Common CrossFit Mistakes To Avoid

Submitted by Jeremy Chin
Posted on 20 Apr, 2020

CrossFit in a nutshell is a vigorous workout that combines weight training, aerobics and gymnastics all into one. It is a great way to stay fit and add some variety into your fitness regime, but because of its intensity and the toll it puts on your body, it’s not for everyone. In fact, when not performed properly CrossFit can sometimes do more harm than good. To enjoy the benefits of CrossFit for years to come, here are some mistakes you should avoid making.

MISTAKE 1: Jumping Right Into It
Rome was not built in a day, and neither are great athletes. In CrossFit, it is crucial that you build your foundation of fitness first before increasing the intensity. Trust in the process, and take it a step at a time.

MISTAKE 2: Not Warming Up
For your muscles to perform properly, it is important that you go through a proper warm up. Warm up exercises do not only get your blood flowing, they get your mind ready for movement patterns that are crucial for maintaining good form.

MISTAKE 3: Failing to Scale
In a group environment, we sometimes let our ego get in the way as we try to outdo others at the gym. If you let your pride get the best of you, you are setting yourself up for injury. Scaling involves modifying the exercise to your level of fitness. This can be done by decreasing the range of motion, reducing the weight used or by moving at a slower pace whilst focusing on form.

MISTAKE 4: Sacrificing Form for Reps
Often we are driven to hit a certain number of repetitions that we cheat in our form. One CrossFit movement, when performed properly, brings more benefit than when it is done improperly a bunch of times. What’s worse is that bad form also puts you at risk for injury.

MISTAKE 5: Overtraining
CrossFitters often have this one thing in common: they love pushing past their limits. Whilst it’s good to always be pushing past your comfort zone, over doing it sometimes lead to burn out and injury.

MISTAKE 6: Overlooking Agility
Many CrossFitters are so focused on building strength and losing weight that they forget to work on agility. Being agile allows you to skirt injury, which in the long-term is highly beneficial for your well being.

MISTAKE 7: Improper Rest
Muscle building is a process of breaking down your body and building it back up. To get the most from your workout, it is important that you get enough rest so that your body can rebuild itself to a new, higher level.

MISTAKE 8: Skimping On Nutrition
CrossFit workouts may not last long, but they are intense. For optimum muscle recovery, it is best that you refuel your body with protein and carbohydrates within an hour of your workout.