For a long time I hesitated drinking the cool aid and I'm sad I didn't drink it sooner. I initially signed up to train for the LA Triathlon and see if it would improve my performance and it did. I cut my swim time down 5 minutes, cycling went down 10 minutes and the run went down another 5 minutes. I haven't been as consistent as I'd like to be (mainly because of work and travel) but when I go , I get strong fast and my endurance levels goes through the roof. I trained there to prepare for the Pasadena Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon and managed to shave 30 minutes off my previous time with the help of LAX Crossfit and a better diet. Since I've started, I've gone from 205 lbs to 179 (while training) and settled around 185-190 when not going as often and bodyfat decreased from 21+% down to 14+%.
The trainers (Mark, Arbel, Shira, Dan, etc.) are all good people, great trainers, and make training fun. I'm constantly amazed at how everyone indirectly pushes and directly supports one another. The group atmosphere works so much better for me than going to a gym and looking in the mirror for an hour. The WOD's (workout of the day) suck in a good way. You never think you can do it but you do and the next time it comes around, you do it faster! Before going to LAX Crossfit, I'd never been able to do more than 10 pull ups and in a WOD i managed to do 85, it took me nearly an hour but I did it! People can argue form and what not, but you're still training your body to be more fluid and build better coordination. If you aren't coordinated, you aren't going to hit that many pull ups. Ultimately, you get into a rhythm and a zone and watching others who are doing the same thing help you find that happy place in the world of SUCK cause you aren't the only one. There's a lot of mental conditioning that happens during the physical conditioning, literally raising your bar for fitness each and every time as a beginner athlete.
I started with the fundamentals and will continue to train there for Triathlons and other races, like Tough mudder and spartan race. There's no denying, you get stronger, faster, and last longer after going to crossfit consistently. I have the times to prove it! It doesn't hurt to try and I wish I started earlier. The training IS harder than the race. It makes the races a lot more comfortable.
Pros:
Great Coaches
Constantly refreshed equipment
One of the coolest cages/squat/pullup racks there is
Doesn't smell like testosterone
Everyone is buff and beautiful and after working out there makes you feel buff and beautiful too or all equally ugly after all the sweat, depending on how you look at it.
Plenty of Space
very understanding and accomodating
Laid back Group / family atmosphere
No Mirrors (only in the bathroom)
Physical and Mental conditioning
Cons:
I sweat too much
You will want more kool-aid
You will need to shop for new clothes
If you're looking to get back into action, the fundamentals class is a good place to start. If you're a beginner/novice athlete, all levels of your performance will improve dramatically. The workouts will drain you but as long as you eat wisely, you're recovery times will improve as well.
I could keep going, but you should really find out for yourself. :)
Tips:
Get wrist tape or wrist support
bring an extra shirt
Hydrate before and after
Handle business after hydrating before the workout.
Don't eat anything heavy before
Make sure you rest properly
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