Why We Scale
Scaling is not a crime.
In fact, it is the ONLY way all members in a group class can get the best workout for them in a group environment.
Scaling is not an option, it is a crucial step in your fitness results and progress. Scaling is how we achieve the intended stimulus of the workout for everyone in the room irregardless of their fitness level, it is how we achieve sustained fitness for life!
Scaling is how you get from where you are now to your future kickass self. It’s how you stay safe and healthy. Scaling is not however, something to be ashamed of or something that you can use to write off your WOD as a poor performance.
Every movement and activity we perform in class can and will be scaled by our knowledgeable and expert coaching staff. The beauty of Fit2Live is that everything we do can and will be scaled to give you the best hour and workout of your day.
Scaling appropriately is how you’ll be able to show up tomorrow and the next day feeling your best.
It is the best process to level up your fitness game and to continuously challenge (in a relative way) what you’re capable of.
Think of scaling as tailoring a workout to allow you to get the best workout possible for your current fitness level.
You will always be working towards the same goal of the class or workout while tailoring the workout to maximize your results and safety.
Our coaches will be there for you every step of the way, keeping you motivated and pushing you towards greater results all while scaling appropriately!
A STORY ON SCALING:
“Yeah, but I scaled.”
I hate hearing this – its usually at the end of a WOD, when someone just crumpled to the floor, dead last by minutes, breathing hard while classmates go up to congratulate.
“Dude, that was awesome, way to fight through”, “You did SO good!”, “That was amazing, great job today”, “Good job finishing, way to not give up!”
“Yeah, but I scaled”
As if scaling is something to be ashamed of, as if scaling is for the weak and the untrained.
As if scaling means you didn’t do the workout – or your workout was less worthy because you scaled.
IT ISN’T.
We are all in a constant state of scaling – even the elite of the elite, even the few who make it to the finals at The CrossFit Games
Double-unders are scaled triple-unders, muscle-ups are scaled weighted muscle-ups, 15′ rope climbs are scaled 20′ rope climbs.
Sure, they aren’t called for in the WODs today, but what about tomorrow?
Scaling is how you get from where you are now to your future kickass self, safely and appropriately.
Scaling is how you stay safe and healthy.
Scaling is how you finish the workouts productively, using a band instead of just staring at the bar for 10 min willing yourself to get a pull-up.
Scaling is how you improve your technique and learn to lift heavier.
Scaling, is not, however, something to be ashamed of or something that you can use to write off your WOD as a poor performance.
So next time you are crumpled on the floor gasping for air, be proud that you choose the right scale for you.
Be proud that you crushed the workout for what your body was ready for and needed that day.
Be proud that you will be able to show up tomorrow, the next day and the day after that.
That is the goal, to make fitness sustainable FOR LIFE!
NOT TO BLOW ONE WORKOUT OUT OF THE WATER AND LEAVE INJURED OR SO BLOWN OUT THAT YOU CAN’T SHOW UP FOR A WEEK.
Tips for Scaling Success
*Follow the charter below for fitness success, always!
Technique ➡ Consistency ➡ Intensity
*Keep it light in the beginning
As a general guideline, start class at 50% of Rx’d weight and 75% of Rx’d volume on the board for the WOD for at least the first 2 weeks of class, then scale up by 3-5% every 2 weeks from there. Our coaches will let you know when your technique and consistency is ready for more weight.
*Don’t hesitate to ask for help and trust your coach
Our coaches at Joust are very experienced in all things fitness, especially the art of scaling. Your coach can help you find the right number of repetitions and weights for your level of fitness while helping you scale every workout in a way that suits you, yet will also challenge you. Remember that we are here to help you along in your fitness journey.
*Think of the long term goal
Remember that Rx’d weight is nothing you have to or should do. It is a long term goal that we are constantly inching towards, it could take weeks, months, or years to get there, enjoy the journey and increased fitness along the way!
*Focus on your fitness
Compete with yourself first and don’t worry about what others in class are doing for their workout. You are here to work on “your” fitness and no one else’s. They also started where you are today. Focus on mastering the basics before competing with others.
*Scaling is a moving target
Know that each workout will feel a little different and should be approached slightly different from a scaling standpoint. You’ll start to learn what your body is capable of and our coaches will continuously guide you through this process to maximize your results and safety.
* Scale load and intensity
You can always increase the number of repetitions or the weights you are using if it does not feel challenging for you anymore.
*Train relatively hard, consistently, intelligently, and safely and you WILL improve for life!
Nerd out on scaling here
NEXT UP: TECHNIQUE –> CONSISTENCY –> INTENSITY EXPLAINED
