How a coach can help you with your fitness and nutrition goals?
CrossFit classes can seem intimidating, but after making the leap and finally joining a gym, we can all see the benefits provided by group fitness classes. One of these benefits is having a knowledgeable coach there to provide insight on movements, guide a class through a workout, and provide appropriate scaling options for the athletes who need it.
The Role of a Coach
A coach helps run a group class in a timely and efficient manner while providing technical feedback and encouragement to athletes. Personally, I appreciate this benefit on the days when I come to the gym feeling particularly unmotivated. On those days, it is difficult to even start a workout on my own.
That is when a coach can really help. In a group class setting, a coach guides athletes through a purposeful and efficient pre-constructed warm-up and workout, allowing athletes to dial in proper technique while also getting in a good workout.
In a CrossFit class, the coach will break down movements in the workout while also keeping the class on a timeline. Athletes do not need to worry about when they are starting their workout and how long it will take. They can also receive help with their form on certain movements and get the most out of their hour in the gym.
Accountability & Support
A CrossFit coach also offers accountability and support in an athlete’s fitness journey. I know that if a coach is watching me, I am far more likely to put my all into a workout. I’ll focus on each part of a lift, and I’ll push myself harder in conditioning. This allows me to get more out of a single hour of fitness.
However, a coach can help us with more than just the actual workout. Many coaches have likely experienced the many highs and lows of Crossfit. They know what it is like to be a beginner. Allowing yourself to listen to a coach and take classes can allow you to stay on track with your journey while receiving the support you need, learning new movements, and being introduced to a new style of workout.
Scaling and Modifying
Everyone at the gym is at a different point in their fitness journey, so many workouts will need to be modified for athletes.
A coach will discuss different options for properly scaling a workout. You may see a workout stimulus on the board; our goal is to keep the workout within this range. This allows the body to be challenged in different ways throughout the week, allowing a full range of fitness.
It is often difficult to decide how to best modify a workout. Again, this is where having a coach is useful. They will give you ideas of how to make the workout fit your specific needs while still working out with the class.
Personal Training
There may be times when you are looking for more personalized workout with a coach. Personal training is an excellent option here. By not having a large class to cater to, a coach is able to give a client more time to dive into something they want to get better at.
Personal training also give a coach time to better learn an athlete, and with that, they can give insight on how to approach a workout plan and how to build on certain mechanics. Personal training can be done in addition to group classes, or it can be done on its own as a way to ease into the world of CrossFit.
Nutrition Training
It is no secret that nutrition plays just as an essential role in our health as working out does. And this seems to be the aspect that people struggle with the most.
If you are unsure how to proceed in your nutrition journey, you may consider looking into nutrition coaching. A coach will talk with you about your unique health and fitness goals and guide you on how to best reach those goals. After all, our workouts are just one part of the process. With the help of knowledgeable coaches, you can expand your own horizons in your fitness journey to find the healthiest version of yourself you can.
