Good, well-rounded programming in CrossFit is structured to ensure there’s time to drill specific skill sets, improve strength, and develop a solid engine. It should be a balance of the stuff we want to do and the stuff we need to do for a happier, healthier life, with a level of adaptability so anyone can take part.
“Intensity” is relevant to one’s physical and psychological tolerance
CrossFit Training & Education recently shared a post about tailoring workouts to suit different levels of physical tolerance. Known as “adapting” or “scaling”, it means there is a version of the workout for everyone know matter their experience – reducing the weight on the barbell, dumbbells instead of handstand push ups, plate jumps in place of box jumps.
It’s easy to know to sub-in a progression when someone is still working to get the Rx movement, but psychological tolerance is less black-and-white.
Not every day in the gym should be 100%, and nor can it be. Some days it’s just about moving around and working around a sore body, a tough day at the office, or an intense day with the family. That doesn’t make the session any less important. It makes it relative.
Adapting is not scaling, and scaling does not minimise the benefit
Reducing the load or volume, or modifying or subbing a movement doesn’t make a workout ineffective.
Arguably, it makes the workout more effective because it’s allowing the body to take from the session exactly what it needs for that exact day.
Showing up for yourself, no matter your physical or psychological tolerance, and doing whatever the body and brain will allow, is more than enough.