One of the most extreme types of CFers, similar to the Enigma but even more radical. You want to honor the fallen but aren’t an every-day CFer type. You show up the first day of HW, and then every day after, and then you disappear until the next HW begins… Nobody is sure how you avoid getting rhabdo, and there are not any sightings of you outside of Hero Weeks. But by now we all know that after HW’s over we’ll see you again in 6 months!
You can’t go a day without spending some time with your CF family. Sore muscles be damned, you’re going to CF come hell or high water (or freak summer hail storm). You may alternate days in the advanced / basic / intermediate classes to stretch out and perform some active recovery on those tight muscles from your hard work earlier in the week. Or you may stick with what / who you know. No biggie; it’s not like you can predict the workout anyhow, so you may as well get your butt to Bldg 7 and see what’s in store!
You’ve read the website, signed the waiver, and you’re ready for your first class! A true newbie, you may be a little intimidated when you first walk into Bldg 7, but fear not*! After a brief rundown and interview by the instructor, a mama or papa bear CFer will soon be by your side leading you through stations and class format. Leave your ego at the door, pace yourself during the warm-up and workout, but be sure to leave nothing behind when you’re asked to go all out. It’s up to you how much you want to push, and with each class, you’ll become more and more comfortable with exercises, formats, and your surroundings. At least, until a totally new idea is trialed during class… Chances are you won’t be the only one thrown for a loop, and hopefully by then you’ll have learned to go with the flow and figure it out. And soon enough, you’ll complete the whole cycle by becoming a mama or papa bear for a newbie yourself**!
Caveats: *If you’re a true newbie (first time ever at CF) and you’re in an advanced class, then be afraid. Be very afraid (heck, many experienced CFers have a slight panic attack if they know the workout before it begins!)… **Also, we certainly encourage mama / papa bears, but please make sure you know what you’re doing and what CF is all about before “indoctrinating” others!
“Where the heck has so-and-so been?” We all understand how kids’ schedules, summer vacations, business travel and other aspects of busy life catch up now and then. The Enigma CFer pops in for a day here and there and then mysteriously disappears for a stretch again before making any more appearances. Often times, other members of the CF family are left wondering “what ever happened to xxx?” - don’t make them wonder any longer! You CF family misses you and can’t wait until things settle down again and we all get back into a routine together. Because occasional appearances and stalking you on Facebook just don’t cut it!
OCNB? Maybe better classified as a CFer-to-be, the Overly Confident Newbie waltzes into CF with head held high and chest out. You hear him / her proudly announce to Chris that they “lift and do cardio every day” and are “in great shape” and you immediately look for the nearest exit, knowing that the intensity of the class-to-be just jumped another100%… The OCNB sprints the first 400 and continues a max effort through the first 10-20 minutes of the hour. When the class jogs inside to strip layers off and grab a sip of water, discussing how “the warm-up today really kicked my a$$,” the OCNB goes wild-eyed and has, at times, been known to disappear. This CFer-to-be can be a once-and-done visitor, but hopefully their slice of humble pie takes effect early and they stick around to evolve into another type of CFer.
We all know the mama / papa bear type! When you see a newbie standing all alone before class, you’re the first one to go over and introduce yourself to make him / her feel welcome. After some casual get-to-know-you exchanges, you’ll lead the newbie through each exercise on the floor, making sure to explain each in detail. During the workout, you’re often seen shepherding newbies and experienced-yet-confused (due to exhaustion-induced delirium) CFers through the format, stations, runs, etc, sometimes at the expense of your own workout. The mama / papa bear is always making sure nobody is left out to dry, lest we hear the dreaded command of “OUTSIDE!!” on your watch!
The IJustBarelyHaveTimeForAWorkoutButICan’tMissIt CFer: You’re barely able to escape from your hectic life for the hour of workout bliss that is CF. And then it’s back home to face reality… But that a$$ beating really whips you back into mental shape and sharpens your ability to deal with whatever the rest of the day throws your way. You’d love to stick around and hang out but there’s usually something more pressing that requires your attention. See ya next time!
We’re not sheep… CFers come in a variety of characters. Watch the blog this week for other types, and decide where you fit!
Tried And True: Often referred to as a “classic” CFer, this type may be spotted sitting on the logs before or after class. Tried and True CFers show up well before class begins, ready to warm up on their own or hoping to catch up with a few other CFers before everyone’s out of breath. Tried and True CFers are invaluable for their willingness to welcome and indoctrinate newbies into the CF way of doing things: don’t stop before the whistle. Keep moving at all times. If you don’t know what you’re doing, just do something!