The 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started at Equity

Starting something new is hard and looking back when starting something new you always wish you knew a few things before hand.

We asked a handful of our current members to share five things he wish they knew before starting at Equity. We loved hearing what they had to share and it has helped us work towards better. We don't strive for perfect, we try for better everyday.

--- Mandy Myers
1) Only going now and then doesn't really get you much other than frustration and soreness (at least in my case).
2) That Equity is a small, close-knit community of athletes who support EVERYONE there. Not really comparable to the fitness classes I took in college, or even going to a typical local gym.
3) You're not just paying to take classes, you're paying for access to the wealth of knowledge and advice the coaches are ready to share to help you. This was especially obvious over quarantine.
4) The workouts somehow simultaneously gets easier, but never gets easy, so it seems sustainable as a long-term way to challenge yourself. Even the best athletes still seem exhausted every day.
5) Don't be afraid to tell your coach about any pain or injury during the workout. There are more modifications available than just the ones listed on the daily workout.

--- Joseph Carey
1. That you existed. If James hadn't told me about Equity, I don't know that I would have been aware of your existence. If I had known, I might have joined much earlier. ESPECIALLY since years ago I said to myself "self, I think I've gone as far as I can go alone...I need some sort of coaching or personal training." 
2. The amount of differentiation you do. Not just the levels, but the individualized attention - even in class I see coaches make adjustments on the fly for people. Walk in and say your ankle isn't feeling well and they'll come up with a new move to accommodate you.
3. That you will teach us. Not that I thought I'd be on my own to know everything...but seeing people do free weight things is quite intimidating and the amount of time making sure we actually know what we're doing and are safe is not something I just assumed would happen. Especially when I (most people?) was used to a planet fitness type thing where all the stuff is there, but you're 100% on your own to know what to do.
4. That you prescribe to a growth mindset. The fact that everyone is very much on their own path and everyone is accepted where they are. I always imagined crossfit as something for very fit people just trying to get even more fit. If James hadn't encouraged me to go and I just stumbled across social media pics, I don't know if I would have gone. Being very self conscious about my fitness levels and seeing large weights is very intimidating.
5. How positive and accepting all the members are of each other. Crossfit has a competition feel to it. Even the fact that we use the whiteboard can feel like a competition. It's hard to not feel that way. But I think most people don't really seem to care about that - at least I don't feel judged being at the bottom of the white board most days (at least by other people...by myself? Definitely.)

--- Nicole Merrick
1- Everyone is really friendly.
2- There are beginner levels for all the workouts.
3- Even though I was already working out regularly, I feel stronger doing the workouts at Equity.
4- Even the workouts that sound impossible are within my capability.
5- No need to visit the sauna (not that I ever did )
 

--- Gary Simpers
1. Acronyms. EMOM (every minute on the minute), AMRAP (as many rounds/reps as possible, TNG (touch and go), unbroken (set done without stopping). Those kind of things. Know what the acronyms stand for as well as what they mean.

2. Learn to stay in your lane. Meaning don't focus on what another member is doing. Focus on you. Better yourself. Don't compare your journey to that of others. It can be frustrating at times not seeing progress, but trust the process and stay in your lane. For example seeing girls lifting much more than you and then finding out later they are pregnant to boot. Stay in your lane!

3. You are going to be sore. Most likely very sore. IT IS OK. GO BACK! When I first started I used to hurt so bad I wouldn't go back for several days. Being consistent and showing back helps loosen those sore muscles and helps you progress. You will hurt, it is okay.

4. Don't take yourself too serious. It is just lifting weights and listening to music. Chances are you are not going to be the next Games athlete, so enjoy the time. Make fun of yourself, cheer on others, practice a new skill (I highly recommend squat snatches for all new members :))make fun of Berek, make plans to do other fun things with members. Make it the best hour of your day.

5. Berek is distractedly handsome. (Gary only gave 4 things so I added this one for him).

Taking the first step into something new is the hardest step but it is also the most important.
Let's get started and start working toward your goals.
First Step -> Schedule a No Sweat Intro with myself at your convenience.

Hey current members! What are your 5 things?
Let me know. berek.bryan@equity.fitness

Cheers,
Berek