CrossFit-style training is often touted as one of the most effective and empowering ways to get in shape. And it is. The combination of functional movements, varied programming, and high-intensity effort can truly transform your body—and maybe even your life. But before you dive in, let’s be honest about something: not everyone is cut out for this kind of training.

Sure, technically anyone can do it. You can hop into a class today and get a workout in. There are modifications for everything. Can’t do a pull-up? Use bands. Don’t want to jump? Step it up. Never touched a barbell in your life? There’s a scaled version of every lift. But here’s the kicker: just because everyone can do it, doesn’t mean everyone will.

Cross-training like this demands something most people aren’t willing to give: real effort. Not the kind of effort where you breeze through three sets of bicep curls while scrolling Instagram. We’re talking show-up-drenched-in-sweat, heart-pounding, legs-shaking effort. The kind where you walk out of the gym feeling like you left a piece of your soul on the mat—and still come back tomorrow asking for more. It’s not for the faint of heart, and it’s definitely not for the lazy.

Let’s face it: some people don’t want to work that hard. They want results, sure. They want to feel better, look better, move better, but they also want to be comfortable. And real training is not comfortable. It challenges you every single time you walk through the door. It doesn’t let you hide in the back corner doing half-reps and calling it a day. It holds you accountable—to your coach, your fellow classmates, and most importantly, to yourself.

There’s a reason people get a little cult-y about it. It works—but only if you show up consistently and push yourself beyond what you thought you could do. That’s the magic. You don’t just gain strength and stamina—you gain grit. You stop quitting when things get hard. You start realizing that the limits you thought you had were mostly mental. And let’s be clear, no one stumbles into that kind of transformation. You have to want it. You have to earn it.

Cross-training rewards the consistent. The determined. The coachable. The ones who are willing to fail forward and get a little better every day. It’s not a place to fake it till you make it. It’s a place to face it—and then make it. Every rep, every round, every WOD (that’s “Workout of the Day” for the uninitiated) is a mini test of who you are and who you’re becoming.

And don’t get it twisted: “not for everyone” doesn’t mean it’s elitist or exclusionary. Quite the opposite. The door is open to anyone who wants to walk through it. You can be 25 or 55. You can be brand new to fitness or a retired athlete. You’ll find a community that meets you where you are and coaches who are experts at keeping you safe and moving well. But you’ll also find a challenge. A real one. Because life is hard, and training like this prepares you for it. Not just physically—though yes, you’ll be able to lift your groceries with one arm and chase your kids up the stairs without gasping—but it also sharpens you mentally. You’ll develop the kind of resilience that sticks. The kind that helps you push through long work days, tough conversations, and everything else life throws your way.

But—and this is important—it’s a two-way deal. Training will give you strength, confidence, energy, and mental toughness. But it demands your sweat in return. If you’re looking for a shortcut, this isn’t it. If you want a workout you can coast through while chatting about your weekend plans, this definitely isn’t it. So no, it might not be for everyone. But it is for anyone who’s ready to dig deep, show up, and earn their results. And if that’s you? Then welcome to the grind. You’re about to find out just how strong you can become.

If you’re not sure, come try a class. Just don’t expect to coast. I will shamelessly plug my gym Everhard Fitness in Canton, Ohio as a recommended spot for anyone in the area thinking about giving it a go. I can honestly say we’ve got your back—and your legs, lungs, and heart. But we’re not going to do the work for you. That’s your job.

written by: Jonathan Aktinson