That is the question!
I used to be the first person to make fun of anyone who would do CrossFIt.
“Why pay so much for someone to just scream at you?”
“These people have no idea what they’re doing?”
“They know nothing about form and technique.”
It went on and on. But my cousin talked me into trying a Groupon one day with IMT CrossFit. And I thought, “Why not?” My training had taken a huge dive, and I felt like I needed the change up. I am a type one diabetic and have been since I was the age of two. I played football growing up all the way through high school, so I was always a bit of a gym rat, but after I started college back in 2007, I became sedentary for a long while just so I could handle the load of work and school.
In 2010 I was diagnosed with Hashimotos disease, an illness that basically shuts down your thyroid; it made it even harder to want to try and work out. My New Years Resolution for 2012 was to get back into training again. So in May 2012 I ran my first mud run, and I fell in love with it. My passion was reignited, and I would run and work out as much as possible so I can do well in these types of events. But in October 2012 I was thrown another curve ball. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I had surgery on December 17, 2012, and was back out to running events by Jan 11, 2013.
Even though I had all these obstacles put in my way, I didn’t want anything to stop me from my newly rediscovered passion for fitness. So when I joined “IMT Crossfit” in October 2013, I fell in love with crossfit as much as running. I would get such a hardcore workout within the one hour class time that I would sweat and be more exhausted than when I would do the 2-3 hour workout routines back at home. All the high intensity workouts also reminded me of my football days — which I really enjoyed!
I personally believe that I joined one of the best boxes in the Miami area. They have completely changed my thinking of crossfit, including all the opinions I had previously had on the the methodology. They start off by taking you through the 101 classes if you’re completely new to the fitness game. And they will constantly emphasize proper form prior to each WOD — and they’re not afraid to correct you if they see you’re doing a movement improperly.
But what I love most of all about IMT is the coaches. You’re basically joining a family. They constantly push you and try to make you a better athlete. Whenever I try to slack in the classes, I’ll always have a coach on my back pushing me to continue on through the workout and to give it my all.
What makes it even better is that I not only have become stronger and leaner, but at the same time it has helped me do better in my obstacle course races, which is a big plus! And you may ask, “Hey Haidar, how do the IMT classes make you better in OCRs?” Honestly, there comes a certain point in OCRs, in the longer/tougher events, where it just takes sheer will and a mental toughness to make it through, but the training you get in crossfit and on those longer endurance workouts help make the course seem a lot easier. For example, one big plus is the fact that you have four ropes to practice your climbing skills on at IMT; I have not failed a rope climbing obstacle since I started at the box!
So yes, just like this sport as in any other sport, there will be the people and trainers who give bad advice and do not care at all for form or technique; so I beg you to do your research. Each box is different and will emphasize different workouts; go to a box where you feel at home and where you feel the coaches are properly trained to be giving you advice on movements. I just got lucky that I picked a great box with a knowledgeable staff and a place where I feel at home with my family.
Samurai Piggy 