Many people think they need to get fitter or stronger before starting CrossFit. It is the other way around: you start to become fitter. At CrossFit Gorinchem we begin with coaching, adjustments and a level that fits you.
Step 1: get acquainted
A short intake helps us understand your goals, experience and available training days, so we do not have to guess what start suits you best.
You can also request a free trial week and experience the training, coaching and atmosphere before deciding.
Step 2: learn the basics
CrossFit uses functional movements such as squats, deadlifts, presses, pulling, carrying, running and rowing. You do not need to know them beforehand; the coach teaches and adjusts them.
CrossFit emphasizes that every workout can be scaled. The challenge remains while load, volume or movement changes to preserve the intended stimulus.
Don't just read about it. Come and do it.
During your free trial week you train under guidance and we adapt every workout to your level.
Step 3: build progress gradually
In your first phase, recognizing and performing movements well matters more than posting an impressive score. As mechanics and consistency improve, intensity can increase.
That is what makes CrossFit suitable for beginners and advanced athletes: the same workout can have different versions without losing its intent.
Who coaches you
This beginner guide comes from the practice of coach Dirk Jan. He is a former military service member: he was active at the Dutch Ministry of Defence from 2002, and from 2012 he also became a bootcamp coach and instructor at Bootcamp Gorinchem. Since 2016 he has also trained and coached CrossFit.
That background in military-style training means one thing above all for your start: structured progression. Get the basics right first, then increase pace and load — exactly the approach you see reflected in the three steps above.
Ready to start yourself?
You do not need to be fit to start. During your free trial week we adapt every class to your level and teach you the basics step by step.
Sources & further reading
This page was independently written and summarized by CrossFit Gorinchem based on our coaching practice and public information from CrossFit.com. Source articles were not copied verbatim.