Do I have to be in shape before starting crossfit?

This post will probably be short as I have to be AT work at 6:00 am tomorrow. Just typing that makes me feel ill. Really want to expand upon a common question that has been asked of me:

"Do I have to get in shape before starting crossfit?"

Answer: 1000 times NO.

In fact its probably better that you don't waste your time "getting in shape" (once you start crossfit you'll realize why I put that in quotes). There are people of all fitness levels and ages (me and a friend were joking after yesterdays WOD how at bayou city there were high schoolers dominating us and we were just hoping to beat the 14 year old girl). Yes the workouts will challenge you in bring to the brink of vomiting (or in the case of some, actual vomiting) but I can't emphasize enough that if you come in with a good attitude and are willing to work, you will see dramatic results quickly (and yes I realize I'm sounding like an infomercial). I'm always impressed with the people who have just started, because I know how tough it is to complete these WODs even after months of training, so the fact they're fighting through it week 1 is inspiring.

I'll put it this way, if you can do a single pull up, you're MORE than fit enough to start, because most people that start can't.

WARMUP:

200 M run

5 Burpees

10 Pushups

15 Squats

WOD:

800m run

3 Rounds of:

10 Tire Flips

Farmers Walk (about 100yds) (53lb kbs in each hand)

15 kb swings (53 lbs)

800m run

This WOD might seem short and sweet at first, but it really REALLY left me hurting. In fact merely typing is killing me as my forearms and grip muscles are just exhausted. The farmers walk absolutely taxed me, but I could definitely tell I'm improving on my KB swing stamina as I was able to knock out the first 2 sets without setting down the kettlebell. Also while the workout says '800', we're actually just running around the block 3 times so the actual distance is closer to 900m (the one negative about pinup is we're essentially running around downtown houston rather then have a nice track).

Finally, as I've been saying the best idea for anyone who needs motivation is to take pictures of themselves (shirtless, or if you're a girl, in a sports bra, and please don't tweet them to me) and keep them up on a wall in your room or next to your computer, just somewhere you'll see them. Then as you begin your crossfit journey take pictures of the same angles about once every month. I've been doing this on the 15th of each month, so I guess you could say tomorrow is picture day. I'm planning on posting some before and afters relatively soon.