With the Crossfit Games right around the corner, people who are unfamiliar with the methodology, culture, and community that surround this approach to fitness will simply fail to understand and fully appreciate these athletic feats. Mostly this is due to the fact that they have never tried Crossfit for themselves, joined a box, and immersed themselves with like-minded individuals. Honestly I can't blame them because I was skeptical of Crossfit before I started. However, since that first workout I have learned quite a lot. I would like to share these lessons with you. WARNING: There is sarcasm splattered in certain places.

1. My first Crossfit workout (and many since) was one of the most humbling experiences of my life.

I mean, just ask any of my teamates Annie, Fran, Grace, Isabel, Amanda, Murph, DT, et cetera and they'll tell you how far I have come/

2. Nothing feels better than accomplishing something you never thought to be physically possible.

Even just a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5RhjdQhjbc">5# snatch PR</a> can leave a smile on your face for days.

3. You can't expect a PR every day you train.

Some days you come to workout and you just don't have it in you to hit that weight you have hit dozens of times before, and it is perfectly okay.

4. Fran Lung is a real thing.

Good luck catching your breath even ten minutes after trying for a <a href="http://www.mensfitness.com/training/endurance/cros...">Fran PR</a>.

5. Cardio has a whole different meaning.

Most gym regulars think 30 mins on a treadmill is cardio, but have they ever heard of <a href="https://www.crossfit.com/workout/2005/08/18">Murph</a>?

6. Calluses are a way of life.

Get used to them. Your hands will never look the same.

7. Crossfitters speak in code.

Here's a couple hints: AMRAP = As Many Reps As Possible; EMOM = Every Minute On The Minute; Death By Thruster = Today is probably a good rest day.

8. Squats cure every maladies.

Squat heavy and often. If you do it correctly, you won't hurt your knees like some 'experts' claim.

9. Gear is EXTREMELY important.

How can you expect to PR without your lifting belt, wrist wraps, Nanos, Metcons, lifters, and spandex.

12. Sleep is your other best friend.

Your muscles recover A LOT while you sleep, which is why you need 8 hours a night.

13. Routine is the enemy...

Getting stuck in a routine leads to plateaus. Those, in turn, lead to frustration. Who wants to be frustrated? No one.

14. ...Unless you have a PR song.

Are you a little superstitious because the last two times Party in the USA came on you hit a back squat PR? That's perfectly alright as long as you stick with what works.

15. Don't worry about what other athlete's times are.

Focus on your own times and daily improvements. Everyone has different capabilities, so don't get yourself down.

16. Find yourself a swolemate.

Ideally it is someone who goes to the same class times as you and is stronger, faster, and fitter than you. This way you hold each other accountable to show up to the box, and if they're fitter, you automatically have a way to push yourself harder.

17. Thrusters suck.

Plain and simple. For the majority of the community, thrusters take the life out of you.

18. Never stop learning.

This may not be specific to Crossfit because it pertains to you're whole life, but read articles, journals, blogs, and books on Olympic lifts or mobility. Listen to those more experienced than new on new ways to warm up or prime your CNS for a heavy lifting day. Watch the way that the elite athletes train. Absorb as much knowledge as you can. It will do nothing but help.