Crossfit ladies come and say hello!

[drowninginlaundry]

I started about two months ago and it is literally the best thing that I've done for fitness, and it's also very very addictive! I normally go after school drop off and it's full of school mums so there must be some on mumsnet! If you don't know what it is and haven't tried, google it, I can really recommend it for overall fitness and conditioning. I look totally different in just two months, not skinny, but strong.

[Sleepwhenidie]

Watching with interest as I would love to try crossfit and will one day, just obsessed with very into kickboxing at the moment so would struggle to fit it in. Where do you do it drowning? Were you fit before you started? How tough is it ?

[drowninginlaundry]

Oh it's tough... My first session was so hard I had to sit down after two rounds as I felt dizzy and thought I was going to be sick. And i considered myself quite fit! But I love the variety, and because it's so bloody tough results come quickly! The burpees still kill me every time though.
I have a friend who does kickboxing and I really envy her abs...

[Needabitofsunshine]

Me, me! I'm surprised there aren't more CF mums around on here.

Love it! Short, sharp & brutal :)

It gets easier, so quickly if you keep at it. I hated burpees with a passion for about the first year...now they're no problem (relatively...). Keep your feet wide coming up, so you land in a squat position. Makes it SO much easier!

[CrazySexyCool123]

Hi all! I'm a crossfit mumtobe! I'm 13 weeks so I've really had to slow things down. I've been doing crossfit since December and I love it, especially the weights. I use crossfitmom for advice on what I can and can't do. It can be a little frustrating on days I feel fine as I'm not supposed to get out of breath but there's more to think about than just me now! I hope to keep it up for as long as poss so that I don't become a sofa vegetable. :)

[nomorefrizz]

I have become addicted to Crossfit. It is the first thing I have ever stuck at exercise wise. I am 49 and 6 months ago was really turning into plump middle aged woman with a bad back and many aches and pains. I cannot say the actual work outs are easy -anything but! However because you are usually against the clock then you really have to do it and there's no sloping off as the trainers are there encouraging you and getting you through it. The work outs are usually 12-20 mins long so its hard but quick and because its tough you are so pleased with yourself afterwards. I have never been so toned and my self esteem has been given a real boost. Its a great formula and I can highly recommend it. Go on give it a go!

[Parasaurolophus]

Me! I've been at it for about 3 months and I have never ever looked so good. All the squats have also helped strengthen my legs and hips and I can now run up to 5 miles pain free.

I am a total convert.

[malinois]

I really want to give it a go but I'm scared!!!

I'm reasonably fit - can run 10k, do pullups, good squat, bench, deadlift etc and also do spinning and Bodycombat but EVERYTHING I have heard/seen about Crossfit suggests only superhumans need apply.

Not helped by the four guys in my office who do it and are super-fit but still have tales of woe about it.

Is it really as scary as they make out?

[Needabitofsunshine]

It is hard, but hard at your own level as they´ll scale the workout for you (if it´s a decent gym). So a great workout for everybody, even superhumans! If you lift weights, can run 10k and can do pullups, you´ll be absolutely fine. If you´re worried about it, search www.crossfit.com for some previous wods and try those at your normal gym first.

Make sure they have a decent intro programme and take it slowly with any olympic lifts before you do them for high volume.

It´s hard but usually quick and v satisfying (and completely addictive)! Go for it!

My schedule has changed and I´m finding it hard to get to the CF gym unfortunately. Still doing plenty on my own though :)

[Parasaurolophus]

It isn't scary. Everyone will work at their own pace and the instructor will scale it for you.

There are big macho guys at cross fit, and they are good for oggling or giggling at depending on your mood. They lift giant weights while I lift eensey weights. Everyone is always very nice and welcoming, it is a good community activity.

It is hard, but hard in a good way. A normal WOD won't last longer than 20 minutes, and is always achieve-able with scaling.

For me, the trick is not to be competitive about it. I am not competing with the big muscle boys, or the ultra marathoner, or even the other 40 year old mothers. I concentrate on my form and that is doing me very well. I am constantly improving, and that is very satisfying. My almost-able-to-be-seen abs are also satisfying. I can feel them in there, and if I can stop eating cookies I may be able to see them soon.

[aroomofherown]

I'd like to! But I can't find anywhere that isn't expensive. I'm in London so there should be loads of option - any advice? How expensive is it where you train?

[drowninginlaundry]

our 'box' is literally a barn and we pay £5 per session if we buy in bulk - but I think most boxes require you to do an on ramp course which can cost a few hundred quid. You really need to do this to learn the correct form in the lifts etc.

Everyone who is hesitating - it really is so worth it! Crossfit has made me think about my body in a totally different way, I used to want to be skinny, now I want to be stronger, faster, fitter. I love the variety of it, that I don't know what I will be doing until I get to the gym. DH is starting this week as well!

[aroomofherown]

Wow £5 a pop I'd definitely be there. The only ones I've seen in London are £15, or £140 per month unlimited which is beyond my budget.

Anyone in London who knows a good, decently priced Cross Fit gym?

[Parasaurolophus]

Mine is in a barn too! I pay less than £5 a class with a monthly membership.

There are benefits to rural living.

[aroomofherown]

Another reason to get out of London! I'm just dying to get out of here - but committed for about another 6 months and then I can move. Just need to decide where (somewhere commutable to SW London initially)...

[drowninginlaundry]

£140 per month!! That's a lot!

we had SKIPPING in today's WOD. I can't do double unders so it was 150 single skips, not possible with the pelvic floor I have. THAT was the hardest thing I've ever done in crossfit - trying not to wee mid workout.

[aroomofherown]

drowning sorry that made me laugh!

Yes it's theft.

[Needabitofsunshine]

I´m overseas and pay much less than that. Although, recently have been struggling to get to a class. I have my own wee gym at home with some rings and bumper plates, so can do pretty much everything at home. I miss the peer pressure though... Mind you, not exactly the community minded experience that it´s famous for here as I don´t speak the language!

Have a look on the website and there are heaps of bodyweight wods you can do with no equipment, invest in a kettlebell and a pull up bar and you´re golden :)

[Needabitofsunshine]

p.s. Loving the barns!

[Lizzy1975]

Hi aroomofherown,

There's a Crossfit gym in Crystal Palace, SE19. Performance 360 it's called.

[nickymanchester]

Sorry, I know that I'm resurrecting an old thread here, but it is really nice to know that there are quite a few other women that do Crossfit out there