Occasionally I hear from friends or patients that started doing CrossFit then quit because they were so sore they could not continue. I found this out for myself when I first started earlier this year. The muscle soreness was beyond anything I had ever experienced in a workout. Any time one engages in a new workout or exercise regime muscle soreness is a common theme due to lack of conditioning especially if one has not exercised in years. CrossFit is no different. However, muscle soreness is amplified with CrossFit due to the variety of exercises as well as the level of intensity that CrossFit commands.
Most CrossFit facilities recommend that you have at least four one on one sessions with the instructor before they feel you are ready to workout in the group settings. From personal experience as well as patient response, I found that future compliance and morale was much improved if they waited four days before their next individual session. Basically, give yourself a whole month to get the first four initial sessions out of the way. Then by that time your initial muscle soreness will be gone.
However, I must point out that as you continue with CrossFit, muscle soreness will continue to be a factor but, in a good way. The CrossFit muscle burn lets you know you are pushing your body in a positive, healthy, kick butt direction.
Enjoy
Dr. Corey
