When I first walked through the doors of a CrossFit gym, I had no idea how much it would change my life. I was nervous, a little intimidated, and honestly—unsure if I would even survive the warm-up.
Now, looking back, I realize there were a few things I really wish someone had told me before I started. If you’re thinking about trying CrossFit (or you’re still new to it), here are 5 things I wish I knew — and that might just make your journey even better:
1. You Don’t Have to Be “In Shape” to Start
One of the biggest myths is that you need to get fit before you start CrossFit.
It’s not true.
CrossFit is how you get strong, fit, and capable—no matter where you’re starting from.
Every workout can be scaled to meet you exactly where you are. Whether it’s modifying the weight, adjusting the movement, or pacing differently, the goal is progress, not perfection.
At Outsiders CrossFit, we believe Fitness for Life means your starting point does not define your future. I remember my first experience walking into a CrossFit gym. The workout was Karen—150 wall balls for time. I walked in with a big ego, thinking I could do every workout as written. No one directed me otherwise. Honestly, I didn’t even know what “RX” meant until much later in my CrossFit journey.
After doing that workout, I couldn’t walk down the steps for about a week—and I never went back. Unfortunately, this is how many people feel about CrossFit when they start, and it’s why some stay intimidated. Good coaching and a welcoming community—people who have been there—make all the difference.
Lesson learned: Leave your ego at the door.
Bottom line: Come as you are. We’ll meet you there.
2. Everyone Is Focused on Their Own Journey (Not Judging Yours)
When I started, I thought everyone would be staring at me, judging my every squat or deadlift.
The reality?
Everyone is too busy trying to survive their own workout to worry about yours.
The CrossFit community is one of the most encouraging environments you’ll ever find.
People cheer the loudest for the last person finishing. They celebrate effort, not ego.
At Outsiders, we unite around shared struggle, shared victories, and mutual respect.
You’ll push a little harder just because of the people you’re surrounded by — and that’s one of the beautiful things about CrossFit.
It’s not about unhealthy competition. It’s about striving toward the best version of yourself — one day and one workout at a time.
Lesson learned: You’re never alone—and you’re more supported than you realize.
3. Scaling Isn’t “Less Than”—It’s Smart Training
At first, I thought scaling a workout (modifying it) meant I was somehow weaker.
Wrong again.
Scaling is about training smart — not training with ego.
CrossFit’s methodology is built on mechanics first, consistency second, and intensity third.
Scaling keeps you moving safely, building capacity over time, and learning how to listen to your body.
The best athletes in the world scale when they need to.
It’s not about doing the workout RX — it’s about doing it right.
The goal of a workout is always to meet the stimulus — the intended challenge or feeling of the workout.
For example:
On a classic heavy day, the goal is for the load to feel heavy, relative to your abilities. You should leave feeling muscular fatigue, a little soreness, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
Same goes for a workout with a prescribed weight: If I lift 135 lbs and Billy Bob lifts 115 lbs, but we both finish around the same time or hit similar reps, we both did the workout correctly.
We both hit the stimulus.
Now, if Billy Bob had tried 135 lbs and finished in double the time or only did half the reps? Then he would have missed the stimulus—and done a different workout entirely.
Coaches are there to help guide these decisions.
CrossFit is infinitely scalable—and that’s part of its beauty.
Truth: Scaling isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a strategy for success.
4. Your Mind Will Change Before Your Body Does
Everyone wants quick results. (Trust me, I did too.)
And while CrossFit will absolutely transform your body — the first transformation happens in your mind.
You’ll build mental toughness, resilience, and belief in yourself long before you hit your first pull-up or your first big lift.
That shift in mindset is what makes all the physical change possible.
At Outsiders, we say “Fitness for Life” — and part of that is cultivating a strong, resilient mind that shows up not just in the gym, but in every part of your life.
Remember: Physical gains are great. Mental gains are everything.
5. It’s Supposed to Be Hard—And That’s the Point
There will be days you feel sore, frustrated, or totally humbled by a workout.
There will be movements that take months (or years) to master.
There will be workouts that leave you gasping on the floor.
And that’s okay.
In fact, that’s good.
CrossFit teaches you to lean into the hard things — to find growth inside the discomfort.
Every rep, every round, every grindy workout is building something inside you that’s bigger than muscles: perseverance, grit, and pride.
Real talk: It’s supposed to be hard. That’s where the magic happens.
Final Thoughts
If you’re standing on the edge, wondering if CrossFit is right for you — jump.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to be ready.
You just have to be willing.
At Outsiders CrossFit, we exist to empower you, unite you with a community, and help you stay committed to your goals — for life.
Fitness is the vehicle.
But the transformation?
That’s what lasts forever.
Your future self is waiting for you.
Let’s get after it. 💪
