10 Ways to Achieve Your CrossFit Goals

10 Ways to Achieve Your CrossFit Goals

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, about 2/3 of the American population is overweight. That sounds about right, doesn't it? Even those who aren't technically obese still could benefit from dropping a little of that excess weight. In fact, the number one most reported New Year’s resolution for the past ten years has been to lose weight. CrossFit is a great way to accomplish that resolution, but there are some things you should remember if you want to hit your CrossFit goals in 2013:

1. Be specific

Goals require real planning and discipline. Don’t just say to yourself “I want to lose weight this year.” Instead, decide exactly how much weight you want to drop, and by when. Then select a specific course of action that will lead you to that goal. CrossFit was designed to help you become better than you ever thought you could be, but it can’t do it without your help.

2. Know what you’re in for

One of the most often repeated phrases used to describe CrossFit is “It never gets easy, it just gets a little less hard.” Crossfit isn’t some relaxing spin class where you can lazily watch TV while your legs go around in circles; it’s a high intensity, difficult workout regimen that will challenge you no matter what shape you’re currently in. It will never be impossible for you, but it sure won’t be a walk in the park either

3. Journal it

Goals and journals go together like the human body and regular doctor’s visits. That is to say, you might think it’s a hassle to keep a journal, but you’ll be happy that you did. It doesn’t have to be anything in-depth or fancy; just make a record of every workout you do. This will help you get an overview of how you’re progressing, and let you know what areas could use improvement.

4. Chart it
If you’re a more visual person, why not bust out the graphs and charts and track your progress? Display your charts someplace where you’ll be able to take a look at them. How much weight have you lost as your workout routine has intensified? Just glance at the graph and see how far you’ve actually come.

5. Eat like a caveman

If you’re going to be putting your body through the refining fire of CrossFit, you’re going to want some high quality fuel. The paleo diet is one that’s been identified as especially helpful to CrossFitters. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the specifics, but in essence it’s a diet that shuns any type of food that wasn’t available prior to the invention of agriculture. Stick to it, and you’ll see your CrossFit goals becoming more and more reachable.

6. Scale

One of the reasons that so many people abandon their resolutions is that they have impracticable expectations. If you take an objective look at your goals and you recognize that they aren't realistic, don’t give up. Instead, scale back your routine to something more manageable. On the other hand, if you feel like you’re not being challenged enough, increase the intensity and raise your goals. Just be flexible.

7. Rest when you need to

It doesn't do you any good to bring your body right to the limit of its capabilities if you don’t let it heal afterward. Rest is as important to exercise as any routine, so make sure you get enough sleep (at least 6-8 hours a night).

8. Keep up your momentum

Once you really get into CrossFit, you’re going to start seeing results pretty quickly. Don’t let this go to your head. When you achieve one goal, immediately set your sights on another. Exercise is like swimming upstream; if you’re not going forward, you’re going backward.

9. Get friendly

There’s a reason CrossFit is usually done in a group. Having other people around will help you stay motivated, and will also give you built-in friends who share your interest in personal health. So when the going gets tough—either for you or for someone else—you can support each other.

10. Have fun

One thing that CrossFitters worldwide agree upon is this: CrossFit is a blast. So make some goals, head to the gym, find some friends, and start enjoying yourself!

Author Bio: Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer for SIX Nutrition, famous for making the best vitamins for men.