The Chase

There are as many goals to set in CrossFit as there are those who practice it. But in the end, CrossFit is simply the pursuit of progress. Gains will come, often slowly, but only with patience and attention to detail. As you chase your personal goals, make sure you choose the right path for your pursuit.

Consistency, Not Intensity

This is not to say you shouldn’t give every workout everything you’ve got. You’re not getting off the hook that easily. No, this is more about getting into a routine and sticking with it. It’s about showing up for every workout, not just the ones you know you can go all-out and dominate. Some days, you won’t get anywhere near Beast Mode. But the more you show up and work on your weaknesses alongside your strengths, the fewer and farther between those days will become.

Chase Performance, Not Physique

There’s nothing wrong with wanting your physique to serve as a shining monument to all the rope burns and hand tears you’ve invested in your fitness. But you don’t need to take a strictly visual approach to your fitness. Simply put, form follows function. If you eat and train to benefit performance, your aesthetics will be a representation of what you can do with your body, not just what you have done to it.

Chase Form, Not Weight

One of the core tenets of CrossFit is “Form, Consistency, Intensity.” Your primary focus for ANY movement should be proper form. Only when you can demonstrate proper form consistently should you even think about increasing intensity. In this case, the intensity in question is weight. We all want to stack plates and ring that PR bell, especially when we see so many around us doing just that. But if you are looking at other athletes for inspiration, don’t look at the rubber on the ends of the bar, watch the body under it. It may take a little more time, but emulating good form is the surest, safest path to knocking those goal weights off your list.

Everyone’s fitness journey is unique. Remember that simple fact and you can avoid the frustration that comes with trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Progress will come, but only if you work smart and respect the process. Be patient, be humble, and most importantly, have fun!