In the first of a three-part series, Bay of Plenty Times reporters face a six-week challenge to transform their diet and fitness using different methods. This week, Martine Rolls writes about her experience with CrossFit.
What is CrossFit?
CrossFit is a fitness programme that is broad, general and inclusive by design. Workouts incorporate elements from high-intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, cardio and other exercises. It's a strength and conditioning programme with the aim of improving endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, speed, co-ordination, agility, balance and accuracy.
Where do I sign up?
Mount CrossFit is located at 6/20 Owens Place, Mt Maunganui. CrossFit Tauranga can be found at 19 Montgomery Rd, Judea. Everyone who joins must complete the "On Ramp" course to learn all the basic CrossFit techniques so you can safely attend the regular classes.
You don't have to be fit to join. CrossFit is for people of all ages and abilities. Check www.mountcrossfit.com for class times. Turn up with your running shoes and workout clothes, give it a go and see what you think.
How much does it cost?
On Ramp comprises six one-hour sessions and costs $120. With a six-month contract, CrossFit costs $38 a week if you attend up to three weekly classes. If you want to attend more classes, it is $48 a week. Monthly contracts are also available and casual classes are priced at $20.
Week 1 & 2
When it was first suggested that I do a six-week CrossFit fitness challenge, I thought they were joking. My initial reaction was: "Not in a million years!"
I haven't done any exercise for a long time, if ever. I don't do much physically demanding work, either. The thought of doing something as intense as CrossFit frightened me.
The next day I called Luke McGruer, co-owner of Mount CrossFit and CrossFit Tauranga. He assured me it was okay to start CrossFit while seriously unfit. He said in just six weeks I would notice a real difference. He also assured me it was a lot of fun.
I decided to give it a go and signed up for On Ramp, a two-week induction course to learn the basic techniques of Olympic weightlifting and to do high-intensity workouts. It was to be expected that I'd be in pain after the first week and yes, it did hurt.
Trainers Zeak and Blossom told me to keep stretching and moving, and encouraged me not to give up. Sure, I was jaded and sore after the first few sessions but I never once thought about giving up.
I thought CrossFit training was fun from the moment I picked up a barbell, and I certainly hadn't expected that.
It felt strangely satisfying to do things I didn't think I was capable of. After completing On Ramp, I was excited but also nervous as it meant I could join the classes with the big boys and girls.
Week 3 & 4
CrossFit Tauranga has morning, lunchtime and evening classes, and as I had committed to go at least three times a week, I tried the WOD (workout of the day) at different times to see what the buzz was all about.
I soon found the atmosphere was always great no matter what time I showed up. People who do CrossFit obviously love what they do. They are men and women of all ages, shapes and sizes; some fit and toned but others are not quite there yet.
There was still so much to learn but the trainers looked after us newbies. They made sure we didn't make a wrong move. It's easy to get too excited and to overdo it but at Tauranga CrossFit they won't let you. The trainers and the more experienced members of the CrossFit community offer a lot of support and encouragement, but they won't let you push yourself too far.
After just three weeks I was amazed with what I had accomplished. I was feeling stronger and so much fitter, and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. To my surprise, I was enjoying the workouts and looking forward to the next one, even if it involved a lot of squatting or "death by burpees".
On the days I wasn't at the Box (what Crossfitters call their gym) I went to the park to practice running, sprinting, squats and box jumps. I also walked up the Mount, which is something I hadn't done in about 10 years. Maybe one day I'll run to the top.
Week 5 & 6
I'm amazed with how much energy I have after just a month of CrossFit training. I feel so much stronger and am getting fitter, too. I didn't get a nutritional plan when I started working out, which I would have found impossible to stick to anyway, but I have naturally started eating very healthy.
I am basing my meals around green vegetables, seafood and lean meat, and nothing processed. I don't feel like chocolate at all, and the smell of burgers makes me feel ill.
After six weeks of CrossFit, I have only lost about 3kg but as I am building muscle I'm not worried about the scales. The goal is to gain strength and tone up, and CrossFit is perfect for that. I'm still not a fan of running and wall balls, but even that's improving.
In the past few years, I've signed up to the gym several times but I couldn't motivate myself to keep it up. CrossFit is a lot more fun. What I like most are the people who do it - it's a community. My body is noticeably changing and I've lost a dress size. I'm very happy with the way I'm shaping up, and have just signed up for another six months with CrossFit Tauranga.
Two months ago I would have laughed if someone had suggested I'd become hooked on something like this but honestly, I think I'm addicted.
Next week Annemarie Quill writes about six weeks of personal training with Danny Grey of Ignite Personal Training, based out of The Gym, Tauranga.
They were keynote speakers at this year's Business Women’s Network Speaker Series.