How much encouragement do newbies get at your Crossfit box?

[thelurkylulu]

I'm relatively new to the program (maybe about 8 weeks?) and I don't know if my expectations are too high or what.

Class sizes are relatively small- anywhere from 1-6 people on average.

I have never, ever lifted weights and I'll be honest and say I am super awkward when I begin any workout program. Like learning how to do squats, lunges, box jumps, etc. gives me anxiety. My balance sucks and I just feel awkward. I need encouragement/positive feedback and sometimes I need to have things explained to me multiple times before it clicks in my head and I understand wtf I'm supposed to be doing. I feel like our instructor is such a bitch. She was very patient the first couple of weeks and now it's like you can tell she's annoyed whenever I ask her to validate that I'm doing something correctly. I am debating on finding another box, but the next closest one is a bit of a drive. Am I just being a diva and expecting too much? One of the reasons I was drawn to Crossfit is because I've always heard it's like a family environment. Maybe I just haven't found the right fit.

I do really like the program and have been trying to do more things at home so that I'll get better at it, but I'm totally intimidated to go back there.

[wambam]

We have an on-ramp class that people must go through for at least 2 weeks, longer if they choose. In that class, everything is explained thoroughly every single class. Every movement is demonstrated and explained in painstaking detail. Questions are expected and encouraged.

By the time people get to the all levels class, it is expected that they won't need that level of support anymore. However, I am in the advanced class and I've never had a coach be annoyed by me asking questions even now. I think that part of your description is a red flag for me.

[mandiespharm]

I have to agree with wambam. We have a foundations class that is 8-10 classes to learn the basics. And questions are still always encouraged at our regular classes. We have a wide range of people in our classes now as we have grown significantly in the past six months but questions are still welcomed.

[thelurkylulu]

May 7, 2014 14:17:04 GMT -5 wambam said:

We have an on-ramp class that people must go through for at least 2 weeks, longer if they choose. In that class, everything is explained thoroughly every single class. Every movement is demonstrated and explained in painstaking detail. Questions are expected and encouraged.

By the time people get to the all levels class, it is expected that they won't need that level of support anymore. However, I am in the advanced class and I've never had a coach be annoyed by me asking questions even now. I think that part of your description is a red flag for me.

I would totally be down for an onboarding class. Hell, I may even take it twice. lol and honestly, it's not like I'm asking questions every single class. I think she's mad because I wasn't interested in her advocare speech.

[wambam]

May 7, 2014 14:46:22 GMT -5 thelurkylulu said:

May 7, 2014 14:17:04 GMT -5 wambam said:

We have an on-ramp class that people must go through for at least 2 weeks, longer if they choose. In that class, everything is explained thoroughly every single class. Every movement is demonstrated and explained in painstaking detail. Questions are expected and encouraged.

By the time people get to the all levels class, it is expected that they won't need that level of support anymore. However, I am in the advanced class and I've never had a coach be annoyed by me asking questions even now. I think that part of your description is a red flag for me.

I would totally be down for an onboarding class. Hell, I may even take it twice. lol and honestly, it's not like I'm asking questions every single class. I think she's mad because I wasn't interested in her advocare speech.

Wow. More red flags. 

The on-ramp class is an ongoing class (so it's not like there are 8 classes on repeat) and anyone could join that class - even some long-standing members take the class if they are out with an injury or illness for awhile and then they come back. 

I'm also concerned about them pushing supplements. This is not normal. 

Get out.

[Deleted]

Bail, find another box that's supportive and has a foundations program/onboarding course. You'll be more comfortable and no one will be pushing BS supplements at you.

Stories like this make me <3 my box even ms. bitchyface.

[emilyinchile]

Ditto everything wambam said. My head is honest to god tilted to the side right now like a confused puppy - this happened after reading the Advocare bit. I would not call that normal or appropriate at all. Even if she's annoyed by your questions because they're breaking up the flow of the class for everyone else or something, the right response to that would be to suggest some kind of additional help for you (onramp class, personal training, etc.) rather than just to give off a bad attitude.

Is there another class time with a different instructor that might be worth a try before you switch boxes?

[thelurkylulu]

May 7, 2014 15:42:48 GMT -5 emilyinchile said:

Ditto everything wambam said. My head is honest to god tilted to the side right now like a confused puppy - this happened after reading the Advocare bit. I would not call that normal or appropriate at all. Even if she's annoyed by your questions because they're breaking up the flow of the class for everyone else or something, the right response to that would be to suggest some kind of additional help for you (onramp class, personal training, etc.) rather than just to give off a bad attitude.

Is there another class time with a different instructor that might be worth a try before you switch boxes?

Unfortunately, she is the only instructor for the times I am able to go.

[emilyinchile]

Yeah, I'd leave then. And ditto @vtcupcake. Regardless of whether it's CF or what, it's not "being a diva and expecting too much" to expect to be treated politely by someone providing a service that you're paying for.

[jess]

My box is awesome... Our foundations classes are at least 8 classes, if you need more they do it for you.

Our classes are never over 10 and newbies get the most attention by far.

I'd get out and try anotger box for sure. I am blessed to have an amazing one where I live.

Shameless plug: By the way I want to invite any local crossfitters out for our Battle for Courage! It is going to be an awesome event and all the proceeds will go to Kevin Ogar. It's in missouri


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[shauni27]

May 7, 2014 20:30:20 GMT -5 @kirkette said:

Our box is very welcoming.
If a regular hasn't met someone, the regular must introduce themselves before class begins.
The ongoing on ramp class is 3 sessions (no more than 3 people a session), after that you jump in to regular classes. Movements are reviewed by all in class each day during the warm up. You can ask coaches or other members for help, or to watch your form during the session. Classes are kept small (no more than 15). Most classes have 7, except Noon where it's about 3 people. After you finish your WOD, you stay until the end of class to cheer on your session mates. If some struggled through the WOD, other people help to put away their material, so the person can recover. There are 8 classes offered at various times during the day ( not including Yoga, CF Kids, CF Teens, CF Endurance, or Powerlifting), so it can accommodate all sorts of schedules. We just try to be as inclusive as possible.

This is similar to my box--minus the regulars introducing themselves to the newbs and the variety of classes (we just added CF kids...).  Now that it has been about 7-8 weeks I am starting to know the regulars, but it is because I put in all of the effort.  Everything else is the same though, it is such a great and supportive place, the coaches are SO patient (especially because while foundations is "required" when you start...I didn't have an extra $150 for the classes on top of the $250 for the monthly membership...so they let me skip it) and regulars and coaches alike give me great tips, feedback and pointers.  I LOVE my supportive box and if you do not love yours for the high price of the classes I would look elsewhere :/