There are many contributing factors to the growth of CrossFit as a method of health and fitness. And with over 12 000 CrossFit affiliates worldwide, the factors vary at each facility. To name just a few, there are the ever changing workouts, amazing results, the lifelong sustainability of the program, and the cool exercises you wouldn’t be able to do anywhere else. But there is one thing undeniably common in the global affiliate community. Support.
Some refer to it as the “community aspect,” whereas others call it “camaraderie.” The support you get in a CrossFit gym refers to the people there who become your support system. That support system is ultimately what keeps people coming back to train.
We’re spending more and more time evaluating the reasons people have for joining us and what it is that keeps them coming back month on month, year on year. Those factors I mentioned above are always answers to the “what encouraged you to join us?” question. But when you sit down with people to find out what it is that keeps them coming back, the answers overwhelmingly have to do with the support systems developed amongst other members.
Everyone has the opportunity to have a strong support system from people in our gyms, small or big. Similarly, anyone can choose not to have those people supporting them. However, getting to know even just one or two other people who train at similar times to you can go along way to helping you reach your goals. I’m not saying you have to become best friends and spend all your free time outside of the gym together too! Simply keeping each other updated on which days and times you’ll be training can be enough support to keep your attendance up. While everyone has different support needs, though, there are some traits to look out for when developing a support structure.
- Surround yourself with people who respect your goals
Everyone in your support system need not have the same goals. What’s important is that there is a mutual respect for everyone’s goals.
- Have people who are straight up
The sort who will call you lazy if you’re being lazy. People who mean it when they tell you that you’re capable of more. One’s who don’t say “ah, better luck next time” when in fact you were just being a panzy.
- Find people who celebrate the smallest of successes
You just need consistent 1% gains in order to progress. For some, small improvements are insignificant – they want it all. Progress is important, but small and steady progress is more important. So have people who are genuinely happy for you regardless of the size of your achievement.
Fortunately for you, the gyms are full of like minded people who need support themselves and are keen to support others too. So reach out, get to know surnames and phone numbers, and keep each other accountable.
Don’t, however, expect that simply having a support system will get you where you want to be. You’ve got to do the work. You’ve got to contribute to the support structure. And if you don’t, don’t complain.
