CrossFit Plan: Committing to a CrossFit Workout Plan

Developing a CrossFit workout plan is one of the best ways to remain accountable, on track and in shape. Over time, it can be easy to slip into phases where you’re not getting to the gym as often – but every time you get off track it makes getting started again a bit harder. That is why we recommend building a CrossFit plan that keeps you feeling great and feeling motivated to keep up the hard work.

What is a CrossFit Workout Plan?

A CrossFit plan is your personal wellness blueprint. What are your fitness goals? How are you going to stick to them? And what do I want to hold myself accountable for when it comes to my workouts? Things on this list could be the number of days you want to be at the gym every week, a particular movement you want to master, or a body weight/body fat percentage that you are working toward. Having your goals set out gives you a clear understanding of what you are trying to accomplish moving forward. Developing a clear CrossFit workout plan is great for those who are more “type A”, and also those who struggle with sticking with their goals. Ultimately, it removes the vagueness of just buying a gym membership and hoping that you will go.

“Being successful requires traveling down a difficult road, one where hard work is required at every turn. Self-discipline is what’s needed to get you to the finish line at the end of that road.” ― Nick Shaw, CrossFit Games Coach and Author

What to Specify in Your CrossFit Plan

There are somethings you will want to figure out when developing your CrossFit plan. Some people find it beneficial to write down and display the answers to these questions, so when they are feeling unmotivated, they can remember their plan and get back on track.

• How many times per week will I go?
• What do I want to accomplish when I arrive?
• How am I going to remain motivated when I don’t feel like working out?
• What am I going to do outside of the gym to support my health?
• Why am I doing this is the first place?

What’s My Workout Frequency?

How many times per week will I go to the gym? This seems like a simple question, but it is extremely important to figure out at the beginning of your CrossFit journey. There will always be emergencies or scheduling changes that impact things – but ultimately you need to have an idea of how many times a week you want to get to the gym. Knowing this allows you to remain accountable when things get busy.

“My advice is very simple: If you want something, work your ass off for it.” –  Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, 2014 CrossFit Games Champion.

What Do I Want to Accomplish When I Arrive

What do I want to accomplish there? Having specific goals surrounding your fitness is another step in building a CrossFit workout plan. Deciding which exercises you want to master, what weights you want to lift, or even what body parts you want to tone can add another layer of motivation while you are going about your day. Then, when you don’t feel like getting off the couch, you can remember why you are doing this in the first place.

How am I Going to Remain Motivated?

We live in a chronically busy, and a chronically unhealthy culture. When things get hectic or difficult, it can be easy to slide into those norms and let personal health fall to the wayside. Developing a CrossFit plan for overcoming these inevitable temptations is an important step in actually committing to your personal wellness. Going to the gym should not be a phase — it should be a commitment to always prioritizing your health.

“I have some guys who are stronger than me, so I try to keep up with them on the strength stuff, and I got some guys who are faster than me, so I try to keep up with them.” – Rich Froning, four-time CrossFit Games champion

What Else am I Going to Do?

What else will I do to stay physically and mentally well? Your personal health journey does not end when you leave the gym. Developing other healthy habits throughout the day are also super important. For instance, eating a health balanced diet is the best way to feel great when you are working out. Beyond that, small habits like using proper posture throughout the day, staying hydrated, and even spending time with friends and family will benefit your overall health and wellness.

Finding Your CrossFit Plan

Beyond building short term CrossFit plans and goals, it also helps to zoom out with some long-term motivations. For example, keeping your body healthy so you can get around better as you age, or maintaining your heart health in the long-term. Working out transforms your body and makes a massive difference on your life overall. It is important to look at those long-term benefits to remain invested in the practice.

Never Regretting a Workout

Ultimately, it’s rare that anyone regrets going to a workout once it is over. Having a CrossFit workout plan is a tool to stay on track, but many people find themselves actually looking forward to getting to the gym and sweating out their day. Once a circuit is over, you know that you have completed something difficult and worthwhile. The post-workout high is real – and once you become a CrossFitter, you can experience it regularly. Coming out of a difficult CrossFit class is a fantastic feeling of accomplishment that is enough motivation to keep people coming back regularly.

Remaining Accountable

The best part about being a part of a CrossFit gym is that your coach and the people around you are all there to help hold you accountable. Being a member of the CrossFit community means that you help motivate each other to continue working toward meaningful goals and keep taking steps toward a healthy life and body. Once you arrive to the gym, your coach is there to provide the tools you need to get the best possible workout, and make the most out of the time you spend there.

“Typically the world’s best athletes are minimalists when it comes to their training. They work hard and fast with few exercises. They master the fundamentals and work with them for years. This is the secret that no one wants to hear.” – Greg Glassman, Founder of CrossFit

Seeing the Results of Your CrossFit Workout Plan

The best part about creating a solid plan for your wellness is reaping the rewards of your hard work and dedication. Sticking with CrossFit workouts means that you can stay in amazing shape, have more energy, and always feel like you’re accomplishing something. Holding yourself accountable and finding the tools that keep you on track is the best way to continue looking and feeling great. The first step is to take the leap and make a commitment to prioritizing your health and fitness.

Ready to get started on your CrossFit fitness journey? Contact DTC CrossFit to begin building your plan.