In CrossFit, we’re all about data. We record our results every workout so we can look back over time, analyze the data, and see progress. If the first time you did “Karen” it took 17 minutes, the second time it took 13 minutes, and the third time it took 10 minutes, we have indisputable evidence that you’re getting stronger, faster, and fitter. CrossFitters love data.
As coach and owner at I.C.A., there’s another type of data that I’m interested in: attendance data. Here are some stats from the five Saturdays in March:
- DATE WOD ATTENDANCE
- March 31 1600, 800, 400, 200m run 8 attendees
- March 24 Partner Filthy Fifty 20 attendees
- March 17 Weightlifting Complex 15 attendees
- March 10 800m run / Rope climb 7 attendees
- March 3 3-3-3-3-3 Deadlift 15 attendees
Anyone else seeing what I’m seeing? On days when the workout included running – specifically longer runs of 800m or more – our attendance plummeted. The average attendance for the two running days was 7.5 people, but for the other three Saturdays it averaged 16.7 people. This trend worries me, because it’s a sign that some members may be cherry picking.
cher∙ry-pick (verb): to select the best or most desirable
In CrossFit, cherry picking refers choosing what WODs to attend based on what you think will be the most fun. You pay a lot of money for your membership, so you should enjoy it right?? The problem is, at I.C.A. our goal is to get you fitter. And the best way to get fit fast is to work on your weaknesses!
Most of you probably already know that there are 10 recognized fitness domains in CrossFit:
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Endurance (example: run/row, FRAN)
- Strength (example: one rep max back squat, deadhang pull ups)
- Stamina (example: Murph, The Firebird)
- Flexibility (example: wall squat, front rack)
- Power (example: power clean, banded deadlift)
- Speed (example: 40 yard or 400m sprint)
- Coordination (example: double unders, kipping pull ups)
- Balance (example: handstand hold, snatch balance)
- Agility (example: 3-cone drill, agility ladder)
- Accuracy (example: wall ball, sledge hammer hits)
Here’s a drill for each of you. Take the 9 bullets listed above and rank them in order of which you need the most work on, to which you are the most confident/capable in. Then make a second list, ranking the domains by which you find the least fun to work on to which you find the most fun to work on. Now step back and compare. If you’re anything like me, the areas where I need the most work are the areas I least enjoy! As a result, I have to consciously force myself to work on my weaknesses. If I pick my WODs based on what looks “fun,” and skip those that look “hard,” I’ll only be hurting myself and hindering my progress.
At I.C.A. we have a lot of folks who love lifting and hate running. And I don’t blame you! There’s something sexy about lifting, right? It’s alluring. It’s fun. And it doesn’t leave us out of breath and near puking. But as your coach, I’m asking you to shift your perspective – and make ATTACKING YOUR WEAKNESSES your primary focus! When a WOD shows up and you think, “yeah right, no thanks,” that’s probably a sign that you really SHOULD be coming to class that day. Accept that the workout is going to be hard. It’s going to suck. It’s going to hurt. Accept it, and come anyway. You’ll be a better person and a better CrossFitter for it.
Discussion Topic: Post to comments what CrossFit movement(s) or fitness domains you will commit to working on over the next few months!