I frequently exchange opinions with coaches, athletes and CrossFit® practitioners and I have come to the conclusion that most people who start practicing CrossFit® do so with the belief that it is a training methodology and not a sport (and it is not, you will tell me…but AFFI he's working on it 😉).
However, the approach to CrossFit® is different for those who consider it a sport and those who consider it a fitness program; One thing is certain: everyone wants to become a better CrossFitter.
What I like most about this discipline is that it is immensely satisfying to see one's weights increase and to see one's physical abilities change as well.
Naturally, if one wants more, one has to train more, constantly attending classes… but guys, this isn't the only way!
Over the years, I've learned that If you want to reach your full potential and become the best CrossFitter possible, you have to start doing things outside the box.
Here are 7 things you can do out of the box to become a better CrossFitter:
Index
1. Pay attention to the diet
With this I don't mean that you have to follow one paleo diet o hyperproteic, but there are valuable lessons that can be learned from these diets, to incorporate into your daily life.
Reduce the amount of carbohydrates, sugars and bad fats (like trans fats and some saturated fats) will help boost your physical and mental health, not to mention your WOD performance.
Conversely, the lack of lean meat, good fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated), fiber and water it can hinder your progress as an athlete.
2. Sleep better
One of the most underrated points for a stress free and healthy life is a have a nice rest night.
The tensions and worries of everyday life (and CrossFit®) have an impact on the body and mind, so the recovery that a good night's sleep provides.
Un good sleep means quality sleep, which is achieved by sleeping in complete darkness (favors the release of melatonin, a hormone that controls the sleep cycle), going to bed at the right time and sleeping in a cool room (which helps to decrease body temperature and avoid an increase in heart rate).
3. Take care of your hands
We can say from personal experience that nThere is nothing as frustrating as trying to grip a bar with ruined palms from the previous day's WOD. It's uncomfortable, it hurts and it makes i pull up much more difficult.
While you can never completely avoid getting calluses or sores, there are some preventative measures you can take to significantly reduce your chances.: shave calluses, use hand care products and use calluses… that's what you need to do!
4. Work on mobility
Many of us struggle to do overhead exercises or they don't split the parallel in the squat, cursing the years of inflexibility and lack of stretching spent by young athletes in various sports.
Maybe it wasn't so important at the timeand, but now it definitely is, so make up for lost time and get on with it.
Buy one foam rollers, a lacrosse ball or resistance bands to keep muscles and joints relaxed, for optimal physical movement, in and out of the box.
5. Take up yoga
Classical yoga techniques date back more than 5.000 years and the word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root "Yu" that means "Union", that is, combines body and mind in one experience.
Something that has been around for so long has to be worth a try, as many CrossFitters are starting to do.
Indeed, there are now numerous boxes that offer yoga classes in addition to their regular schedule. And it's no wonder why.
Some of the many benefits of this meditation practice include un better balance, the ability to breathe more efficiently, an improvement in range of motion and mobility, and an increased sense of concentration.
All this could be useful during a WOD, don't you think?
6. Learn and practice new sports regularly
These are the last words of the book "Fitness in 100 Words" by Gregg Glassman, so we must pay attention and put our new physical abilities to the test.
THEacquiring skills through some sports can help you develop your skills in CrossFit® and, overall, to become a more well-rounded athlete.
Furthermore, CrossFit® shouldn't be the only physical activity you do, since after a while it might get boring. Therefore, go out and practice new sports!
Whatever it is, make sure you're practicing something that doesn't require a barbell or a burpee. If nothing else, this is a great way to engage in active recovery and may make you appreciate the uniqueness of CrossFit® even more.
7. Read
They say the knowledge is power and they are right! Maybe you're used to getting all the information and advice about CrossFit® from the trainers and veterans in your box…While this information is certainly useful, there is much more to learn away from the confines of the box.
The brain is a muscle that constantly needs to be exercised through informative, educational and brilliant articles, such as CrossFit® news, nutritional advice and training tips - in short, the CrossMAG articles are right up your alley!.
Arm yourself with as much information as possible and start implementing small innovations in your training that can make the difference!