What You Should Know When Dating a CrossFitter

Written by
Heather Balogh Rochfort
Every athlete says this about their chosen activity, but CrossFitters truly are a different breed of cat. We love our sport, we love talking about our sport and we honestly can't figure out why more people don't want to join us at the gym.

But if you can look past all that, you will find some of the most fiercely loyal and devoted significant others out there—with just a few quirks.
1. Happy hour will never be the same again.
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If it isn't Paleo, you can forget about it. We're not about to ruin all that hard work for some sugary death trap.
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2. We know what it means to work hard.
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CrossFit isn't for the faint of heart. Looking at those WODs can be intimidating, and it takes serious physical toughness to grit through them. We are willing to put in the work, no matter the challenge.
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3. The words "snatch" and "clean and jerk" are only funny to you.
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These words are a big part of our world. We don't know why you're giggling so much.
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4. When you're on vacation, be prepared to snap way too many photos.
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Specifically handstand and/or pistol photos at every scenic location. If we don't CrossFit there, how will anyone know we even went?
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5. You'll get used to bruises.
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Bruises on the collarbone and thighs are common with CrossFitters, so don't worry too much if we come home looking like we got jumped.
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6. Same with bloodied hands.
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Ripped and bloody hands are par for the course. But please, don't ever suggest weightlifting gloves because those just aren't going to happen.
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7. You'll have the world's biggest cheerleader.
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Walk into any box in America and you'll find the fittest athletes energetically cheering on the slowest ones. CrossFitters are in this together, and we will be your strongest support system both in the gym and out.
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8. CrossFitters aren't scared to splurge when it's important to them.
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CrossFit isn't cheap. Most people gulp at the price tag of a monthly CrossFit membership, but we know the right things are worth the money.
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9. We take our shoes seriously...maybe too seriously.
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Nike Metcon vs Reebok Nanos is a real debate, and don't you ever forget it.
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10. We have mental fortitude.
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CrossFit workouts can be challenging, but we know how to suck it up and push through the pain—physically and mentally. Hanging in there through hard times will be no problem for us.
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11. We're usually low maintenance.
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A CrossFit box doesn't have any bells and whistles; most gyms don't even have air conditioning, and the heat isn't turned on until late in the winter.

If we choose to spend all that time at a place with minimal frills, at least you know we won't be over-the-top about life.
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12. Don't plan on going for a Saturday morning jog together.
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CrossFitters can run and will do it if forced, but we sure aren't going to enjoy it. We will pretty much choose anything over the pure torture that is a 5K.
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13. Acronyms like WOD, AMRAP, EMOM and NFT will become common vernacular.
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No, you'll never understand what we're talking about, but it's easier if you just smile and nod your head.
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14. You'll learn to love knee socks.
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They're not just a gym trend. They actually serve a purpose and protect CrossFitters' shins from rope burns. And we love the bright colors.
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15. You may need to help wash our hair after a brutal workout.
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Yes, the workouts really can make you that sore.
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16. No matter how much you like to mock your die-hard CrossFitter, you can't imagine life without us.
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We know a thing or two about true commitment, discipline and passion. And honestly, who else can do that many pull-ups in a row? It won't be long before you come over to the dark side.
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About the Author

Heather Balogh Rochfort ACTIVE.com Contributor
Colorado native Heather Balogh Rochfort is an adventurer, a CrossFit coach, and an outdoor enthusiast who almost feels more at home in a tent than she does in her own bed. She is also a freelance writer in the outdoor industry, regularly contributing to publications such as Backpacker magazine. Her first book, Backpacking 101, can be found in bookstores. Visit her online at JustAColoradoGal.com.