How We Actually Adjust Workouts for Every Person in Class

If you walk into a CrossFit class, you’ll usually see a workout written on the board.

At first glance, it might look like everyone is doing the exact same thing.

But if you look a little closer, you’ll notice something different.

That “same” workout can look very different from person to person.

One person might be using a barbell.
Another might be using dumbbells.
Someone else might be doing a completely different version of the movement.

And that’s by design.

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The Goal Isn’t to Do the Same Workout

One of the biggest misconceptions about group training is that everyone has to do the exact same workout.

That’s not the goal.

The goal is for everyone to get the right level of challenge for where they are.

Because the same workout doesn’t challenge everyone the same way.

What’s easy for one person might be overwhelming for someone else.

And what’s challenging for one person might not be enough for someone more experienced.

That’s why we adjust.

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How Workouts Are Modified

There are a few key ways we adjust workouts so they fit each individual.

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1. Weight Selection

This is one of the simplest, but most important adjustments.

Not everyone should be lifting the same weight.

We help you choose a weight that allows you to:

• Move with good form
• Stay safe
• Complete the workout as intended

For some people, that might be lighter weights while they’re learning.

For others, it might be pushing heavier loads.

Both are right.

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2. Movement Variations

Not every movement works for every person right away.

So we adjust the movement itself.

For example:

• Pull-ups might become ring rows or banded pull-ups
• Push-ups might be done on a box
• Barbell movements might be replaced with dumbbells

The goal is to keep the intent of the workout the same…

Just with a version that fits your current ability.

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3. Volume Adjustments

Sometimes it’s not the movement or the weight.

It’s the amount of work.

We can adjust:

• The number of reps
• The number of rounds
• The total time of the workout

This helps make sure the workout stays challenging…

Without becoming overwhelming.

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4. Pace and Intensity

Not everyone should move at the same speed.

And that’s okay.

Some people will:

• Move faster
• Push the pace
• Take fewer breaks

Others might:

• Move more steadily
• Focus on control
• Take more rest when needed

Both approaches can be effective when they match the person.

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Why This Matters

This is what allows people at very different levels to train together.

In the same class, you might have:

• Someone in their first week
• Someone who’s been training for years

And both can get a great workout.

Because the workout isn’t one-size-fits-all.

It’s adjusted in real time.

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What This Looks Like During a Class

Before the workout starts, we walk through everything.

We explain:

• The movements
• The intended stimulus
• What the workout should feel like

Then we help each person find their version.

That might include:

• Suggesting weights
• Offering movement options
• Adjusting reps or time

And during the workout, we keep coaching.

If something isn’t working, we change it.

If something feels too easy or too hard, we adjust.

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You Don’t Have to Figure This Out on Your Own

This is the part that makes the biggest difference.

You’re not expected to:

• Know what weight to use
• Know how to scale movements
• Know how to adjust the workout

That’s what coaching is for.

We guide you through it.

Every class.

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What This Means for You

If you’ve ever felt like:

• You’re not “fit enough” for a group class
• You wouldn’t be able to keep up
• You don’t know how to modify workouts

This is exactly why those concerns don’t apply here.

Because the workout adjusts to you.

Not the other way around.

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Final Thought

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t for everyone to do the same workout.

It’s for everyone to get the right workout.

One that challenges you.
One that helps you improve.
One that meets you where you are.

And you don’t have to figure that out on your own.

We take care of that part.