be better every day.
We’re excited to have you at CrossFit Buckhead. Whether you’re here to build strength, improve your fitness, or find a supportive community, you’re in the right place. See you in class!
