With the new year, more people are looking for new and fun workouts to try. And one of the most popular options out there is, by far, CrossFit. The whole premise of these workouts is that you’re able to build muscle and increase cardio endurance quickly. Anything that promises super-fast results leaves most physical therapy services cringing. The risk for injuries is high. Worse, those injuries can leave you sidelined for months. So, is CrossFit safe and is it something you should consider doing as part of your new health and fitness routine? Here’s what you need to know.

Start With a Professional

CrossFit may look like nothing but a bunch of jumping, sprinting, and heavy lifting. And, on the surface, it’s exactly that. However, the exercises are incredibly effective when they’re done safely. This means you need to know what you’re doing if you want to see real results. If you’re thinking of trying CrossFit, don’t head to YouTube and watch a few videos. Find a coach in your area and work with them. They’ll be able to walk you through each exercise and show you how to do them safely so you can avoid those annoying injuries that keep you from reaching your fitness goals in the long run. 

Understand That It’s Not a Competition

When you’re surrounded by people that have been practicing and training in CrossFit for years, it’s normal to want to push yourself as hard as you can, as fast as you can. The important thing to remember when you’re first starting out is that CrossFit isn’t a competition—at least, not in the traditional sense. You’re competing with yourself, not your fellow gym-goers. It’s all about reaching new personal bests and overcoming your challenges. Your coach and even your gym-mates are there to encourage you along your journey. If you’re at a gym where you’re encouraged to keep going because someone else is doing something better than you, leave. It’s not the right environment and it’s only a matter of time before you end up hurting yourself. 

It’s Okay to Start Slowly

As with any exercise routine, it’s important to start CrossFit cautiously. Remember, you need to be mindful of your body’s limitations. If you’re pushing yourself too hard or trying to lift things that are too heavy for your current fitness level, you will end up hurting yourself. However, if you approach the workouts with a goal to gradually increase your fitness and overall strength and move slowly while paying close attention to the way each movement makes your body feel, CrossFit can be a safe way to get in shape.

When in Doubt, Pay Attention to Your Health
Ultimately, CrossFit is safe as long as you’re approaching the workouts cautiously and pay attention to the things your body is telling you as you move. If you want to get started with these routines, work with an experienced coach and make sure you know what you’re doing with each workout before you branch out on your own. If you do end up getting injured or want help streamlining your recovery from a previous injury, reach out.