The clock reads 6 minutes, 12 seconds in bright red numbers.
And it is ticking.
Katie Webb stands at the weight rack and looks at the barbell. She has already completed 20 push-presses, 40 knees-to-elbows and 20 burpee box-jumps and still has 20 reps to go.
She takes a breath, grabs the bar and drives it toward the sky. It weighs 65 pounds, but she moves it with power. In seconds – literally – she is moving on to the next move and 30 seconds later, she is finished with the workout of the day at Guerrilla CrossFit, 158 E. Collins Road.
What is CrossFit: CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program that focuses on functional movements. Workouts are short and demanding.
Why CrossFit: “I had done an outdoor boot camp all summer and tried to go back to spin but needed something to kick me to the next level,” Webb says. Her brother is a coach at Guerrilla CrossFit and encouraged her to come. “It’s a sport and hobby now – not a workout. I love it.”
Schedule: The busy mom of two tries to go to CrossFit five times a week. Webb is a regular at the 6 a.m. workouts, which allow her to exercise without affecting the rest of the family.
Difficulty: The workouts are designed to push people to their limits, but participants can adjust weight until they become stronger.
Benefits: “I couldn’t do a pull-up” when I started, Webb says. “Now, I can lift a lot of weight.” She says she’s a lot stronger and, in fact, has put on 10 pounds of muscle since beginning the workouts in September.
Gear and cost: Cost varies depending on the membership type and needs at Guerrilla CrossFit but ranges from $89 to $129. Webb says you don’t need anything to start, but as you get into it you will want straps for your wrists and minimal-style shoes.
Advice for beginners: “Keep coming back,” Webb says.
Motivation: During a tough workout, Webb says, her motivation comes from fellow CrossFitters and the coaches who fist-bump and cheer on each other. But it also comes from her. “I don’t want to sell myself short,” she says, adding that she doesn’t want to leave a workout feeling like she didn’t give it her all.
Goals: Webb would like to perfect her form and become a CrossFit coach.
