Whether you are new to the box or have been training Cross Training for some time, you need to know that there are a few rules that you must follow to have the best possible coexistence with both your coaches and the other athletes.
I always say that Cross Training is a world apart, with its own vocabulary, its own ways of behaving, and therefore its own rules that are not always written down but that will undoubtedly make your life easier and make you love this sport even more.
1. Be punctual
By this I don't mean that you run in with 20 seconds left, throw your backpack in the corner, and arrive panting just before the trainer starts explaining the WOD on the board.
Arriving on time means arriving with enough time to set up your gear, change your shoes, and at least be able to say hello to some of your classmates before starting.
It's not just about not eating the burpees that you might get as punishment, but out of mere politeness.
2. Saying hello never goes out of style
The least you can do is greet your classmates and coach, but pay special attention when someone new arrives to the class. As we said at the beginning, Cross Training can be a new world, and rookies or novices can feel a bit lost, especially at the beginning. A few words of welcome, introducing yourself, or pointing out where the equipment is can make people feel more included in the group from the first minute, and you can achieve this with just a few seconds of your time.
3. You have two ears and one mouth because listening is twice as important as speaking
In boxing, the trainer has authority and therefore you must respect him. This does not mean that you have to be on military parade, but out of respect for yourself, your trainer and your teammates, let him finish explaining the exercises before asking any questions (or making a joke with a teammate). Humor never hurts, but remember that your teammates are here to train, not to watch a monologue.
4. You are all athletes but none of you are the same as the person next to you
The movement that you are most proficient in may be the one that a classmate finds most difficult, so when someone is explaining something to them, try to respect it, just as if you see them with a much lighter weight. Remember that you are not the trainer. If you think that a classmate is doing something wrong for their health or for the functioning of the class, let your trainer know. They will know how to act so that the class continues to develop and can correct a range of movement or the use of certain material.
5. The wod only ends when the last of your teammates finishes
We all end up in training wanting to go for the water, throw ourselves on the floor and try to catch our breath. But believe me, it is much more fulfilling than any drink or breath of air to encourage a teammate and see how they push through the last reps because you are by their side. And of course, once you all finish, give each of them a high five, it is a way of recognizing the work done.
6. Take care of the material
The equipment in the box is usually very hard and resistant, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be given a minimum of care. Avoid leaving the bar without weights or with weights of 5 or 10 kilos. Don't hoard equipment around you; as soon as you no longer need it, hang it back up in its place. This will make the whole environment much safer for you and your teammates. And of course, if you get equipment stained with magnesium or even blood or sweat, don't forget to clean it well.
7. Count your reps
If during the WOD you are able to count your reps, control the time, vary your strategy and also count the networks of your teammates, then you are not doing it right. The first thing is that you must be your own judge, what your teammates do with their performance is their business, and the energy you spend on that is not being dedicated to the WOD.
8. Be tidy
Whether during the warm-up, the WOD or if you are in an open box, use just the necessary material and do so in an orderly manner. This will help you avoid tripping or, for example, a bar rolling off your feet!
9. All times deserve to be on the board
Whether you finished the WOD first or had to be encouraged by all your classmates, if you gave it your all, your name deserves to be on the board. Don't compare yourself to others, compare yourself to the time you will do tomorrow.
10. Be patient
Cross Training has dozens of movements, both gymnastic and Olympic, it is impossible to do them all well and even more impossible to do them well in your first year or in your first few years. Go little by little and always prioritizing technique over weight.
Extra rule! Remember why you are here
Unless your life and your finances depend on your performance in Cross Training, you come to the box to train to get in better shape, to disconnect from the daily grind, or simply to have a good time. Remember this especially on days when things aren't going as well as you'd like.
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