If you’re a busy parent thinking about joining fitness classes, or you just did, you probably have a few questions. What do the first weeks feel like? What happens when work and the kids’ schedules get messy? Here’s a realistic walk through month one, with no promised results, just what to plan for and how to judge it fairly.
Pick One Small Goal Before You Walk In
I suggest committing to no less than three classes a week. The best way to do that is to plan them out at the beginning of the week, schedule them in the app for an extra layer of accountability, and make them non-negotiables.
It also helps to pair a new habit with something you’re already doing. For example, if you normally wake up early and walk the dog on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, pair your fitness class with the dog walk.
What Your First Week of Fitness Classes Usually Feels Like
The first time you step in the door as a new member at CrossFit Preferred, you will meet one on one with our onboarding coach, Kimberly. She works directly with you on some of the fundamental movements in CrossFit, teaching proper mechanics and ways to modify movements based on your needs and ability. You will have two sessions with her, about 60 minutes each. She will go over some of the terminology we use and how to modify movements to fit you.
After that second session, she pairs you with one of our ambassador members for your first official CrossFit class. During that class you will be guided and coached, with different levels of the workout to fit your ability. You will feel the benefits of working out with a community and leave feeling excited about your class.
Weeks Two and Three: When Life Gets Busy Again
The first week is always exciting and motivation is high. By week two or three, the busyness of life can get in the way of being consistent. Kids’ schedules, the stress of work, and plain overall fatigue might keep you from wanting to get up for that 6 a.m. class.
This is where leaning on a new friend from the gym helps, or asking a coach to check in with you. The best advice is to keep looking at your week as a whole and schedule your classes out in advance so you attend consistently. Tomorrow is a new day!
How to Handle a Missed Class Without Quitting
Missing a class sometimes happens. The best thing to do is avoid the all or nothing mentality. Don’t let one missed class snowball into a missed week of workouts.
Instead of chasing a perfect week, think about progress. Ask yourself: how can I keep moving forward and not let this week fall apart? Start by scheduling your very next class. Or start by just showing up, even if that means modifying the workout or riding the bike for 30 minutes. It’s all about getting through the door. Sometimes that’s the hardest part.
What Good Coaching Looks Like in the First Month
At CrossFit Preferred, our coaches break down each movement and go over fundamentals, specific points of performance, common faults, and ways to modify, so that no matter what your ability or background, it feels attainable. Everything is scalable and can be modified to meet your needs. Whether you’ve been working out for 10 years or 10 days, you will leave feeling 1% better each day.
Finding Your People in the Room
When you come to CrossFit Preferred, you will feel like family right away. Members will introduce themselves and ask you questions to get to know you. Everyone is working at their own level, but we are all in it together. We work hard together, celebrate wins together, and support each other through it all.
This environment brings people from all different backgrounds together and gives them something in common. Partner workouts are worked into the week, and we hold community events throughout the year. Still, the best way to make friends is to attend classes consistently.
How to Judge Month One Fairly
At the end of the month, look back at where you were a month ago. Do you feel better than you did before? Are you proud of the goals you set and accomplished? Do you feel stronger, more motivated, less tired, happier? Find ways to celebrate the consistency and hard work, and keep challenging yourself with new goals for the months to come.
We are not looking for perfection, just progress. 1% better every day.
If you’re curious, try a class and see how it feels. Questions are welcome too.
