I wasn’t at the gym for the latest drama, so I will refrain from comment on it.  However, it brings up some useful points about learning:

1.  In a class environment, follow instruction unless that instruction is outright dangerous.  I have been in plenty of situations, usually at affiliates I am visiting while traveling, where a new coach is teaching something differently (read incorrectly) from the generally accepted method.  Focus on why it works or doesn’t and add that knowledge to your arsenal.  Don’t disrupt the class and be that guy.  

2.  Good athletes are not necessarily good coaches and good coaches are not necessarily good athletes.  I find this more in Muay Thai than in Crossfit, but most people who can naturally do something cannot explain it at all.  Their instruction becomes a variation on “just do it.”  Someone who has struggled with a task will often have researched every trick and tip they can find on how to do it.  Double Unders are an excellent example for me.  It took me three years to get a double under.  I watched countless videos on it, listened to advice (often conflicting) from literally dozens of people and even read a book on jumping rope (less interesting than it sounds).  My max set is now in the 80s somewhere and I still consider the movement a stupid human trick, but I can coach it because I have thought about it so much.  Ask a boxer how to do it and chances are they can’t tell you (I know, I’ve asked).

3.  Leave your ego.  As a coach and someone who thinks about programming a lot, I naturally question everything another coach will tell me to do, especially if that coach comes from a different discipline.  But, asking why is something best left for after class or as a mental exercise.  My need to express individualism and knowledge is less important than the group learning.  I am far from perfect on this point and I try to only interject when I can add something to the teaching.  

In the end, everyone at the gym should be there to learn and get better.  Crossfit is too damn expensive if it is just a place to workout and ignore everything/everyone else.   

(via goodsam)