Certification

[Aaron Schupp]

I'm going to Dallas this weekend to get a Level 1 Certification. I'm excited about spending a weekend crossfitting and gaining some valuable knowledge. I was just wondering if anyone could give me a heads up on what to expect and any helpful suggestions. Thanks.

[Justin McGinley]

Come in fully rested. Take 2-3 days off.

Go there to learn, not to compete.

Bring water and snacks.

If you want to watch the trainers there do their workouts, pack a lunch.

Expect a lot of time spent in lecture, so take notes.

Expect to do 2-3 WODs, and 4-5 hours of PVC skill work over the two days.

Wear comfortable clothes, bring deodorant if you are the smelly type, and maybe a change of clothes for post WOD if needed.

[Eric Montgomery]

Read and watch as much stuff from the Journal as you can over the next few days. If you're flying or riding in a car to Dallas, print up a bunch of CFJ articles so you have something to read during your waits. You don't have to worry about failing the cert, but if Saturday is the first time you've heard someone say "functional movement" or "lumbar curve" then a majority of your focus will be on learning the lower level stuff and you may miss some more advanced instruction they give. Also reading and watching the videos will allow you to come prepared with a list questions on stuff that you don't already understand.

[Jon Thorland]

Posting to say that I'll be there too and I can't wait. It'll be great to learn from some of the best.
Sounds like good advice so far. Especially Justin's advice about showing up to learn rather than to compete. This is a trainer certification, not a qualifier for the CrossFit Games.

[Aaron Schupp]

Thanks for the advise. I've printed off some info to read on the car right down there.

[Kris Murphy]

Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the bottom of a squat. Be it an air squat, back squat, OH squat....you'll be in the bottom of them a LOT. lol

There wasn't a lot of studying necessary for my cert...it's all pretty common knowledge in CrossFit land. They just spend more time to fine tune your form and things you need to teach others. Oh...and you'll probably see some Fran and FGB action. We hit Fran at the end of day 1 and then FGB on day 2 right before lunch...not fun.