When you look at the workout of the day (WOD) and it’s something you’re not excited about—maybe it’s heavy barbell work when you prefer gymnastics or a long endurance piece when you love quick, intense bursts—it can be tempting to skip class. But, no matter the workout, consistently showing up is one of the most important factors in achieving your fitness goals. Here’s why showing up matters, and how to get the most out of class when the workout isn’t your favorite.
The Importance of Consistency in Fitness
The key to improvement in any fitness routine is consistency. Whether you’re working on strength, endurance, flexibility, or skill, the more frequently you engage with a variety of movements, the better you will become overall. Fitness is about well-roundedness, and CrossFit in particular is designed to develop this by testing you with varied workouts that target different areas of fitness.
Skipping classes because the workout isn’t your favorite can lead to gaps in your training. These gaps not only limit your progress but may create weaknesses over time. For example, avoiding cardio because you prefer lifting may lead to endurance issues that will eventually hold you back, even in your preferred lifts. On the flip side, avoiding heavy lifts might prevent you from building the strength you need to excel in gymnastics movements.
Consistency builds resilience, not only physically but mentally. Showing up, especially when you’re not excited about the workout, strengthens your discipline and commitment to your goals. Every time you push through a workout you’re not thrilled about, you build mental toughness. That toughness will serve you, not just in the gym, but in other aspects of life.
How to Get the Most Out of Class (Even When You’re Not Excited)
Sometimes, you just don’t feel like working out. Maybe you’re tired, or maybe the WOD is full of movements you don’t enjoy. Here’s how to approach those days to ensure you still get something valuable out of class.
1. Change Your Mindset
Instead of focusing on how much you dislike the workout, approach it as an opportunity. Each WOD is designed with a purpose, and that purpose is to make you fitter. Think about how the elements of the workout—whether it’s cardio, weightlifting, or bodyweight movements—will benefit you in the long run. Remember that discomfort leads to growth. The workouts you dread are often the ones you need the most. Here is another great article to get out of the Monday Blues!
2. Focus on Skill Development
If you’re not looking forward to the workout, shift your mindset to skill development. Use the class as a time to fine-tune your form, practice a new movement, or challenge yourself with a different progression. For instance, if a workout calls for deadlifts and they’re not your favorite, spend time focusing on your technique—bracing your core, maintaining a strong back, and improving your grip strength.
CrossFit isn’t just about going all-out all the time. There’s immense value in slowing down and focusing on quality over speed or load. Use the class as a chance to build a better foundation in movements you might otherwise rush through.
3. Set Small, Achievable Goals
When the WOD feels daunting, set small, manageable goals for yourself. These goals don’t have to be tied to the overall workout outcome. For example, maybe you focus on hitting a certain number of unbroken reps or maintaining a steady pace without resting too long between sets.
Small goals keep you focused and help break down the workout into more manageable parts, which can boost your confidence and help you get through it.
4. Lean on the Community
One of the best aspects of CrossFit is the community. When you’re not feeling motivated, your fellow athletes and coaches can lift your spirits and push you to do your best. Cheering on others or offering encouragement to your classmates is an easy way to stay engaged, even if you’re not feeling pumped about the WOD. Remember, fitness is not just about you; it’s about supporting others as well. By showing up, you contribute to the positive energy and camaraderie of the gym.
5. Use the Workout as Active Recovery
If you’re feeling physically or mentally tired, but still show up, treat the workout as an active recovery session. You don’t always have to go full throttle. Instead, reduce the intensity slightly, but stay focused on moving well. By keeping your body moving, you still benefit from circulation, mobility, and staying in a routine.
6. Think About Your Long-Term Goals
Every workout you complete, whether it’s your favorite or not, is a stepping stone toward your long-term goals. When you’re tempted to skip a class, remind yourself why you started in the first place. Whether you’re aiming for weight loss, muscle gain, better health, or competition, showing up consistently is the only way to achieve those goals. No single workout will make or break your progress, but skipping workouts regularly because they don’t excite you will stall your improvement. Unsure of what your goals are? Here is a video on how to book a goal session with a coach today!
The Power of Showing Up
At the end of the day, the biggest hurdle in fitness is often just getting yourself to the gym. Showing up is half the battle, and once you’re there, you’ll likely find that the workout isn’t as bad as you imagined. Each WOD is an opportunity to push yourself in new ways, even if it’s not your ideal format.
By changing your mindset, focusing on small wins, and leaning on the community, you can get the most out of every class—whether it’s one you’ve been dreading or one you’ve been looking forward to. The path to progress is through showing up, day in and day out, no matter what’s on the whiteboard.
Remember, fitness is a journey that requires dedication and discipline. The results come from the consistency of your efforts, not just in the workouts you love, but in the ones you’re hesitant about too. So, next time you’re tempted to skip class, remind yourself of your goals and show up anyway—you’ll thank yourself later!