CrossFit Dillworth #SweatDate

As a newbie to CrossFit, I have had some serious preconceived notions as to what “CrossFit” is and what it takes to be a CrossFitter. I had, until recently, only been exposed to CrossFit through what I see on TV with absolutely shredded people doing insanely athletic feats at the CrossFit Games. Without taking an ounce of credit away from their talents (because these guys compete in the CrossFit Games), CrossFit Dilworth wiped away the idea that CrossFit is exclusive to super fit people who can climb a rope and made me believe that this is actually a workout I could get down with - consistently.

I don’t know any better way to say this than “vibe matters”. If you’ve been to gyms or studios before, you know what I am talking about. You can get a feel for what your experience is going to be almost before you start the workout. After I finally managed to find the door to the studio (It’s downstairs), I knew I was going to enjoy this. Yeah yeah, I know, I pretty much always enjoy a good workout - but here - I felt like I was working out with my friends even though this was my first time meeting the owners/instructors Gracie and Brandon. It's not like they weren’t intimidating because they were not fit, they both could surely do multiple pull-ups with me hanging off their legs, they were just real, friendly and inviting. This was something I didn’t expect from a CrossFit studio and it was extremely welcomed.

If you have never done CrossFit or Olympic lifting before, CrossFit Dilworth offers a FREE introductory class twice per week so you can make sure you love it. During the intro workout, they will explain the CrossFit methodology, class and programming structure, and guide you through a short workout using body weight movements that anyone can perform regardless of athletic background. Intro workouts are on Saturday mornings at 10:00 AM or Wednesday evenings at 5:30pm. The instructors are very careful in making sure you not only know, but are confident with the workout moves and modifications to be safe and effective. Once you complete / graduate past the fundamentals, then you are quickly on your way to being one of those guys or girls who I see on TV.

CrossFit Dilworth is not only there to make sure you get the most muscle fatigue, but it was obvious that they are going to do it at the right pace for you. Today’s class was in the middle of the day so it was smaller than average with around 8 people total. Even with the eight of us, there was still a significant skill and fitness gap from me to some of the others in the same class. I still struggle jumping rope while others in the class make “double-unders” look boring. Before class began, Brandon discussed our experience and comfort levels with specific movements. After giving the workout set to everyone in the class everyone began the circuit. Brandon worked with me and a couple others to fully understand the motions of each stage of the circuit. If you can’t do a pullup, or can't do “toes-to-bar” that's OK. Brandon showed all of the modifications necessary to crush the workout for our individual levels. It was extremely nice to have an extra bit of coaching without feeling like I was being babysat.

(Watch the video below to see today's workout)

By the end of the workout you will be tired. If you aren’t challenged and tired but feeling accomplished, well, you did something wrong because this workout scales to you. You add the weight / modifications to make sure you are getting the full burn.

If you are in the Dilworth area and are looking for a new way to increase your strength through functional movements, this could be the place for you. They are rightfully proud of being much more than just a good workout. CrossFit Dilworth is a diverse community of people from every walk of life; moms and dads, doctors and lawyers, high-schoolers and retirees, and elite athletes as well as former couch potatoes. The environment is key and their members and patrons experience those benefits by showing up. As a newbie to CrossFit, I am eager to go back to continue to learn, grow, and get stronger.

Check out their extremely informative website HERE

Contact Them

911 E. Morehead St. Charlotte, NC 28204

Phone: 704-575-4388

Email: gracie@crossfit-dilworth.com