There are so many sporting disciplines available in San Pedro it is hard to know where to start either when just moving to the area, or looking to shape up after a time away from the lycra. When looking around to get myself into shape, a friend recommended CrossFit. Immediately discounting it as too hard for me, a beginner, I went for a trial anyway… Nine months later I find I am well on the way to CrossFit addiction!
CrossFit is a sport created in the USA with the aim of achieving improved functional movement. Essentially, this means being faster, stronger and healthier. As a side effect of the effort expended, weight is lost and with hard work, wobbly bits are toned. As stated by the CrossFit founder on their website, “The aim of CrossFit is to forge a broad, general and inclusive fitness supported by measurable, observable and repeatable results.” This is achieved through a wide range of movements – weight lifting, gymnastics, running, rowing, and much more, so varied that no work-out is ever the same.
This constant variation means that routines are always fresh, with new skills being continuously added and honed. (As long as there are no burpees in the routine, for me it’s a good one.)
Where CrossFit succeeds for many is in the camaraderie created within the group. Everyone sweats through the same routine, but it is scaled for ability – your neighbour may be lifting over 150kgs, yours truly certainly won’t (yet!!), but I can do the same movement, albeit with a lower weight.
Richard Ashton, the CrossFit Marbella owner, is warm in his inclusiveness and makes everyone welcome. It was Natalie Guyan, the ladies coach, who hooked me in. In wonderful shape herself, with an interesting story to her own fitness journey, Natalie’s belief in all her charges – who cross all age ranges – and enthusiastic encouragement makes us push ourselves to do our very best. Following from her example, her ladies-only groups are mutually supportive and quite inspirational.
In keeping with the philosophy of inclusivity, children’s classes were recently introduced, with the smallest members of the family working their way through their own WOD – ‘Workout of the Day’ in CrossFit parlance – building strength, stamina and a love of sport from an early age.
CrossFit emphasises interior strength, and in so doing, can be life-changing. Healthy habits are cultivated – diet and nutritional advice is also on hand – and a real desire to continually improve is cultured with the enthusiastic support of great coaches. A free trial is offered if you want to see what all the fuss is about, but take care – you may end up a CrossFit addict too!
(+34) 637 151 460
Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara
C/Conjunto San Pedro del Mar
Nave 10, 29670, Marbella, Malaga
info@crossfitmarbella.es
RW