Because CrossFit involves so many different movement patterns, lifts, modalities, and time domains, most people have certain aspects that they excel at, and others that are more challenging for them either physically, mentally, or both. This is especially highlighted in beginners. If you are an athlete who has always been involved in higher demanding cardiovascular type activities, then you probably find yourself performing better at running, rowing, and more of the body weight type movements and lighter workouts. If you are someone who's spent a lot of time in the gym or a weight room, then you might excel at more of the weightlifting movements or heavier workouts.
Which ever one of these CrossFitters you are, there is almost always a common trend. This trend that most beginner CrossFitters experience is a very fast and large improvement in many aspects of their CrossFit training, whether it's physical achievements, faster metcon times, or adding a bunch of weight to their lifts. It's not uncommon to hear achievements such as:
-Two months ago I couldn't even walk to the mailbox. Today I just ran my first mile without stopping.
-I just PR'd (set a personal record) on my Fran time from 23:00 to 12:30. That's over ten minutes off my old time. Last time I used 65 pounds, this time I did it Rx'd (as prescribed).
-I increased my backsquat from 95 lbs when I first started 3 months ago to 205 lbs today. I more than doubled my back squat weight in three months.
These PRs are outstanding and very gratifying for new CrossFitters. This is part of what is so attractive about CrossFit as a training methodology. It allows people to realize that they are capable of so much more than they originally thought they were. These huge improvements, faster times, stronger lifts, and increased physical performance keep people motivated and wanting to come to the gym every day.
Inevitably, eventually something starts to happen. We continue to make improvements, but we don't see these huge increases like we once saw. In the beginning where we saw 100% improvements on times and weights lifted, now we might only find ourselves getting a 10% improvement. For those who have been doing CrossFit for even longer, something as small as a 1% improvement on a lift or a WOD time becomes a big deal.
This is nothing to be discouraged about. Every person has their own set of capabilities and limitations. Each of us has areas that we excel at, and other areas that we are not as good at. When you start to notice a decrease in the amounts of PRs you are putting up, you might just have reached a point where your body has reached it's maximum physical potential at your current training level. Some people are okay with this and at that point your gains will start to level out and you will find yourself in a great place of fitness. Others may decide to make changes to their training program and step it up a notch to take themselves to the next level.
Which ever path you choose, you should remember why you started CrossFit in the first place. Most of us started because we wanted to do something good for our bodies, live a healthier lifestyle, and/or CrossFit satisfied our need for competition. Achieving huge PRs every day you go to the gym is not a reality.
Remember to be realistic with yourself and to continue to enjoy your CrossFit journey, even when finishing :03 seconds faster on your Fran time becomes a huge deal.
source : What Happens When You Hit The Wall With CrossFit?
