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Can you remember the first few people, aside from your coaches, who spoke to you during your first couple of CrossFit classes? How did it make you feel? Welcomed and excited, hopefully!

Athlete Erin M. states “Everyone is there to make themselves better. Everyone is there giving their 110%. Everyone knows that they are good at some things, and struggle at others… Everyone is humble and helpful. I love that fact that there are smiles and jokes while everyone sets up, and tips and fears are being shared… But when the clock beeps 3…2…1… everyone is focused on the workout.” Similarly, athlete Lauren adds, “Everyone was always friendly and encouraging, I have never once felt like I don’t belong there working out. Even though I have never considered myself an athlete of any kind! I’ve never been involved in team sports and I usually don’t stick to a workout plan for more than a month or two. The results are definitely addictive!!!” It’s not by coincidence that newer members to the box have felt this way!

How else can we continue to welcome newer athletes to our box and make them feel like they are welcome at CrossFit Des Plaines? Here are some other ideas:

1. Get to know a new member during warm ups. You may be close to several athletes that attend your regular class, but there’s always someone new you can meet. Step out of your comfort zone and get to know one each month.
2. Be sure to respect shared spaces and clean up after yourself. While we would all love our own personal gym, we do have to be mindful of the space we all share. If you used certain equipment, place it back where it belongs. This also goes for your own belongings and the spaces outside of the workout area; keep it neat. The small things matter!
3. Invite someone close to you to try it out. There’s never a time that anyone will be “ready” for their first CrossFit class. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to try it out. Yes, even those significant others or best friends who have been turning CrossFit away for years often eventually change their minds!
4. Ask your coach questions. Whether you have been doing CrossFit for three years or three weeks, you can always ask your coach questions. This might be a question that someone else might also have, and it can open the door for others to feel comfortable also asking questions. We all want you to progress!
5. Set a goal and work towards it. Your goal can be as simple as going to class four days a week. Your goal can be as intricate as achieving a sub-9 minute mile. When you set goals, create a plan to accomplish them, and finally achieve them, you have suddenly become a celebration for all! It makes you feel good, your coaches feel good, and all the people who you surround yourself each day with feel good. So what’s your goal?

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